Nicotinic acid activates the capsaicin receptor TRPV1: Potential mechanism for cutaneous flushing.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Nicotinic acid (also known as niacin or vitamin B3), widely used to treat dyslipidemias, represents an effective and safe means to reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, a substantial fraction of patients discontinue treatment because of a strong side effect of cutaneous vasodilation, commonly termed flushing. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that nicotinic acid causes flushing partially by activating the capsaicin receptor TRPV1, a polymodal cellular sensor that mediates the flushing response on consumption of spicy food.

Approach and results

We observed that the nicotinic acid-induced increase in blood flow was substantially reduced in Trpv1(-/-) knockout mice, indicating involvement of the channel in flushing respons

SUBMITTER: Ma L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4063526 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature