Vitamin B3 Breakthrough: Scientists Discover Key to Reversing liver Damage
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a genetic substance linked to teh advancement of abnormal liver conditions and found that vitamin B3, also known as niacin, can effectively suppress its harmful effects.
The Culprit: Micro RNA-93 (MIR-93)
A team of scientists from Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Pusan National University, and Ulsan University Hospital have pinpointed micro RNA-93 (MIR-93), or MIR-93, as a key player in the progression of liver disease.Professor Jang-Hyun Choi of UNIST announced the findings, stating that MIR-93, expressed in the liver, is the world’s first genetic substance that induces the development and deterioration of abnormal liver.
metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) involves excessive fat accumulation in the liver and is closely associated with metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. The name change from ‘non-alcoholic fatty liver’ reflects the growing understanding of its connection to these metabolic issues.
How MIR-93 Works
MIR-93 is a specialized RNA found in hepatocytes (liver cells) that inhibits the expression of other genes. In patients with MASLD and in animal models,MIR-93 levels are abnormally high. Researchers found that MIR-93 suppresses the SIRT1 gene, which is crucial for fat metabolism in hepatocytes. This suppression leads to fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver.
Experiments with gene-edited mice further confirmed MIR-93’s role. Mice with the MIR-93 production function eliminated showed a notable reduction in liver fat accumulation, along with improved insulin sensitivity and liver function indicators. Conversely, mice with excessive MIR-93 expression experienced worsened liver metabolism.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): A potential Solution
The research team discovered that niacin, also known as vitamin B3, effectively suppresses MIR-93. Niacin is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
Experiments showed that niacin considerably reduced MIR-93 levels in the livers of rats, leading to a considerable increase in the activity of the SIRT1 gene. Activated SIRT1 plays a critical role in restoring normal liver lipid metabolism by promoting fatty acid breakdown.
This study is very clinical application in that it accurately identifies the cause of molecular development between metabolism and suggests the possibility of controlling them with already approved vitamin components.
An official of the researchers
The researchers believe that niacin holds promise as a treatment for MASLD.
Niacin, which is used as a treatment for hyperlipidemia, is a strong candidate that can be applied to MIRNA -based complex strategies as it is a drug that has been proven to be safety.
An official of the researchers
FAQ: Vitamin B3 and Liver Health
- What is MIR-93? MIR-93 is a genetic substance that induces the development and deterioration of abnormal liver conditions.
- What is MASLD? Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, frequently enough linked to metabolic disorders.
- How does vitamin B3 help? Vitamin B3 (niacin) suppresses MIR-93, leading to improved liver lipid metabolism.
- Is niacin safe? Niacin is an FDA-approved drug for treating hyperlipidemia and has a proven safety record.
