Pharmacological effects and neuroprotective effects of citicoline

 

Citicoline is a single nucleotide composed of ribose, cytosine, pyrophosphate and choline. It is an endogenous nucleotide present in the human body and is an intermediate and limiter of cell membrane phospholipid biosynthesis. speed enzyme.

Citicoline is widely used clinically, mainly for the treatment of central nervous system diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, brain injury, brain atrophy, chronic cerebral insufficiency, etc. Its essence is the activation of energy metabolism of central nervous cells. It is an agent that can effectively promote the metabolism of brain cells; it is a stabilizer of cell membranes. It can improve brain function by reducing membrane disintegration and free radical generation, enhancing cells' choline reserves.

Pharmacological effects of Citicoline:

1. Protect cell membrane lipid structure

Citicoline promotes phospholipid synthesis in the brain and repairs cell membrane structure;

Citicoline inhibits the activity of phospholipase, reduces the decomposition of phospholipids, and blocks cell apoptosis.

2. Stimulate the neurotransmitter system

Citicoline promotes striatal dopamine synthesis;

Citicoline effectively protects dopaminergic neurons.

3. Promote energy metabolism of brain tissue

Citicoline restores the activity of Na-K-ATPase;

Citicoline promotes energy metabolism in the brain.

Neuroprotective effect:

1. Affects the levels of neurotransmitters within synapses

Increases central nervous system dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine levels.

2. Promote the repair and regeneration of nerve cell membranes

Choline is an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylcholine can stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged neuron cell membranes and promote the recovery of neurological functions.

3. Reduce the toxic effects of excitatory amino acids

Reduce extracellular glutamate levels and alleviate the toxic effects of excitatory amino acids.

4. Promote brain energy metabolism

Restore the activity of Na-K-ATPase and restore abnormal neuronal ATP levels.

5. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Citicoline reduces phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, reducing inflammation and free radical production.

Citicoline is not suitable for use in combination with chloral aldehyde drugs, such as chloral hydrate, as it can easily aggravate the depression of central nervous system function. Citicoline has a certain irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, so it is recommended to take it after meals to reduce adverse reactions. If you need to take Citicoline, please take it with the knowledge of your doctor.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.