Nicotinamide Riboside Treatment Protects Retinal Cells in Mice: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Glaucoma often involves death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), partly caused by high eye pressure (IOP). But even when IOP is controlled, the disease can still worsen. So, it's important to find treatments that protect RGCs directly, without relying on lowering IOP. Problems with NAD+ metabolism occur in glaucoma and other neurodegenerative diseases. This study tested whether giving mice nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, could protect RGCs in two mouse models: one with sudden nerve damage (optic nerve crush) and one with chronic eye pressure increase. In both models, NR treatment improved RGC survival. In the nerve damage model, NR also preserved RGC function and reduced retinal inflammation. This is the first evidence that systemic NR treatment protects RGCs in both acute and chronic damage models. Since NR is well-absorbed and safe in humans, these results support testing NR as a treatment for glaucoma patients.

Journal

Pharmaceutics