Niacin Status, NAD Distribution and ADP-Ribose Metabolism

Dietary niacin deficiency, and pharmacological excesses of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide, have dramatic effects on cellular NAD pools, ADP-ribose metabolism, tissue function and health. ADP-ribose metabolism is providing new targets for pharmacological intervention, and it is important to consider how the supply of vitamin B3 may directly influence ADP-ribosylation reactions, or create interactions with other drugs designed to influence these pathways. In addition to its redox roles, NAD+ is used as a substrate for mono-, poly- and cyclic ADP-ribose formation. During niacin deficiency, not all of these processes can be maintained, and dramatic changes in tissue function and clinical condition take place. Conversely, these reactions may be differentially enhanced by pharmacological intakes of vitamin B3, and potentially by changing expression of specific NAD generating enzymes. A wide range of metabolic changes can take place following pharmacological supplementation of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide. As niacin status decreases towards a deficient state, the function of other types of pharmaceutical agents may be modified, including those that target ADP-ribosylation reactions, apoptosis and inflammation. This article will explore what is known and yet to be learned about the response of tissues, cells and subcellular compartments to excessive and limiting supplies of niacin, and will discuss the etiology of the resulting pathologies.