Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Against Brain Injury in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding within the brain, is a severe condition with high disability and death rates. This study examined whether nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursor known for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties—could help protect the brain after such a stroke. In mice, researchers induced intracerebral hemorrhage by injecting collagenase into the brain and then treated them with NR. The treatment reduced the size of the brain hemorrhage, decreased swelling (edema), and limited tissue damage, while also improving neurological recovery. NR further suppressed oxidative stress by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced neuroinflammation in the injured brain. These findings suggest that NR can protect the brain and promote recovery following hemorrhagic stroke by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative damage, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for stroke management.

Journal

Molecular Neurobiology