The Metabolism of Nicotinamide in Human Liver Cirrhosis: A Study on N-Methylnicotinamide and 2-Pyridone-5-Carboxamide Production

Abstract

In cirrhotic patients nicotinamide methylation is increased, as shown by the rise in urinary N-methylnicotinamide and 2-pyridone-5-carboxamide that is concurrent and proportional (constant 24-h metabolite ratio). The hyperfunction of this methylating pathway might play a protective role against the toxic effect of intracellular accumulation of nicotinamide deriving from the catabolic state of cirrhosis.