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Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Lens Cells from Oxidative Stress: Preclinical Findings
Synopsis
Researchers found that nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 derivative and NAD+ precursor, can protect eye lens cells from oxidative stress, one of the main causes of cataracts. In lab experiments, exposing human lens epithelial cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) caused severe oxidative damage, reducing antioxidant enzyme activity, increasing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lowering mitochondrial function. Treatment with NR restored antioxidant defenses, improved cell survival and mitochondrial health, and reduced cell death and ROS production. NR achieved these protective effects by inhibiting the MAPK pathway, which promotes oxidative stress, and activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which supports cell repair and survival. These results suggest that nicotinamide riboside may help prevent or slow cataract formation by protecting lens cells from oxidative damage.
Journal
Current Eye Research