Article: Mild Vitamin B3 Deficiency Changes Gene Activity in White Fat Tissue: Preclinical Findings

PrevNext
Neurological Health Neuropathy Preclinical

Mild Vitamin B3 Deficiency Changes Gene Activity in White Fat Tissue: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Mild vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency is hard to detect. This study compared mice fed a diet without NR (vitamin B3 precursor) to those given recommended B3 levels, both with low tryptophan (another vitamin B3 source). Mice without NR showed lower insulin sensitivity and shifted from carbohydrate to fat burning. In white adipose tissue (WAT), gene expression changed: MEK/ERK signaling was activated, glucose use genes decreased, and fat breakdown genes increased. Also, genes involved in tetrahydropteridine (BH4) synthesis—a cofactor for neurotransmitters—were upregulated. Key genes downregulated were Anp32a and Tnk2; upregulated were Mapk1, Map2k1, Qdpr, Mthfs, and Mthfsl. This gene pattern in WAT can serve as a signature for detecting mild vitamin B3 deficiency.

Journal

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research

Share

Read more

Muscle Health

Nicotinamide Riboside Demonstrates Cardioprotective Effects by Boosting Mitochondrial Stress Response: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) helps cells manage misfolded proteins in mitochondria to maintain function. Cardiac mitochondria are essential for contractile function...

Read more
Immune Health

NAD-Related Compounds Affect Immune Cell Growth and Inflammatory Response: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis Nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) are compounds related to NAD+ that play important roles in cell signaling, including in the immune system. S...

Read more