Role of Vitamin B-3 and Ionized Calcium-binding Adapter Molecule 1 (IBA-I) on the Brain

Vitamin B3 also known as Niacin, is a critical nutrient with roles in cellular energy production, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory processes. Research indicates that niacin positively influences brain health through its conversion into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism and repair. NAD+ levels are particularly important for brain cells, as they influence mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress, both key for neuroprotection. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), on the other hand, is a protein expressed in microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, and is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS). IBA1’s role in modulating neuroinflammation makes it a valuable marker for microglial activation in various neurological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. The interplay between niacin and IBA1 may hold significant implications for brain health, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Niacin's ability to modulate inflammation may influence IBA1 expression and microglial activation, suggesting a potential therapeutic pathway. Understanding how niacin supplementation affects IBA1 levels could offer insights into treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where chronic inflammation plays a critical role. This review explores the potential therapeutic benefits of niacin through its effects on IBA1 expression, aiming to highlight its role in neuroprotective strategies for brain health.