Modulation of sodium channels by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) or of its reduced form, NADH, as sodium channel modulators. The present invention also relates to the use of compositions containing NAD + or NADH to treat conditions associated with sodium channel current, such as arrhythmia. NAD + is found to increase sodium channel current, while NADH is found to decrease sodium channel current. Thus, conditions that are associated with decreased sodium channel current can be treated with NAD + , while conditions that is associated with increased sodium channel current can be treated with NADH.

1 . A composition for modulating sodium current of a cell comprising NAD +  or NADH and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of corn starch, gelatin, lactose, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, kaolin, mannitol, dicalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, alginic acid, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the NAD +  or NADH is about 0.1% to about 90% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is a solution for intravenous administration. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a powder, a tablet, a capsule, a solution, a suspension, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the NAD +  or NADH is about 10% to about 30% by weight of the composition.