Nicotinamide as Neuroprotection in Glaucoma

Article: Vitamin B3 as a possible treatment for glaucoma
Source: Karolinska Institute (Sweden), via Medical Xpress
Published: May 17, 2021

In vivo OCT of a rat bead model of OHT showing loss of
neuroretinal rim following 14 days of OHT compared
to NT eyes, which was absent in NAM treated rats

An international study led by researchers in Sweden investigated the effects of nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3, in neuroprotection against glaucoma. Although control of intraocular pressure remains the only modifiable factor in glaucoma treatment to date, new avenues of research are exploring neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells and regeneration of diseased nerve fibers. Previous research identified decline of the molecule nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as rendering retinal ganglion cells susceptible to neurodegeneration. Administration of nicotinimide robustly prevents glaucoma in animal models, as well as improves visual function in existing glaucoma patients. The current study in cell and animal models investigated NAD metabolism, and the metabolism of other essential metabolites, in the visual system. As one of the researchers states, "We demonstrated that systemic nicotinamide administration has limited molecular side-effects, but provides a robust reversal of the disease metabolic profile of glaucoma prone animals." These neuroprotective effects include buffering and preventing metabolic stress and increasing mitochondrial size and motility to provide an environment where retinal ganglion cells are less susceptible to glaucoma-related stresses. They plan to begin clinical trials in autumn 2021.

My rating of this study: ⭐⭐

Tribblea JR, Otmania A, Sun S. "Nicotinamide provides neuroprotection in glaucoma by protecting against mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction." Redox Biology.  43:101988. 24 April 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2021.101988