Nicotinamide Riboside Defends Against Sulfur Mustard-Related Toxicity: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Sulfur mustard (SM) and related chemicals are toxic compounds that damage DNA by depleting NAD+, a molecule essential for DNA repair and energy balance. This study examined whether restoring NAD+ levels with nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD+ booster, could reduce the harmful effects of SM derivatives in human skin and immune cells. In skin cells (HaCaT), NR increased NAD+ and DNA repair activity but did not significantly lessen cell damage or improve survival. However, when NAD+ levels were artificially reduced using an inhibitor (FK866), cells became more sensitive to SM toxins—and NR supplementation reversed this effect, suggesting a protective role. In immune cells (THP-1), NR clearly reduced cell damage and toxicity, especially from the mustard compound CEES. The findings indicate that NAD+ plays a key role in cellular resistance to chemical warfare agents, and NR supplementation could offer selective protection depending on cell type and exposure conditions.

Journal

Cells