Effects of Nicotinamide in the Protection of Apoptosis and Necrosis in a Stroke

Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which is thought to have a potential role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This substance may have neuroprotective properties, which may protect brain against damage in ischemia-reperfusion. However, the dosage of therapy is not truly clarifying. Materials and Methods: Transient focal cerebral ischemia was persuaded by middle cerebral artery obstruction for 70min. Several doses of nicotinamide were administered upon reperfusion. Neurological detection scores and infarct volumes were recorded. Results: The scores of neurological deficiency and volumes of infarction were significantly decreased by nicotinamide therapy.Nicotinamide administrated during the first 4 h of reperfusion can suppress the progress of brain damage. Conclusions: Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) has a potential effect in repairing the DNA in stroke. Nicotinamide provides energy as a suppressor of PARP.The results propose that initial use of nicotinamide at an appropriate dosage meaningfully improves apoptotic and necrotic brain damage after focal ischemia–reperfusion.