Vitamin B 3 modulates mitochondrial vulnerability and prevents glaucoma in aged mice

Abstract

Vitamin B 3 protects mice from glaucoma Glaucoma is the most common cause of age-related blindness in the United States. There is currently no cure, and once vision is lost, the condition is irreversible. Williams et al. now report that vitamin B 3 (also known as niacin) prevents eye degeneration in glaucoma-prone mice (see the Perspective by Crowston and Trounce). Supplementing the diets of young mice with vitamin B 3 averted early signs of glaucoma. Vitamin B 3 also halted further glaucoma development in aged mice that already showed signs of the disease. Thus, healthy intake of vitamin B 3 may protect eyesight. Science , this issue p. 756 ; see also p. 688