The Sound of Evolution
Nicotinic acid/Niacin
Mechanism of action:
Nicotinic acid is vitamin B₃ and a pyridinecarboxylic acid derivative. It is an essential precursor for the biosynthesis of NAD⁺ and NADP⁺ in living organisms. After entering the cell, nicotinic acid is converted by nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase into nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN). It is then converted by nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase into nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NaAD), which is subsequently converted into NAD⁺ by NAD⁺ synthetase. NAD⁺ can then be converted into NADP⁺ by NAD kinase.
Reference(s):
1. Mularski RA et al. (2006). Treatment advice on the internet leads to a life-threatening adverse reaction: hypotension associated with Niacin overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila).
2. Reiche I et al. (2011). Pharmacokinetics and dose recommendations of Niaspan® in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant.