Nicotinamide and Neurological Diseases. A Possible New Treatment

In a previous Blog, I wrote about the efficacy of EGCG from green tea as a neurological protectant.

http://grouppekurosawa.com/blog/2005/10/egcg-as-natural-treatment-for.htm

One of the roles of EGCG is to increase the activity of the PI-3K/AKT signaling pathway. This signaling pathway promotes the survival of neurons in the presence of various oxidative stresses. EGCG is known to prevent motor neuron death in ALS, and this includes cells that harbor the SOD1 mutation.

AKT is a kinase enzyme that inactivates another enzyme called GSK-3. AKT activity is reduced in motor neurons that carry various SOD1 mutations. This promotes the sensitivity of the extremely vulnerable motor neurons to oxidative stress. It is felt that overactivation of GSK-3 plays a fundamental role in motor neuron death.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16045483&itool=pubmed_docsum

The enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is well known to increase oxidative stress and cell death. Apparently, PARP decreases PI-3K/AKT enzyme activity leading to a release of cytochrome C from the mitochondria. Inhibition of PARP increases AKT activity leading to enhanced cell survival.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16115861&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11353811&itool=pubmed_docsum

Nicotinamide, a form of niacin, is a precursor of the co-factor NAD and a powerful inhibitor of PARP activity. This results in increased AKT activity, reduced GSK-3 activity, and decreased oxidative induced cell death.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16337154&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15241181&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&
dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12767721&itool=pubmed_docsum

Nicotinamide, also called niacinamide, is NOT niacin. It does not induce flushing which is commonly induced by niacin. Nicotinamide is very inexpensive and can be purchased in 500 mg capsules. The Internet is your best source. There is no toxicity associated with this compound.

I believe EGCG and nicotinamide might be a great synergistic combination for the treatment/prevention of ALS, Alzheimers, stroke, and other neurological disorders.

Dosage? I have no idea. Start with 3 grams of nicotinamide a day in capsule form and work up from there. If this works for you, TELL ME so I can inform others.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest
(http://www.grouppekurosawa.com)