ABSTRACT
Nicotinamide metabolism is important in carcinogenesis. Nicotinamide affects the cellular methyl pool, thus affecting DNA and histone methylation and gene expression. Cancer cells have increased expression of nicotinamide N-methyl transferase (NNMT), the key enzyme in nicotinamide metabolism. NNMT contributes to tumor angiogenesis. Overexpression of NNMT is associated with poorer prognosis in cancers. Additionally, NNMT can contribute to cancer-associated morbidities, such as cancer-associated thrombosis. 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA), a metabolite of nicotinamide, has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. Therefore, targeting NNMT can affect both carcinogenesis and cancer-associated morbidities. Several antitumor drugs have been shown to inhibit NNMT expression in cancer cells. Implementing these drugs to reverse NNMT effects in addition to 1-MNA supplementation has the potential to prevent cancer-associated thrombosis through various mechanisms.
