Protective Effect of Nicotinamide Riboside Against Acetaminophen Toxicity

Overview

Over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) can be detrimental. In space, astronauts who have pain and constant discomfort use acetaminophen extensively. Investigators are studying the effects of acetaminophen under space-like conditions since acetaminophen might affect astronauts' health. Investigators also wish to see whether a dietary supplement can reduce some negative effects of acetaminophen. It is believed that acetaminophen promotes the productions of chemicals in the body that could be toxic. In this study, measurements of these chemicals in urine after ingestion of 1 tablet of acetaminophen and compare these measurements to when acetaminophen is taken at the same time as a dietary supplement. This study will also explore whether these products are more abundant when blood is placed under conditions that mimic space. Therefore, this study will collect blood from a few volunteers who took acetaminophen, and acetaminophen with the dietary supplement.

In space, astronauts are constantly exposed to conditions the body is not used to. To relieve pain and discomfort, astronauts often use acetaminophen. This study investigates a possible negative synergistic effect between using acetaminophen and space-like stressors as they both generate oxidative stress and produce toxins that distribute around the body and disrupt cellular function in other tissues. The study seeks to examine whether a dietary supplement, nicotinamide riboside (NR), can reduce some adverse effects of these toxins by reducing their production when taking acetaminophen. The study will measure these materials in urine after ingestion of 1 gram of acetaminophen and compare these measurements to when the same amount of acetaminophen is taken at the same time as NR. It will also evaluate whether these toxins are more abundant when blood is placed under conditions resembling space. Therefore, blood collection from a few volunteers who take acetaminophen, and acetaminophen with NR. Ultimately, this work will establish whether NR could reduce the generation of specific endotoxins. For this study, male and female volunteers are needed to donate urine for testing the effect of 1000mg dose of Tylenol® and one 1000mg dose of Tylenol® with one 250mg dose of Nicotinamide Riboside on the abundance of uremic toxins in urine and in blood. Volunteers are also needed to donate blood.