Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase and liver diseases

Cellular metabolism-induced epigenetic regulation is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase(NNMT)is emerging as a key point of intersection between cellular metabolism and epigenetic regulation and has a central role in various physiological and pathological processes.NNMT catalyzes the methylation of nicotinamide(NAM)using the universal methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine(SAM)to yield S-adeno-syl-L-homocysteine(SAH)and N1-methylnicotinamide(MNAM),directly linking methylation balance with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide(NAD+)contents.NNMT acts on either the SAM-methylation balance or both NAD+metabolism,depending on the tissue involved or pathological settings where metabolic demand is increased.Under physiological conditions,the liver act as an essential metabolic organ with abundant NNMT expression,while NNMT hepatic function is not mediated by its methyltransferase activity due to other major methyltransferases such as glycine N-methyltransferase(GNMT)in the liver.However,hepatic NNMT,as well as its metabolite is improperly regulated and linked to the worse pathological states in liver diseases,including alcoholic liver disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),liver cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),suggesting a potential role in the process of liver diseases.In this review,we summarize how NNMT regulates cell methylation balance and NAD metabolism,and extensively outline the current knowledge concerning the functions of NNMT in hepatic metabolism including glucose,lipid and energy,with a specific focus on the contribution of NNMT to the pathophysiology of liver-related diseases.NNMT is involved in the development and progression of liver diseases.Understanding the complex NNMT regulatory network and its effects on pathogenesis could provide new therapeutic strategies in the context of liver diseases.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase protein expression in renal cell cancer

Objective: To understand the function of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) protein as tumor biomarker in renal carcinoma. Methods: Recombinant NNMT protein was used to prepare monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technique. The diagnostic and prognostic function of NNMT protein in renal carcinoma was evaluated by analyzing 74 renal cancer tissues through immunohistochemical staining for NNMT by using the prepared antibodies. Results: Two hybridomas named 2F8 and 1E7 stably secreting the monoclonal antibodies were isolated successfully, and characters such as isotypes and specificity were determined. NNMT protein was significantly up-regulated in renal cancer and significantly associated with tumor histology and ages. The univariate survival analysis demonstrated that the pT-status, high levels of NNMT, and distant metastasis were significant prognosticators. Conclusion: NNMT is over-expressed in a large proportion in renal cell cancers. High NNMT expression is significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis. However, the prognostic value of NNMT needs further verification in larger sample sizes.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment confers resistance to neonatal ischemia and hypoxia:effects on neurobehavioral phenotypes

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is the main cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy.Currently,there are few effective clinical treatments for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.Here,we investigated the neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,which can protect against hypoxic injury in adulthood,in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.In this study,nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(5 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally administered 30 minutes befo re surgery and every 24 hours thereafter.The results showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment improved body weight,brain structure,adenosine triphosphate levels,oxidative damage,neurobehavioral test outcomes,and seizure threshold in experimental mice.Tandem mass tag proteomics revealed that numerous proteins were altered after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice.Parallel reaction monitoring and western blotting confirmed changes in the expression levels of proteins including serine(or cysteine)peptidase inhibitor,clade A,member 3N,fibronectin 1,5'-nucleotidase,cytosolic IA,microtubule associated protein 2,and complexin 2.Proteomics analyses showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ameliorated hypoxic-ischemic injury through inflammation-related signaling pathways(e.g.,nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B).These findings suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment can improve neurobehavioral phenotypes in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice through inflammation-related pathways.

Effects of different concentrations of nicotinamide on hematopoietic stem cells cultured in vitro

BACKGROUND In vitro expansion to increase numbers of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in cord blood could improve clinical efficacy of this vital resource.Nicotinamide(NAM)can promote HSC expansion ex vivo,but its effect on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells(HSPCs,CD34^(+)CD38)and functional subtypes of HSCs-shortterm repopulating HSCs(ST-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+))and long-term repopulating HSCs(LT-HSCs,CD34^(+)CD38CD45RACD49f^(+)CD90^(+))is not yet known.As a sirtuin 1(SIRT1)inhibitor,NAM participates in regulating cell adhesion,polarity,migration,proliferation,and differentiation.However,SIRT1 exhibits dual effects by promoting or inhibiting differentiation in different tissues or cells.We propose that the concentration of NAM may influence proliferation,differentiation,and SIRT1 signaling of HSCs.AIM To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of different concentrations of NAM on HSC proliferation and differentiation.METHODS CD34^(+)cells were purified from umbilical cord blood using MacsCD34 beads,and cultured for 10-12 d in a serum-free medium supplemented with cytokines,with different concentrations of NAM added according to experimental requirements.Flow cytometry was used to detect phenotype,cell cycle distribution,and apoptosis of the cultured cells.Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the transcription levels of target genes encoding stemness-related factors,che mokines,components of hypoxia pathways,and antioxidant enzymes.Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate probes were used to evaluate intracellular production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Determination of the effect of different culture conditions on the balance of cytokine by cytometric bead array.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the proportion and expansion folds of HSPCs(CD34^(+)CD38)incubated with 5 mmol/L or 10 mmol/L NAM were significantly increased(all P<0.05).The ST-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 5 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the control and 10 mmol/L NAM groups(all P<0.001),whereas the LT-HSCs ratio and fold expansion of the 10 mmol/L NAM group were significantly higher than those of the other two groups(all P<0.05).When the NAM concentration was>10 mmol/L,cell viability significantly decreased.In addition,compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the proportion of apoptotic cells in the 10 mmol/L NAM group increased and the proportion of cells in S and G2 phase decreased.Compared with the 5 mmol/L NAM group,the HSCs incubated with 10 mmol/L NAM exhibited significantly inhibited SIRT1 expression,increased intracellular ROS content,and downregulated expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes(superoxide dismutase 1,peroxiredoxin 1).CONCLUSION Low concentrations(5 mmol/L)of NAM can better regulate the balance between proliferation and differentiation,thereby promoting expansion of HSCs.These findings allow adjustment of NAM concentrations according to expansion needs.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase in pancreatic diseases:Mechanisms and future perspectives

Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer(PC)stand as the most worrisome ailments affecting the pancreas.Researchers have dedicated efforts to unraveling the mechanisms underlying these diseases,yet their true nature continues to elude their grasp.Within this realm,oxidative stress is often believed to play a causal and contributory role in the development of pancreatitis and PC.Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)can cause oxidative stress,and the key enzyme responsible for inducing ROS production in cells is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxides(NOX).NOX contribute to pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation by generating ROS that injure acinar cells,activate pancreatic stellate cells,and mediate macrophage polarization.Excessive ROS production occurs during malignant transformation and pancreatic carcinogenesis,creating an oxidative microenvironment that can cause abnormal apoptosis,epithelial to mesenchymal transition and genomic instability.Therefore,understanding the role of NOX in pancreatic diseases contributes to a more in-depth exploration of the exact pathogenesis of these diseases.In this review,we aim to summarize the potential roles of NOX and its mechanism in pancreatic disorders,aiming to provide novel insights into understanding the mechanisms underlying these diseases.

Research Progress on the Application of β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotides in Cosmetics

Recent studies have found that nicotinamide mononucleotide(nicotinamide mononucleotide,NMN)also has certain anti-aging,photoprotection,anti-oxidation,and soothing to the skin,while affects the level of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,NAD+)to improve aging-related diseases.These skincare features have laid the foundation for its application in cosmetics.NMN has been used in cosmetics and sold on the market in foreign countries,but there have been debates about its safety.It is currently as a new raw material for cosmetics in China,and its safety is also under monitoring.This paper systematically reviewed the basic properties,skin care functions and the safety of its application in cosmetics,aiming to provide theoretical reference for the development and application of NMN.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation and neuronal death after ischemic stroke

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase(NOX) is a multisubunit enzyme complex that utilizes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to produce superoxide anions and other reactive oxygen species. Under normal circumstances, reactive oxygen species mediate a number of important cellular functions, including the facilitation of adaptive immunity. In pathogenic circumstances, however,excess reactive oxygen species generated by NOX promotes apoptotic cell death. In ischemic stroke, in particular, it has been shown that both NOX activation and derangements in glucose metabolism result in increased apoptosis. Moreover, recent studies have established that glucose, as a NOX substrate, plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of reperfusion injury. Thus, NOX inhibition has the potential to mitigate the deleterious impact of hyperglycemia on stroke. In this paper, we provide an overview of this research,coupled with a discussion of its implications for the development of NOX inhibition as a strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Both inhibition using apocynin, as well as the prospect of developing more specific inhibitors based on what is now understood of the biology of NOX assembly and activation, will be highlighted in the course of our discussion.

OTOTOXIC MODEL OF OXALIPLATIN AND PROTECTION FROM NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE

Oxaliplatin, an anticancer drug commonly used to treat colorectal cancer and other tumors, has a number of serious side effects, most notably neuropathy and ototoxicity. To gain insights into its ototoxic profile, oxaliplatin was applied to rat cochlear organ cultures. Consistent with it neurotoxic propensity, oxaliplatin selectively damaged nerve fibers at a very low dose 1 μM. In contrast, the dose required to damage hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons was 50 fold higher (50 μM). Oxailiplatin-induced cochlear lesions initial-ly increased with dose, but unexpectedly decreased at very high doses. This non-linear dose response could be related to depressed oxaliplatin uptake via active transport mechanisms. Previous studies have demon-strated that axonal degeneration involves biologically active processes which can be greatly attenuated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). To determine if NAD+would protect spiral ganglion axons and the hair cells from oxaliplatin damage, cochlear cultures were treated with oxaliplatin alone at doses of 10 μM or 50 μM respectively as controls or combined with 20 mM NAD+. Treatment with 10 μM oxaliplatin for 48 hours resulted in minor damage to auditory nerve fibers, but spared cochlear hair cells. However, when cochlear cultures were treated with 10 μM oxaliplatin plus 20 mM NAD+, most auditory nerve fibers were intact. 50 μM oxaliplatin destroyed most of spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear hair cells with apop-totic characteristics of cell fragmentations. However, 50 μM oxaliplatin plus 20 mM NAD+treatment great-ly reduced neuronal degenerations and hair cell missing. The results suggested that NAD+provides signifi-cant protection against oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity and ototoxicity, which may be due to its actions of antioxidant, antiapoptosis, and energy supply.

Effects of nicotinamide and riboflavin on the biodesulfurization activity of dibenzothiophene by Rhodococcus erythropolis USTB-03

Rhodococcus erythropolis USTB-03 is a promising bacterial strain for the biodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene （DBT） via a sulfurspecific pathway in which DBT is converted to 2-hydroxybiphenyl （2HBP） as an end product. The effects of nicotinamide and riboflavin on the sulfur specific activity （SA） of DBT biodesulfurization by R. erythropolis USTB-03 were investigated. Both nicotinamide and riboflavin were found to enhance the expression of SA, which was not previously reported. When R. erythropolis USTB-03 was grown on a medium containing nicotinamide of 10.0 mmol or riboflavin of 50.0 μmol, SA was raised from 68.0 or so to more than 130 mmol 2HBP/（kg dry cells.h）. When R. erythropolis USTB-03 was grown in the presence of both nicotinamide of 5.0 mmol and riboflavin of 25.0 μmol, SA was further increased to 159.0 mmol 2HBP/（kg dry cells.h）. It is suggested that the biological synthesis of reduced form of flavin mononucleotide （FMNH2）, an essential coenzyme for the activities of biodesulfurization enzyme Dsz C and A, might be enhanced by nicotinamide and riboflavin, which was responsible for the increased SA of R. erythropolis USTB-03.

Physiological Role of Humic Acid and Nicotinamide on Improving Plant Growth, Yield, and Mineral Nutrient of Wheat (<i>Triticum durum</i>) Grown under Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

Humic acid is not a fertilizer as it does not directly provide nutrients to plants, but is a compliment to fertilizer. Nicotinamide (Vitamin pp) is a stress-associated compound that can induce and regulate secondary metabolic accumulation and/or the manifestation of defense metabolism in plants. A field experiment was conducted at the experimental station of National Research center at El-Nubaria region, Egypt, to study the role of foliar application of humic acid (as soil conditioner 13 cm/l) and/or priming grains in nicotinamide (vitamin pp 5 mg/l) in saving irrigation water, decreasing fertilizer dose of NPK and at the same time increasing durum wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars’ (Beni Sweif-1 and Beni Sweif-3) productivity grown under newly reclaimed sandy soil exposed to drought for three weeks continuously. The results showed that plant treated with humic acid or nicotinamide increased significantly all morphological criteria (plant height, leaves number, fresh and dry weights of shoots), metabolism (photosynthetic pigment, total soluble sugar, total carbohydrates, total amino acids and proline), mineral contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and yield (grain, straw and biology) of both cultivars amended with either recommended or half recommended doses of NPK. Foliar application of humic acid to plant priming in Vitamin pp induced significant increases in all studied parameters (morphology, chemical and yield) of plants amended with recommended or half recommended doses of NPK as compared with control plants. The maximum yields of grain, straw and biology of both cultivars were obtained in response to triple treatment (humic acid + nicotinamide + recommended dose of NPK) or (humic acid + nicotinamide + half recommended dose of NPK) respectively.

Nicotinamide overload may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes

AIM： To investigate whether nicotinamide overload plays a role in type 2 diabetes. METHODS： Nicotinamide metabolic patterns of 14 diabetic and 14 non-diabetic subjects were compared using HPLC. Cumulative effects of nicotinamide and N^1-methylnicotinamide on glucose metabolism, plasma HzO2 levels and tissue nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide （NAD） contents of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were observed. The role of human sweat glands and rat skin in nicotinamide metabolism was investigated using sauna and burn injury, respectively. RESULTS： Diabetic subjects had significantly higher plasma N^1-methylnicotinamide levels 5 h after a 100-mg nicotinamide load than the non-diabetic subjects （0.89 ± 0.13 μmol/L vs 0.6 ± 0.13 μmol/L, P 〈 0.001）. Cumulative doses of nicotinamide （2 g/kg） significantly increased rat plasma Nl-methylnicotinamide concentrations associated with severe insulin resistance, which was mimicked by Nl-methy-Inicotinamide. Moreover, cumulative exposure to N^1- methylnicotinamide （2 g/kg） markedly reduced rat muscle and liver NAD contents and erythrocyte NAD/ NADH ratio, and increased plasma H2O2 levels. Decrease in NAD/NADH ratio and increase in H2O2 generation were also observed in human erythrocytes after exposure to N^1-methylnicotinamide in vitro. Sweating eliminated excessive nicotinamide （5.3-fold increase in sweat nicotinamide concentration 1 h after a 100-mg nicotinamide load）. Skin damage or aldehyde oxidase inhibition with tamoxifen or olanzapine, both being notorious for impairing glucose tolerance, delayed N^1- methylnicotinamide clearance. CONCLUSION： These findings suggest that nicotinamide overload, which induced an increase in plasma N^1- methylnicotinamide, associated with oxidative stress and insulin resistance, plays a role in type 2 diabetes.

Thermodynamics of Stability Constant of Binary Complex of Nicotinamide with Mn^(++)

The stability constants of the binary complexes of Mn2+ with nicotinamide (NA) were determined from potentiometric pH titrations data at 15.0 , 25.0 and 35.0oC and I = 0.1,0.2,0.4 mol L-1 (NaClO4). The formation of binary 1:1 , 1:2 NA-Mn complexes at three different temperatures and the influence of three different ionic strength on their stability were reported. The thermodynamic parameters (DGof, DSof, DHof) for the complex formation reaction were estimated from stability constant at different temperatures.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of an Inclusion Compound Constructed through Self-assembly of Nicotinamide and Dicyanamide Coordination Bridges

A novel inclusion compound of [Mn（dca）2（3-nic）2]n·（3-nic）2n（1,dca = dicyanamide,3-nic = nicotinamide） has been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,elemental analysis and IR.This complex crystallizes in the triclinic system,space group P1 with a = 7.5979（8）,b = 7.7128（9）,c = 14.5346（17）,α = 100.094（2）,β = 92.444（2）,γ = 116.736（2）o,V = 741.72（15） 3,Z = 1,Dc = 1.512 g/cm3,Mr = 675.55,μ = 0.507 mm-1,F（000） = 347,S = 1.023,the final R = 0.0400 and wR = 0.1010.The inclusion compound is constructed by a three-dimensional host network that consists of dca,3-nic and Mn2＋ with coordination and hydrogen-bonding interactions.In the network,one-dimensional rectangular channels are formed,and the guest molecules（3-nic） are included in the channels.The guest molecules interlink with the host through strong hydrogen bonds.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress

Background:Elevated ambient temperature-caused heat stress is a major concern for livestock production due to its negative impact on animal feed intake,growth,reproduction,and health.Particularly,the germ cells are extremely sensitive to the heat stress.However,the effective approach and strategy regarding how to protect mammalian oocytes from heat stress-induced defects have not been determined.Methods:Germinal vesicle(GV)porcine oocytes were cultured at 41.5℃ for 24 h to induce heat stress,and then cultured at 38.5℃ to the specific developmental stage for subsequent analysis.Nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN)was dissolved in water to 1 mol/L for a stock solution and further diluted with the maturation medium to the final concentrations of 10μmol/L,20μmol/L,50μmol/L or 100μmol/L,respectively,during heat stress.Immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of heat stress and NMN supplementation on the key processes during the oocyte meiotic maturation.Results:Here,we report that NMN supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress.Specifically,we found that heat stress resulted in oocyte maturation failure by disturbing the dynamics of meiotic organelles,including the cytoskeleton assembly,cortical granule distribution and mitochondrial function.In addition,heat stress induced the production of excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS)and DNA damage,leading to the occurrence of apoptosis in oocytes and subsequent embryonic development arrest.More importantly,we validated that supplementation of NMN during heat stress restored the meiotic defects during porcine oocyte maturation.Conclusions:Taken together,our study documents that NMN supplementation is an effective approach to improve the quality of oocytes under heat stress by promoting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.

Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and choline dehydrogenase gene polymorphisms are associated with human sperm concentration

Choline is a crucial factor in the regulation of sperm membrane structure and fluidity, and this nutrient plays an important role in the maturation and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa. Transcripts of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase （PEMT） and choline dehydrogenase （CHDH）, two basic enzymes of choline metabolism, have been observed in the human testis, demonstrating their gene expression in this tissue. In the present study, we explored the contribution of the PEMTand CHDHgene variants to sperm parameters. Two hundred oligospermic and 250 normozoospermic men were recruited. DNA was extracted from the spermatozoa, and the PEMT -774G〉C and CHDH ＋432G〉T polymorphisms were genotyped. The genotype distribution of the PEMT-774G〉C polymorphism did not differ between oligospermic and normozoospermic men. In contrast, in the case of the CHDH ＋432G〉T polymorphism, oligospermic men presented the CHDH432GIG genotype more frequently than normozoospermic men （62% vs. 42%, P〈0.001）. The PEMT774GIG genotype was associated with a higher sperm concentration compared to the PEMT774GIC and 774C/C genotypes in oligospermic men （12.5±5.6× 10^6 spermatozoa m1-1 vs. 8.3±5.2×10^6 spermatozoa m1-1, P〈0.002） and normozoospermic men （81.5±55.6×10^6 vs. 68.1±44.5×10^6 spermatozoa m1-1, P〈0.006）. In addition, the CHDH432G/G genotype was associated with higher sperm concentration compared to CHDH432G.T and 432T/T genotypes in oligospermic （11.8±5.1×10^6 vs. 7.8±5.3×10^6 spermatozoa m1-1, P〈0.003） and normozoospermic men （98.6±62.2×10^6 vs. 58.8±＋33.6×10^6 spermatozoa m1-1, P〉0.001）. In our series, the PEMT-774G〈C and CHDH ＋432G〈T polymorphisms were associated with sperm concentration. This finding suggests a possible influence of these genes on sperm quality.

Severity of ulcerative colitis is associated with a polymorphism at diamine oxidase gene but not at histamine N-methyltransferase gene

AIM： To analyse the role of two common polymorphisms in genes coding for histamine metabolising enzymes as it relates to the risk to develop ulcerative colitis （UC） and the clinical course of these patients. METHODS： A cohort of 229 unrelated patients with UC recruited from a single centre and 261 healthy volunteers were analysed for the presence of Thr105Ile and His645Asp amino acid substitutions at histamine N-methyltransferase （HNMT） and diamine oxidase （ABP1） enzymes, respectively, by amplification-restriction procedures. All patients were phenotyped and followed up for at least 2 years （mean time 11 years）. RESULTS： There were no significant differences in the distribution of ABP1 alleles between ulcerative colitis patients and healthy individuals [OR （95% CI） for variant alleles = 1.22 （0.91-1.61）]. However, mutated ABP1 alleles were present with higher frequency among the 58 patients that required immunosuppresive drugs [OR （95 % CI） for carriers of mutated alleles 2.41 （1.21-4.83; P=0.006）], with a significant gene-dose effect （P= 0.0038）. In agreement with the predominant role of ABP1 versus HNMT on local histamine metabolism in human bowel, the frequencies for carriers of HNMT genotypes or mutated alleles were similar among patients,regardless clinical evolution, and control individuals. CONCLUSION： The His645Asp polymorphism of the histamine metabolising enzyme ABP1 is related to severity of ulcerative colitis.

Effect of Biophytum sensitivum on streptozotocin and nicotinamideinduced diabetic rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of aqueous solution of Biophytum sensUiuum leaf extract(BSEt)on normal and strcptozotocin(STZ)-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetes was induced in adult male Wislar rata by the administration of STZ-nicotinamide(40,110 mg/kg b.w.,respectively)intraperitoneally.BSEt(200 mg/kg)was administered to diabetic rats for 28 days.The effect of extract on blood glucose,plasma insulin,total haemoglobin,glycosylated haemoglobin,liver glycogen and carbohydrate melatxilism regulating enzymes of liver was studied in diabetic rats.Results:BSEt significantly reduced the blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin levels and significantly increased the total haemoglobin,plasma insulin and liver glycogen levels in diabetic rats.It also increased the hexokinase activity and decreased glucose-6-phosphatase,fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities in diabetic rats.Conclusions:The results of our study suggest that BSEt possesses a promising effecl on STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes.

Sitagliptin,sitagliptin and metformin,or sitagliptin and amitriptyline attenuate streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic neuropathy in rats

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. Symptoms of the disease include nerve palsy, mononeuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex, diabetic amyotrophy, painful polyneuropathy, autonomic neu- ropathy, and thoracoabdominal neuropathy. In this study, type 2 diabetes in rats was induced with nicotinamide- streptozotocin. Drug treatment was initiated on the d 15, with the combination regimen of metformin, pioglitazone and glimipiride or metformin and sitagliptin or sitagliptin, amitriptyline and sitagliptin and led to significantly im- proved glycemic control, increased grip strength and paw jumping response on d 21, 28 and 35 （P 〈 0.001）. Signif- icant increases in blood protein levels and decreases in urinary protein levels were observed in the animals treated with the different regimens on d 21, 28 and 35 （P 〈 0.001）. Combined treatment of streptozotocin and nicotinamide caused marked degeneration of nerve cells, while administration of metformin and sitagliptin showed tissue regen- eration and no body weight gain. In conclusion, treatment with sitagliptin and sitagliptin combined with metformin or amitriptyline results in no body weight gain, but causes an increase in grip strength and pain sensitivity, exhibits neural protection, and reverses the alteration of biochemical parameters in rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetes.

NAD replenishment with nicotinamide mononucleotide protects blood-brain barrier integrity and attenuates delayed tissue plasminogen activator-induced haemorrhagic transformation after cerebral ischaemia

OBJECTIVE Tissue plasminogen activator(tPA) is the only approved pharmaco.logical therapy for acute brain ischaemia;however,a major limitation of tPA is the haemorrhagic trans.formation that follows tPA treatment.Here,we determined whether nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN),a key intermediate of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis,affects tPA-induced haemorrhagic transformation.METHODS Middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) was achieved in CD1 mice by introducing a filament to the left MCA for 5 h.When the filament was removed for reperfusion,tPA was infused via the tail vein.A single dose of NMN was injected i.p.(300 mg·kg^(-1)).Mice were killed at 24 h post ischaemia,and their brains were evaluated for brain infarction,oedema,haemoglobin content,apoptosis,neuroinflammation,blood-brain barrier(BBB) permeability,the expression of tight junction proteins(TJPs) and the activity/expression of MMPs.RESULTS In the mice infused with tPA at 5 h post ischaemia,there were significant increases in mortality,brain infarction,brain oedema,brain haemoglobin level,neural apoptosis,Iba-1 staining(microglia activation) and myeloperoxidase staining(neutrophil infiltration).All these tPA-induced alterations were significantly prevented by NMN administration.Mechanistically,the delayed tPA treatment increased BBB permeability by downregulating TJPs,including claudin-1,occludin and zonula occludens-1,and enhancing the activities and protein expression of MMP9 and MMP2.Similarly,NMN administration partly blocked these tPAinduced molecular changes.CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that NMN ameliorates tPAinduced haemorrhagic transformation in brain ischaemia by maintaining the integrity of the BBB.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Antitumor Activities of Two Nicotinamides

Two nicotinamides have been synthesized by coupling aromatic amines with equimolar quantities of substituted nicotinic acids. Their structures have been determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1, 6-chloro-N-（4-fluorophenyl）nicotinamide, crystallizes in the triclinic space group Pī with a = 4.2188（8） , b = 5.0687（10）, c = 25.956（5）, α = 86.38（3）, β = 87.75（3）, γ = 83.20（3）°, V = 549.75（19） 3 and Z = 2. Compound 2, N-（quinolin-3-yl）nico- tinamide, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with a = 8.5100（17）, b = 6.4230（13）, c = 11.620（2） , β = 110.39（3）°, V = 595.3（2） 3 and Z = 2. The cytotoxic activities of the two nicotinamides against five human tumor cell lines were tested in vitro. The results indicated that they showed a wide range of antitumor activities.