Niacin
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex occurring in various animal and plant tissues; it is required by the body for the formation of coenzymes NAD and NADP. Niacin displays anti-dyslipidemic and cardioprotective properties, although various studies show mixed benefits in vivo and in clinical settings. Niacin binds to the G-protein coupled receptor 109A (GPR109A), increasing arachidonic acid levels and prostaglandin synthesis and signaling, resulting in cutaneous vasodilation and flushing. Niacin decreases surface expression of hepatic ATP synthase β, decreasing catabolism of HDL and increasing serum HDL levels. Additionally, niacin inhibits hepatic diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2, inhibiting synthesis of triglyceride and decreasing apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins; this results in decreased secretion of VLDL and LDL.
References PubMed ID::http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18948642
Cas No. |
59-67-6 |
---|---|
Purity |
≥98% |
Formula |
C6H5NO2 |
Formula Wt. |
123.11 |
Chemical Name |
Nicotinic acid |
IUPAC Name |
pyridine-3-carboxylic acid |
Melting Point |
236.6°C |
Solubility |
Soluble in water (16 mg/mL). |
Appearance |
White Crystal Powder |
Creider JC, Hegele RA, Joy TR. Niacin: another look at an underutilized lipid-lowering medication. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2012 Sep;8(9):517-28. PMID: 22349076.
Kamanna VS, Ganji SH, Kashyap ML. The mechanism and mitigation of niacin-induced flushing. Int J Clin Pract. 2009 Sep;63(9):1369-77. PMID: 19691622.
Kamanna VS, Ganji SH, Kashyap ML. Niacin: an old drug rejuvenated. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2009 Jan;11(1):45-51. PMID: 19080727.
Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML. Mechanism of action of niacin. Am J Cardiol. 2008 Apr 17;101(8A):20B-26B. PMID: 18375237.