Furthermore, using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, it was found that nicotinamide exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on the HBV core, SpI, SpII and X promoters, accompanied by decreased expression of the transcription factors AP-1, C/EBPα
and PPARα. Therefore,
nicotinamide suppresses HBV replication in vitro
and in vivo by diminishing HBV promoter activity. This study highlights the potential application of nicotinamide in HBV therapy.