Nicotinamide enhances osteoblast differentiation through activation of the mitochondrial antioxidant defense system

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, Published online: 18 July 2023; doi:10.1038/s12276-023-01041-wA form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide (NAM) has potential to prevent or treat bone diseases related to oxidative stress by boosting production of anti-oxidant enzymes. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) during normal metabolism. If these ROS are not countered by enough anti-oxidants, oxidative stress can decrease production of bone-building cells called osteoblasts, leading to bone aging and osteoporosis. Hyun-Mo Ryoo and Woo-Jin Kim at Seoul National University in South Korea and co-workers investigated whether NAM, the precursor of a key mitochondrial molecule, could restore ROS balance. In experiments in bone cells, NAM improved mitochondrial function, boosted anti-oxidant production, and promoted osteoblast formation. NAM prevented and repaired oxidative damage in bone cells and therefore shows potential both as a preventative and therapeutic treatment for bone health.
Source: Experimental and Molecular Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research