Nicotinamide mitigates radiation injury in submandibular gland by protecting mitochondrial structure and functions

Abstract Background Radiation damage to salivary gland is inevitable in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Safe and effective treatments for protecting salivary glands from radiation are still unavailable. Mitochondrial damage is a critical mechanism in irradiated salivary gland; however, treatment targeting mitochondria has not received much attention. Nicotinamide is a key component of the mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of nicotinamide on protecting irradiated submandibular gland. Methods Submandibular gland cells and tissues were randomly divided into four groups: control, nicotinamide alone, radiation alone, and radiation with nicotinamide pretreatment. Cell viability was detected by PrestoBlue cell viability reagent. Histopathological alterations were observed with HE staining. Pilocarpine‐stimulated saliva was measured from Wharton's duct. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assay. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase was examined with immunofluorescence. The levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate were measured with the relevant kits. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Results Nicotinamide significantly mitigated radiation damage both in vitro and in vivo. Also, nicotinamide improved saliva secretion and reduced radiation‐induced apoptosis in irradiated submandibular glands. Moreover, nicotinamide improved nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase and the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential, all of which were decreased by radiation in submandibular gland cells. Importantly, nicotinamide protected the mitochondrial ultrastructure from radiation. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that nicotinamide alleviates radiation damage in submandibular gland by replenishing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and maintaining mitochondrial function and ultrastructure, suggesting that nicotinamide could be used as a prospective radioprotectant for preventing radiation sialadenitis.