Downregulation of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and
neurodevelopment in DCDA-D twins
Nicotinate and nicotinamide are precursors of the coenzyme
nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and
nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+).
Our study demonstrated that a lower hair concentration of nicotinamide
was identified in DCDA-D-L compared to DCDA-C twin (Figure 2B ).
In addition, the downregulation of nicotinate and nicotinamide
metabolism was detected in both DCDA-D-L and DCDA-D-S twins compared to
DCDA-C twins (Figure 3A ). Consistently, we also observed that
the activity of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism was positively
correlated with gross motor and problem solving in both smaller and
larger DCDA-D twins (Figure 4C ). It has been reported
myelinization and effective synaptic connections in the third trimester
are key factors in the formation of coordinated motor development in
children.44 Souza et al. reported that maternal
vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) intake in pregnancy contributes to increased
BW.45 A previous study showed that dietary
nicotinamide prolonged pregnancies and prevented FGR in mice with
preeclampsia.46 Moreover, recent literature identified
maternal nicotinamide riboside enhanced offspring development and
neurogenesis.47 Nicotinamide has been identified to be
associated with neuron differentiation by reducing the proliferation of
neural progenitors and accelerating neuronal maturation, neurite
outgrowth, and neurotransmitter expression.48,49 We
speculate that nicotinamide has a protective effect on fetal
neurodevelopment during gestation, especially aiding the differentiation
and maturation of nerve cells involved in motor and neurocognitive
development.