Citicolineis a mononucleotide composed of nucleic acid, cytosine, pyrophosphate and choline. Citicoline can stabilize the cell membrane by stimulating S-adenosyl-L-methionine, increase the dendrite complexity and spine density of the motor neuron structure, improve the plasticity of the nerve in the non-damaged area and promote function recovery; it also can reduce the level of water-soluble phospholipids by up-regulating phosphorylcholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT), and inhibit the activity of secreted phospholipase A2 (PLA2) or by inhibiting TNF-a/IL-1b, inhibiting PLA2 activation reduces the loss of phospholipids, thereby increasing the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and repairing nerve cell membranes. At the same time, citicoline can also increase the expression of anti-apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and inhibit the release of glutamate to reduce cytotoxicity; promote the rapid repair of damaged cell surface and mitochondrial membrane, maintain cell compactness and biological functions, As well as reducing the release of free fatty acids, thereby reducing the production of toxic oxygenated metabolites and free radicals. In addition, citicoline increases vasopressin and plasma epinephrine levels and stimulates the release of growth hormone, thyrotropin, and luteinizing hormone.
Citicoline is generally used to treat neurological sequelae caused by cerebrovascular dysfunction (including ischemic stroke), Parkinson's syndrome, craniocerebral injury or cerebrovascular accident. At the same time, for coma and disturbance of consciousness caused by acute craniocerebral trauma, brain surgery or massive cerebral infarction, it is helpful for the recovery of limb function of patients. In addition, citicoline sodium can improve learning ability, memory and behavior disorders, substance addiction, bipolar disorder, attention, time orientation, retinal and visual function, psychomotor function, and paralysis agitans. Studies have also shown that citicoline sodium can also be used for the treatment of glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease and depression.