Modulation of NDEA activated ras expression and protein kinase C activity by nicotinamide

Nicotinamide, an amide derivative of vitamin B3, was found to inhibit the increase in ras expression, protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and diacylglycerol (DAG) levels in rats treated with N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). It effectively modulated the carcinogen induced increase in the cytosol and the particulate PKC activities but not the nuclear PKC activity. The DAG levels were also modulated by the endobiotic. It may serve as an ideal modulator of carcinogenesis. Nicotinamide is currently under trial as a radio sensitizer, and inhibition of these parameters may be one of the ways in which it confers radiosensitivity.