Comparative Analysis of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Nicotinamide Riboside in Protecting HeLa Cells From Cisplatin-Induced DNA Damage: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, works by damaging DNA in cancer cells—but it can also harm healthy cells, leading to side effects. This study compared two vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursors, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), to see which offers better protection against cisplatin-induced DNA damage in HeLa cells. Both NR and NMN increased cell survival and restored NAD+ levels depleted by cisplatin, while also reducing oxidative stress (ROS). However, NR showed a stronger ability to prevent DNA damage, as shown by reduced γH2AX staining and comet assay results, though both compounds helped cells repair DNA at similar rates. The findings indicate that while both NAD+ boosters protect cells from chemotherapy-induced injury, NR is more effective at limiting DNA damage, making it a potentially better cell-protective supplement during chemotherapy.

Journal

Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports