Superoxidizing and Antioxidant Activity of Nicotinamide Coenzymes in Vitro

New properties of nicotinamide coenzymes (NAD, NADP, NADH, NADPH) have been discovered: superoxide-generating and antioxidant activities. Coenzymes are capable of generating superoxide anions (O2─●), entering an alkaline environment; and can be O2─● traps, inhibiting the generation process in superoxide-generating model systems, thus exhibiting antioxidant properties. Actually, nicotinamide itself, which is a functional part in the coenzyme molecule in oxidation-reduction processes, showed only antioxidant activity in vitro. Antioxidant properties have also been found in adenosine, which is part of the coenzyme molecule. Thus, it has been established for the first time that coenzymes, according to their chemical properties, are bifunctional molecules. It is assumed that they participate in cellular signaling through the generation of superoxide and, in the case of excess superoxide in the environment, they can be antioxidants. All these properties of coenzymes and their components must be taken into account when used in scientific research and medicine.