Effects of niacin on atherosclerosis and vascular function
Current Opinion in Cardiology, 01/17/2011
Clinical Article
Ruparelia N et al. – The identification of the GPR109A receptor has promoted a greater insight into niacin's mechanism of action, with demonstrated beneficial effects on endothelial function and inflammation, in addition to its lipid modulation role. Whether niacin itself is used routinely in the future will depend on the outcomes of two large outcome trials. In the future, however, with even better understanding of niacin pharmacology, new drugs may be able to be engineered to capture aspects of niacin that capitalize on the benefits more specifically and also more selectively, to avoid troublesome side–effects.
