Niacin Group Research Articles

Metagenomic sequencing identified microbial species in the rumen and cecum microbiome responsible for niacin treatment and related to intramuscular fat content in finishing cattle.

Niacin is one of the essential vitamins for mammals. It plays important roles in maintaining rumen microecological homeostasis. Our previous study indicated that dietary niacin significantly elevated intramuscular fat content (IMF) in castrated finishing steers. Whether niacin affects fat deposition by regulating the microbial composition and functional capacities of gastrointestinal microbiome has been unknown yet. In this study, 16 castrated Xiangzhong Black cattle were randomly assigned into either control group fed with a basal concentrate diet (n = 8) or niacin group fed with a basal concentrate diet added 1000 mg/kg niacin (n = 8). Seven rumen samples and five cecum content samples were randomly collected from each of control and niacin groups for metagenomic sequencing analysis. A total of 2,981,786 non-redundant microbial genes were obtained from all tested samples. Based on this, the phylogenetic compositions of the rumen and cecum microbiome were characterized. We found that bacteria dominated the rumen and cecum microbiome. Prevotella ruminicola and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were the most abundant bacterial species in the rumen microbiome, while Clostridiales bacterium and Eubacterium rectale were predominant bacterial species in the cecum microbiome. Rumen microbiome had significantly higher abundances of GHs, GTs, and PLs, while cecum microbiome was enriched by CBMs and AAs. We found a significant effect of dietary niacin on rumen microbiome, but not on cecum microbiome. Dietary niacin up-regulated the abundances of bacterial species producing lactic acid and butyrate, fermenting lactic acid, and participating in lipid hydrolysis, and degradation and assimilation of nitrogen-containing compounds, but down-regulated the abundances of several pathogens and bacterial species involved in the metabolism of proteins and peptides, and methane emissions. From the correlation analysis, we suggested that niacin improved nutrient digestion and absorption, but reduced energy loss, and Valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation of rumen microbiome, which resulted in the increased host IMF. The results suggested that dietary manipulation, such as the supplementation of niacin, should be regarded as the effective and convenient way to improve IMF of castrated finishing steers by regulating rumen microbiome.

Effect of Egg-White Protein Alone or Combined With Niacin on Nutritional Status, and Phosphorus Control in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundNiacin is reported to decrease phosphorus concentration in Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Egg white is one of the main substitutable proteins in MHD patients due to its low phosphorus content. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of combined egg white and niacin supplementation on dialysis patients' serum phosphorus and nutritional biomarkers. MethodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 98 patients on MHD were randomly allocated to four groups for eight weeks: 24 g egg white (n=25), 600 g niacin daily (n=24), egg white combined with niacin (n=24), and control (n=24). Calcium, phosphorus, fibroblast growth factor-23, and other nutritional markers were assessed. ResultsThere was a significant difference among the groups only in phosphorus at the end of the trial, which was significantly lower in the niacin group (4.38+0.812 mg/dl) than in both the egg white (5.07+0.49 mg/dl) and egg white with niacin supplementation (5.41+0.662 mg/dl) groups. In this regard, albumin increased in egg white and egg white with niacin supplementation, while albumin did not change significantly in the niacin group. Urea reduction ratio and Kt/V rose only in the egg-white group, while aspartate aminotransferase increased only in the niacin and control groups. ConclusionNiacin decreases serum phosphorus concentration more than egg-white protein or a combined intervention. Egg white protein supplementation has beneficial effects on some nutritional statuses other than phosphorus control without the side effects of niacin.

Karakterisasi senyawa kompleks dengan logam transisi pada mikropartikel bunga cempaka (Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. Ex Pierre) sebagai kandidat potensial nutrasetikal

The components of complex compounds containing transition metals play a significant role in regulating the nutraceutical ability for disease prevention and treatment. The bonding of complex molecules with transition metals allows energy to be transferred between complex compounds that enter the body and systems within the body. The aim of this research was to investigate the composition of complex chemical components including transition metals used in the processing of M. champaca flowers for potential nutraceuticals. Transition metal identification (XRF), compound identification (LC-MS), functional group identification (FTIR), crystal character identification (XRD), particle surface morphology identification (SEM), particle size identification (PSA), and identification of physicochemical characters of Niacin complex with transition metals (SwissADME) are among the stages of the study. The results showed that the highest type of transition metal was Fe, containing to 0.42%, Niacin group compounds identified were Nicotinic acid and Nicotinamide, in the region 505 - 405 cm-1, there is a transition metal bond with a Fe (Fe - O) functional group, solid particles in M. champaca microparticles were amorphous, peak peaks at an angle of 2ɵ 19,83°, Particle morphology is similar to powder on its surface, particles measuring 208.20 µm. The physicochemical properties of the Niacin complex with transition metals demonstrate that niacin group chemicals have different effects on nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. These complex chemicals are generally easily absorbed by body systems. Since the synthesis of niacin complexes with transition metals has improved physicochemical properties, it could be employed as a possible nutraceutical candidate.

Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

Psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). To evaluate the magnitude, timing, and durability of antidepressant effects and safety of a single dose of psilocybin in patients with MDD. In this phase 2 trial conducted between December 2019 and June 2022 at 11 research sites in the US, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single dose of psilocybin vs niacin placebo administered with psychological support. Participants were adults aged 21 to 65 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of MDD of at least 60 days' duration and moderate or greater symptom severity. Exclusion criteria included history of psychosis or mania, active substance use disorder, and active suicidal ideation with intent. Participants taking psychotropic agents who otherwise met inclusion/exclusion criteria were eligible following medication taper. Primary and secondary outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at baseline (conducted within 7 days before dosing) and at 2, 8, 15, 29, and 43 days after dosing. Interventions were a 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin or a 100-mg dose of niacin in identical-appearing capsules, each administered with psychological support. The primary outcome was change in central rater-assessed Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score (range, 0-60; higher scores indicate more severe depression) from baseline to day 43. The key secondary outcome measure was change in MADRS score from baseline to day 8. Other secondary outcomes were change in Sheehan Disability Scale score from baseline to day 43 and MADRS-defined sustained response and remission. Participants, study site personnel, study sponsor, outcome assessors (raters), and statisticians were blinded to treatment assignment. A total of 104 participants (mean [SD] age, 41.1 [11.3] years; 52 [50%] women) were randomized (51 to the psilocybin group and 53 to the niacin group). Psilocybin treatment was associated with significantly reduced MADRS scores compared with niacin from baseline to day 43 (mean difference,-12.3 [95% CI, -17.5 to -7.2]; P <.001) and from baseline to day 8 (mean difference, -12.0 [95% CI, -16.6 to -7.4]; P < .001). Psilocybin treatment was also associated with significantly reduced Sheehan Disability Scale scores compared with niacin (mean difference, -2.31 [95% CI, 3.50-1.11]; P < .001) from baseline to day 43. More participants receiving psilocybin had sustained response (but not remission) than those receiving niacin. There were no serious treatment-emergent AEs; however, psilocybin treatment was associated with a higher rate of overall AEs and a higher rate of severe AEs. Psilocybin treatment was associated with a clinically significant sustained reduction in depressive symptoms and functional disability, without serious adverse events. These findings add to increasing evidence that psilocybin-when administered with psychological support-may hold promise as a novel intervention for MDD. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03866174.

Inadequate Niacin Intake Disrupts Growth and Retinol Homeostasis Resulting in Higher Liver and Lower Serum Retinol Concentrations in Male Rats

BackgroundNiacin-derived nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an essential cofactor for many dehydrogenase enzymes involved in vitamin A (VA) metabolism. Several countries with high prevalence of VA deficiency rely on maize, a poor source of available niacin, as a dietary staple. ObjectivesThis study evaluated the interaction of dietary niacin on VA homeostasis using male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 21 d (baseline body weight 88.3 ± 6.6 g). MethodsAfter 1 wk of acclimation, baseline samples were collected (n = 4). Remaining rats (n = 54) were split into 9 groups to receive low tryptophan, VA-deficient feed with 3 different amounts of niacin (0, 15, or 30 mg/kg) and 3 different oral VA doses (50, 350, or 3500 nmol/d) in a 3 × 3 design. After 4 wk, the study was terminated. Serum, livers, and small intestine were analyzed for retinoids using high-performance liquid chromatography. Niacin and metabolites were evaluated with nuclear magnetic resonance. Plasma pyridoxal-P (PLP) was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. ResultsNiacin intake correlated with serum retinol concentrations (r = 0.853, P < 0.001). For rats receiving the highest VA dose, liver retinol concentrations were lower in the 30-mg/kg niacin group (5.39 ± 0.27 μmol/g) than those in the 0-mg/kg and 15-mg/kg groups (9.18 ± 0.62 and 8.75 ± 0.07 μmol/g, respectively; P ≤ 0.05 for both). This phenomenon also occurred in the lower VA doses (P ≤ 0.05 for all). Growth and tissue weight at endline were associated with niacin intake (P ≤ 0.001 for all). Plasma PLP correlated with estimated niacin intake (r = 0.814, P < 0.001). ConclusionsOptimal niacin intake is associated with lower liver VA and higher serum retinol and plasma PLP concentrations. The extent to which vitamin B intake affects VA homeostasis requires further investigation to determine if the effects are maintained in humans.

Facile synthesis of zinc acetate/niacin MOFs for use in wound healing

Niacin (NA) and zinc (Zn) were used to fabricate metal organic frameworks (Zn-NA MOFs), based on coordination chemistry via a simple, rapid technique conducted at room temperature. The identity of the prepared MOFs was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, which showed cubic shaped, crystalline, microporous MOFs with an average size of 150 nm. Release of the active ingredients from the MOFs was proved to be pH dependent in a slightly alkaline medium (pH 8.5) with a sustained release rate of its two ingredients, NA and Zn, which have wound healing activity. Zn-NA MOFs proved to be biocompatible in the tested concentrations range (5–100 mg ml−1), with no cytotoxic effect on WI-38 cell line. Zn-NA MOFs at 10 and 50 mg ml−1 concentrations and their components, NA and Zn, exerted antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wound healing effect of the Zn-NA MOFs (50 mg ml−1) was evaluated on full excisional rat wounds. Significant reduction of the wound area was observed after 9 d of treatment using the Zn-NA MOFs compared to the other treatment groups. Additionally, wounds were fully healed after 10 d of treatment with the Zn-NA MOFs with histological and immunohistochemical evidence of re-epithelization, collagen formation, and angiogenesis. Similar histological evidence was also observed in wounds treated with niacin only; however, with no significant wound closure rates. Nevertheless, the formation of new blood vessels, as confirmed by the vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression, was highest in the niacin group. Zn-NA MOFs synthesized using a facile, low-cost method are potentially capable of healing wounds rapidly and effectively.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Niacin on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats.

Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin. The effects of niacin on inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptotic processes observed after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) were studied in this study. Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into control (n=9), TBI + Placebo group (n=9), TBI + niacin (500 mg/kg; n=7) groups. Mild TBI was performed under anesthesia by dropping a 300 g weight from a height of 1 meter onto the skull. Behavioral tests were applied before and 24 hours after TBI. Luminol and lucigenin levels and tissue cytokine levels were measured. Histopathological damage was scored in brain tissue. After mild TBI, luminol (p 0.001) and lucigenin (p 0.001) levels were increased, and their levels were decreased with niacin treatment (p 0.01-p 0.001). An increased score was obtained with trauma in the tail suspension test (p 0.01), showing depressive behavior. The number of entries to arms in Y-maze test were decreased in TBI group compared to pre-traumatic values (p 0.01), while discrimination (p 0.05) and recognition indices (p 0.05) in object recognition test were decreased with trauma, but niacin treatment did not change the outcomes in behavioral tests. Levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were decreased with trauma (p 0.05) and increased with niacin treatment (p 0.05). The histological damage score (p 0.001) was increased with trauma, and decreased with niacin treatment in the cortex (p 0.05) and hippocampal dentate gyrus region (p 0.01). Niacin treatment after mild TBI inhibited trauma-induced production of reactive oxygen derivatives and elevated the anti-inflammatory IL-10 level. Niacin treatment ameliorated the histopathologically evident damage.

Impacts of Dietary Protein and Niacin Deficiency on Reproduction Performance, Body Growth, and Gut Microbiota of Female Hamsters (Tscherskia triton) and Their Offspring.

Food resources are vital for animals to survive, and gut microbiota play an essential role in transferring nutritional materials into functional metabolites for hosts. Although the fact that diet affects host microbiota is well known, its impacts on offspring remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effects of low-protein and niacin-deficient diets on reproduction performance, body growth, and gut microbiota of greater long-tailed hamsters (Tscherskia triton) under laboratory conditions. We found that maternal low-protein diet (not niacin deficiency) had a significant negative effect on reproduction performance of female hamsters (longer mating latency with males and smaller litter size) and body growth (lower body weight) of both female hamsters and their offspring. Both protein- and niacin-deficient diets showed significant maternal effects on the microbial community in the offspring. A maternal low-protein diet (not niacin deficiency) significantly reduced the abundance of major bacterial taxa producing short-chain fatty acids, increased the abundance of probiotic taxa, and altered microbial function in the offspring. The negative effects of maternal nutritional deficiency on gut microbiota are more pronounced in the protein group than the niacin group and in offspring more than in female hamsters. Our results suggest that a low-protein diet could alter gut microbiota in animals, which may result in negative impacts on their fitness. It is necessary to conduct further analysis to reveal the roles of nutrition, as well as its interaction with gut microbes, in affecting fitness of greater long-tailed hamsters under field conditions. IMPORTANCE Gut microbes are known to be essential for hosts to digest food and absorb nutrients. Currently, it is still unclear how maternal nutrient deficiency affects the fitness of animals by its effect on gut microbes. Here, we evaluated the effects of protein- and niacin-deficient diets on mating behavior, reproduction, body growth, and gut microbiota of both mothers and offspring of the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton) under laboratory conditions. We found that a low-protein diet significantly reduced maternal reproduction performance and body growth of both mothers and their offspring. Both protein and niacin deficiencies showed significant maternal effects on the microbial community of the offspring. Our results hint that nutritional deficiency may be a potential factor in causing the observed sustained population decline of the greater long-tailed hamsters due to intensified monoculture in the North China Plain, and this needs further field investigation.

Niacin Status Indicators and Their Relationship with Metabolic Parameters in Dairy Cows during Early Lactation.

Simple SummaryThe active forms of niacin that represent niacin status are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and the NAD:NADP ratio. Previous studies have shown metabolic changes in the function of niacin form and dose, but it has not been determined whether there are changes in the function of active form of niacin that indicate the vitamin status in the body. In this study, we examined differences in NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP concentration in blood and their relationship with metabolic parameters in cows receiving and not receiving additional niacin in food. We concluded that NAD and NADP are good indicators of the ability of an additional niacin source to create functional cofactors due to their concentration changes, while the NAD:NADP ratio is a good indicator of the biological effects of additional niacin due to correlation with many metabolites.Previous experimental models on cows have examined the difference in the metabolic adaptation in cows after niacin administration, without identifying the most important mediators between niacin administration and its biological effects, namely active forms of niacin. All tissues in the body convert absorbed niacin into its main metabolically active form, the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of niacin administration in periparturient period on NAD, NADP and the NAD:NADP ratio and to determine relationship between these indicators of an active form of niacin with metabolic parameters in cow blood. The study included 90 healthy cows: 45 cows receiving niacin and 45 cows were negative control. The niacin group was treated with nicotinic acid for two weeks before, as well as two weeks after parturition. Nicotinic acid was applied per os with feed. In cows receiving niacin, there was a significantly higher concentration of NAD and NADP, but the NAD:NADP ratio did not differ compared with control. All three indicators were able to separate cows who received and who did not receive additional niacin. NAD and NADP are good indicators of the availability of niacin from additional sources. The NAD:NADP ratio is a good indicator of the biological effect of applied niacin on metabolites in cows due to its correlation with a number of metabolites: positive correlation with glucose, insulin, glucose to insulin ratio and the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKIBHB) of insulin resistance, triglycerides and cholesterol, and a negative correlation with nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), gamma-glutamyltranspherase (GGT) and urea in cows receiving niacin. The same amount of added niacin in feed can produce different concentrations of NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP in the blood, and this was not related to their concentration before the addition of niacin. The change in the concentration of the active form of niacin (NAD, NADP and NAD:NADP) further correlates with the concentration of metabolic parameters, which indicates that the intensity of the biological effect of additional niacin can be accurately determined only if we know the concentrations of its active forms in blood. Under basal conditions (without additional niacin), active forms of niacin that already exist in the blood do not show significant correlations with metabolic parameters.

The efficacy and safety of niacin on hyperphosphatemia in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHyperphosphatemia is a common complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and particularly affects hemodialysis (HD) patients. Elevated serum phosphorus contributes to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), metastatic calcifications and calcific uremic arteriolopathy. There is a significant association between hyperphosphatemia and increased morbidity and mortality in ESRD patients including cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it is also associated with prolonged hospitalization of HD patients. This study aim to evaluate the serum phosphorus lowering effect of niacin in HD patients.ResultsThere was a decrease in phosphate values during the first 3 months of the study in the niacin group, with a significant change in phosphate level at the third month (5.90 ± 0.52 vs. 6.42 ± 0.65 (mEq/l); P < 0.001) and at the sixth month (5.12 ± 0.41 vs. 5.76 ± 0.47 (mEq/l); P < 0.001) compared to the control group. It was noted that both groups had an insignificant difference regarding baseline parathormone (PTH), though the PTH showed a significantly lower level at the third month (192.39 ± 78.85 vs. 388.27 ± 263.10 pg/ml; P < 0.001) and at the sixth month (127.56 ± 90.87 vs. 249.85 ± 97.69 pg/ml; P < 0.001) in the niacin group.ConclusionNiacin caused a statistically significant decrease in levels of phosphate and PTH in dialysis patients.Trial registrationRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03163576. Trial registration date: 22 May 2017. Date of first patient’s enrolment: 1 October 2018. Date of the ethical committee approval: 29 March 2017. Number of the ethical committee approval: 17100040.

Low-Dose Niacin Supplementation Improves Motor Function in US Veterans with Parkinson's Disease: A Single-Center, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

A six-month double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study was conducted to ascertain whether low-dose daily niacin supplementation would improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A total of 47 PD patients were assigned to receive low-dose niacin or a placebo. At the end of the double-blind phase, all participants received open-label niacin for the next six months. All patients were evaluated at baseline, after six months, and after one year of treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III) scores. Secondary outcome measures were depression, sleep quality, mental flexibility and cognition, and physical fatigue. Niacin treatment was well-tolerated by forty-five subjects. The mean [95% CI] change in UPDRS III scores at six months of placebo was −0.05 [95% CI, −2.4 to 2.32], and niacin was −1.06 [95% CI, −3.68 to 1.57]. From six to twelve months when both groups received open-label niacin supplementation, the average UPDRS III scores significantly decreased for the placebo group by 4.58 [95% CI, −0.85 to 8.30] and the niacin group by 4.63 [95% CI, 1.42 to 7.83] points. Low-dose niacin supplementation is a well-tolerated adjunct therapy and may improve motor function in PD when taken over a longer period.

Effect of Niacin on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Mucosal Immunity and Microbiota Composition in Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryThe protective effect of niacin on growth performance and gut health of weaned piglets and the underlying mechanism remains unclear despite it being a common additive in pig diets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of niacin on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal mucosal immunity, and colonic microbiota in weaned piglets. Our results show that niacin supplementation significantly improved the growth performance in piglets as compared with those given a niacin receptor antagonist. Niacin also significantly improved the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the colon and alleviate the inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa as compared with control piglets and those given a niacin receptor antagonist. These results provide new insight into the beneficial effects of niacin on growth performance and gut health in weaned piglets.This study aimed to investigate the effects of niacin on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal mucosal immunity, and colonic microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 96 weaned piglets (Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d old, 6.65 ± 0.02 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups (8 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 4 males; n = 32/treatment) for 14 d. Piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 20.4 mg/kg niacin (NA) or an antagonist for the niacin receptor GPR109A (MPN). The results showed that NA or MPN had no effect on ADG, ADFI, G/F or diarrhea incidence compared with the CON diet. However, compared with piglets in the NA group, piglets in the MPN group had lower ADG (p = 0.042) and G/F (p = 0.055). In comparison with the control and MPN group, niacin supplementation increased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.05), while decreasing the crypt depth in the duodenum (p < 0.05). Proteomics analysis of cytokines showed that niacin supplementation increased the expression of duodenal transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), jejunal interleukin-10 (IL-10) and ileal interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.05), and reduced the expression of ileal interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p < 0.05) compared with the control diet. Piglets in the MPN group had significantly increased expression of ileal IL-6, and jejunal IL-8 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p < 0.05) compared with those in the control group. Piglets in the MPN group had lower jejunal IL-10 level and higher jejunal IL-8 level than those in the NA group (p < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of duodenal IL-8 and ileal granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genes were increased (p < 0.05), and that of ileal IL-10 transcript was decreased (p < 0.05) in the MPN group compared with both the control and NA groups. Additionally, niacin increased the relative abundance of Dorea in the colon as compared with the control and MPN group (p < 0.05), while decreasing that of Peptococcus compared with the control group (p < 0.05) and increasing that of Lactobacillus compared with MPN supplementation (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that niacin supplementation efficiently ensured intestinal morphology and attenuated intestinal inflammation of weaned piglets. The protective effects of niacin on gut health may be associated with increased Lactobacillus and Dorea abundance and butyrate content and decreased abundances of Peptococcus.

POS-255 NIACIN LOWERS SERUM PHOSPHATE LEVELS IN NIGERIAN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS.A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Hyperphosphatemia is an important complication of reduced renal function and is associated with several clinical consequences including vascular calcification, bone disease severe constipation and haemodynamic disturbances. Its reduction in CKD patients is thus necessary in reducing morbidity and mortality. Available phosphate lowering agents including calcium and non calcium containing phosphate binders have had limited success in the control of hyperphosphatemia because of adverse effects of most calcium based binders and the high cost of non calcium based binders. Several studies have highlighted the benefits of niacin in the control of hyperphosphatemia at reduced cost and with tolerable side effects. Aims: This study was aimed at determining the effect of niacin on serum phosphate, calcium,calcium phosphate products. It also aimed at determining the frequency and pattern of adverse effects due to niacin. This study was a randomized double blind placebo - controlled crossover trial carried out at DELSUTH, Oghara. One hundred and twenty adult CKD patients were recruited for the study and were divided into 2 arms, group (1) and group (2). The group 1 received placebo for 8 weeks and then crossed over to niacin for another 8 weeks after a 2 week washout period and the reverse was the case for the group 2. The niacin protocol was 500 mg tablet daily for the first 4 weeks and increased to a maximum of 1g daily for the subsequent 4 weeks. One hundred and twenty patients with a mean age of 54.9 ±11.8 years participated in this study. Sixty seven (55.8%) were males. In the niacin group mean change in phosphate levels, calcium phosphate and high density lipoprotein levels level were -0.61 ± 0.31 (p=< 0.0001), -4.51 ± 3.38 ( p= < 0.0001) and 6.06 ± 0.23 (p= <0.0001) respectively, but no significant changes were noticed while on placebo. Calcium, low density lipoproteins and tryglyceride levels showed no significant change with intake of niacin or placebo. The commonest adverse events were cutenous flush (12.5%), nausea (7.5%) and diarrhoea (5%). 25% and 22.5% of these patients hadearly and mild adverse events respectively. Only 3% of patients studied, discontinued medications due to adverse effects. Thirty one (25.8%) patients withdrew from the study and the commonest reason for withdrawal was loss to follow up (10%). This study showed that niacin reduces serum phosphate levels and calcium phosphate levels and also increases HDL levels in CKD stages 3-5 patients. Mild to moderate adverse events most notably flush nausea and diarrhoea were common, but rarely required discontinuation of the drug.

Assessment of The Effect of Niacin-Hedra helix Extract Combined Treatment on Some Biochemical Parameters in Induced-Asthma Male Mice

The point of the present work was intended to think about the impacts of Niacin, Hedera helix on the asthma. Related parameters after enlistment of asthma for 28 days and in Balb/c mice, notwithstanding research a plausibility of accomplishing a joined advantage of niacin and Hedera helix treatment on cytokines, total protein and the histological examination of lung. The white and differential blood count in BAL (Eosinophil infiltration) is the Asthma marker. The activity level of GSH in the tissue of lung of mice recorded significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) and that the level of GSH was significantly decreased in asthma group compared to control group. The group which was treated by a combination increased by 39.9% compared to the asthma group. The total thiol in lung tissue of mice recorded significant increases in level of T-thiol in all the treated groups compared to asthma group and the group which was treated by niacin, Hedera helix and the group of combination recorded 60.8%, 60.6%, 68.3%; respectively, while the asthma group recorded a significant decreased. There were significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) in the level of SOD activity in the tissue of mice in niacin, Hedera and niacin –Hedera combination groups as compared to control group, while recording increases of 121.3%, 54.7% and 130.7% when compared with asthma treated group, the results showed significant decreases in asthma group the data showed the difference between asthma group and niacin group by 0.001, while with Hedera group 0.602 and combination group 0.001 as compared to asthma group. There was huge increment in TNF-α in asthma group while, in other treated groups there were huge diminished contrasted with asthma niacin, Hedera, niacin-Hedera blend 0.999, 0.920 and 0.812; respectively.

Insight on Ameliorative Role of Selenium Nanoparticles and Niacin in Wound Healing on Adult Female Albino Mice

Background: Wound healing is a complex process necessary for repairing damaged tissues and preventing infection. Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were known due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, also niacin has angiogenesis and antioxidant effects that are important in wound healing. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Se NPs and niacin in reducing and accelerating the wound healing time in mice. Methods: A simple wet chemical method has been modified to synthesize Se NPs in order to investigate their effect and niacin on reducing the wound healing in 80 adult female albino mice (250 mm2 full thickness open excision wound) that were divided into eight groups (10 mice/each). After 30-days, the mice were sacrificed, blood and tissue samples were taken for analysis. Results: The results showed that the percentage of wound area had been significantly reduced in Se NPs and niacin treated groups compared to the positive control. The level of Vascular Endothelial cell Growth Factor and Collagenase I in Se NPs and niacin groups significantly exceed those of other groups while Nitric Oxide (NO) was significantly decreased in treated groups. Liver and kidney functions showed the lower toxicity effect of Se NPs and niacin. Skin tissue showed the wound healing effect of Se NPs and niacin by regenerating skin layer compared to the positive group. Conclusion: Se NPs and niacin play an important role in accelerating and reducing the time of wound healing while they were antagonistic to each other.

Niacin Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis by Inhibiting De Novo Lipogenesis Via a GPR109A-Mediated PKC–ERK1/2–AMPK Signaling Pathway in C57BL/6 Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the world. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Recent studies have demonstrated that niacin (NA) modulates hepatic DNL through GPR109A. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism by which GPR109A inhibits hepatic DNL. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and Gpr109a knockout (KO) mice (male, 5 wk old) were fed a high-fat diet (60% energy from fat) firstly for 6 wk to generate a diet-induced obese model. Subsequently, they were randomly divided into 4 groups for the next 8-9 wk: WT mice with oral water [WT+vehile (VE)], WT mice with oral NA (50mM, dissolved in water) (WT+NA), KO mice with oral water (KO+VE), and KO mice with oral NA (50mM) (KO+NA). Mechanisms were examined in HepG2 cells. Body composition, liver histology, biomarkers of hepatic function, lipid accumulation, and lipid synthesis signals in HepG2 cells were measured. Upon activation, GPR109A apparently protected against obesity and hepatic steatosis (P<0.05). The concentrations of hepatic Tnf-α in the WT + NA group were about 50% of those in the WT + VE group (P<0.05). The activities of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were 26.7% and 53.5% lower in the WT+NA group than in the WT+VE group, respectively (P<0.05). In HepG2 cells, activation of GPR109A resulted in remarkable inhibition of oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation via a protein kinase C-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2-AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. NA inhibits hepatic lipogenesis in C57BL/6 mice through a GPR109A-mediated signaling pathway, consistent with the mechanistic studies in HepG2 cells, suggesting its potential for treatment of NAFLD and other fatty liver diseases.

A Comparative Study on Monotherapy with Metformin, Vit-B3, Vit- D, Chromium Piconilate and Lifestyle Modification in development of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a combination of multiple risk factors that increases an individual chance of developing cardiovascular or type II diabetes mellitus and most of people with metabolic syndrome have Insulin resistance, which elevates the risk of developing Type II diabetes mellitus. While the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and each of its components is complex and not well understood, central obesity and insulin resistance are acknowledged as important causative factors. Most scrutinized literature was collected from different sources including PubMed. This study was carried out at Govt. Chhattisgarh Institute of medical sciences Bilaspur. Aim: To compare the incidence of progression of metabolic syndrome into type II diabetes mellitus in patient who were put on one of the following treatments along with lifestyle modification :- Metformin, Chromium Piconilate ,Vitamin –D3 and Niacin (Vitamin. - B3).Methods: The objective of this study recruited 250 patient, aged between 35 to 60 years, who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria of Metabolic syndrome as per study design. Results: 250 Participants was enrolled during 3 years of the study. 125 (50 %) male and 125 (50 %) Female were found metabolic syndrome. A total (8%) of patient were found incidence of progression of metabolic syndrome into Type II Diabetes Mellitus. In different group as Metformin group-(0%), Niacin group (6%), Vit-D3 group (0%), Chromium Piconilate group (16 %) and (18%) in the lifestyle modification group. Conclusions: Metformin and Vit- D3 can reverse the effects of metabolic syndrome due to its broad effects on many of the components of metabolic syndrome; thus preventing diabetes and heart disease.

Metabolomics analysis of the therapeutic mechanism of Semen Descurainiae Oil on hyperlipidemia rats using 1H‐NMR and LC–MS

Semen descurainiae oil (SDO) is an important traditional Chinese medicine that was recently discovered to have the function of reducing blood lipids. Metabolomics analyses of plasma, liver and kidney in rats were performed using 1 H-NMR and LC-MS to illuminate the lower blood lipid concentration effect of SDO, and niacin was considered as the active control. The measure of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma showed that SDO treatment decreased significantly the content of TC and LDL-C. An orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis approach was applied to identify the different metabolic profiles of plasma, liver and kidney in rats and to detect related potential biomarkers. The results suggested that the metabolic profiles of the control group and hyperlipidemia group showed significant difference and the SDO and niacin group had effective anti-hyperlipidemia function. The biomarkers primarily concern lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism, and the change in biomarkers indicated that hyperlipidemia could cause the unbalance of these metabolic pathways in vivo. SDO reduced blood lipids by repairing amino acid and lipid metabolism.

Effect of Niacin on Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients at Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Goal but High Lipoprotein (a) Level: a 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of niacin on the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with high level of lipoprotein (Lp) (a).MethodsPatients at low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol goal but with Lp (a) >25 mg/dL and mean carotid IMT >0.75 mm were included. Eligible patients were randomized at a 1:2 ratio into one of two groups for 24 months: control or 1,500 mg extended release niacin. The primary study outcomes were the percentage changes in mean and maximal carotid IMT. The percentage change in lipid profiles including Lp (a) was analyzed as a secondary study outcome.ResultsAmong 96 randomized patients, 31 completed the study (mean age: 65 years; male: 44%). At follow-up, the percentage change in mean carotid IMT was not significantly different between the two groups (−1.4%±15.5% and −1.1%±7.3% in the control and niacin groups, respectively, p=0.95). The percentage change in maximal carotid IMT was also similar in the two groups (0.7%±16.5% and −4.4%±11.6%, respectively, p=0.35). Elevation of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol tended to be higher in the niacin group (p=0.07), and there was a significant difference in the percentage change in hemoglobin A1c between the two groups (−1.9%±2.2% and 3.3%±6.7%, respectively, p=0.02). Reduction of Lp (a) was greater in the niacin-treated group compared to placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionTreatment with niacin for two years did not inhibit the progression of carotid intima-media thickening in patients with high Lp (a) level. However, this study may have been underpowered to evaluate the primary study outcome.

Genetic Variants Associated With Plasma Lipids Are Associated With the Lipid Response to Niacin.

BackgroundNiacin is a broad‐spectrum lipid‐modulating drug, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple loci associated with blood lipid levels and lipoprotein (a). It is unknown whether these loci modulate response to niacin.Methods and ResultsUsing data from the AIM‐HIGH (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes) trial (n=2054 genotyped participants), we determined whether genetic variations at validated loci were associated with a differential change in plasma lipids and lipoprotein (a) 1 year after randomization to either statin+placebo or statin+niacin in a variant‐treatment interaction model. Nominally significant interactions (P<0.05) were found for genetic variants in MVK,LIPC, PABPC4, AMPD3 with change in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; SPTLC3 with change in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; TOM1 with change in total cholesterol; PDXDC1 and CYP26A1 with change in triglycerides; and none for lipoprotein (a). We also investigated whether these loci were associated with cardiovascular events. The risk of coronary disease related death was higher in the minor allele carriers at the LIPC locus in the placebo group (odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.11‐3.90, P=0.02) but not observed in the niacin group (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.48‐1.65, P=0.7); P‐interaction =0.02. There was a greater risk for acute coronary syndrome (odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.16‐2.77, P=0.02) and revascularization events (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.2‐2.22, P=0.002) in major allele carriers at the CYP26A1 locus in the placebo group not seen in the niacin group.ConclusionsGenetic variation at loci previously associated with steady‐state lipid levels displays evidence for lipid response to niacin treatment.Clinical Trials RegistrationURL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00120289.