Hepatic steatosis induced by nicotine plus Coca-Cola™ is prevented by nicotinamide riboside (NR)

Introduction. Cigarettes containing nicotine (Nic) are a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We reported that Nic delivered via injections or e-cigarette vapor led to hepatic steatosis in mice fed with a high-fat diet. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is the main sweetener in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the US. Increased consumption of SSBs with HFCS is associated with increased risks of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Nicotinamide riboside (NR) increases mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and protects mice against hepatic steatosis. This study evaluated if Nic plus Coca-Cola™ (Coke) with HFCS can cause hepatic steatosis and that can be protected by NR.
Methods. C57BL6 mice received twice daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of Nic or saline and were given Coke (HFCS), or Coke with sugar, and NR supplementation for 10 weeks.
Results. Our results show that Nic+Coke caused increased caloric intake and induced hep..., Adult male (10-week-old) C57BL/6J mice (22–24 g BW) purchased from Taconic Farms (Germantown, NY, USA) were housed (4–5 per cage) in a standard animal facility under controlled temperature (22 oC) and photoperiod (12-h light and 12-h dark cycle) with food and water ad libitum. Mice received twice-daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of Nic (0.75 mg/kg body weight) which is equivalent to smoking two-pack a day or saline (vehicle) for 10 weeks as reported previously in our laboratory. Nic was maintained in a dark container to prevent light exposure. Additionally, mice in both groups received Coca-Cola containing HFCS (Coke) (carbonate water, HFCS, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, caffeine; 140 cal per 360 mL, 0 g fat, 45 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, and 0 g protein) or sugar Coke (S-Coke) (carbonate water, cane sugar, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, caffeine; 140 cal per 360 mL, 0 g fat, 45 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, and 0 g protein), which is a speci..., , # Electron microcopy images Nicotine & Coke

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.g1jwstqx7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.g1jwstqx7)

Adult male (10-week-old) C57BL/6J mice (22–24 g BW) were housed (4–5 per cage) in a standard animal facility under controlled temperature (22 oC) and photoperiod (12-h light and 12-h dark cycle) with food and water *ad libitum*. Mice received twice-daily intraperitoneal (IP) injections of nicotine (0.75 mg/kg body weight) or saline (vehicle) for 10 weeks. Additionally, mice in both groups received Coca-Cola containing High Fructose Corn Syrup (Coke), which is a special run of Coke containing sugar and absolutely no High Fructose Corn Syrup, sugar Coke (S-Coke), or water in drinking bottles. To prevent hepatic damage and increase NAD+ levels, additional groups of mice were supplemented with twice daily IP injection of NR in saline solution (200 mg/Kg BW/day). The groups were:

1. Saline + Water (Sal+Water).
2. Nicotine + Water (Nic+Water).
3. Saline + Co...