Effects of Intravenous Nicotinamide Riboside on Doxorubicin-Related Organ Damage: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, but its use is limited by serious side effects that damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. This study investigated whether nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursor—could protect against this widespread toxicity. In rats with chronic DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, NR was administered intravenously in two different ways: preventively before DOX and combined with DOX treatment. Both methods reduced tissue damage and preserved organ structure, but preventive NR treatment offered the most significant protection, especially for the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Echocardiography confirmed that NR helped maintain normal heart function and reduced signs of cardiotoxicity. These findings suggest that NR supplementation could serve as a broad protective strategy to limit chemotherapy-related organ damage, improving the safety and tolerability of doxorubicin treatment.

Journal

Journal of Evolutionary Biochemistry and Physiology