Unveiling citicoline's mechanisms and clinical relevance in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders

Citicoline, a compound produced naturally in small amounts in the human body, assumes a pivotal role in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, a dynamic constituent of membranes of neurons. Across diverse models of brain injury and neurodegeneration, citicoline has demonstrated its potential through neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to elucidate citicoline's anti-inflammatory mechanism and its clinical implications in conditions such as ischemic stroke, head trauma, glaucoma, and age-associated memory impairment. Citicoline's anti-inflammatory prowess is rooted in its ability to stabilize cellular membranes, thereby curbing the excessive release of glutamate—a pro-inflammatory neurotransmitter. Moreover, it actively diminishes free radicals and inflammatory cytokines productions, which could otherwise harm neurons and incite neuroinflammation. It also exhibits the potential to modulate microglia activity, the brain's resident immune cells, and hinder the activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor governing inflammatory genes. Clinical trials have subjected citicoline to rigorous scrutiny in patients grappling with acute ischemic stroke, head trauma, glaucoma, and age-related memory impairment. While findings from these trials are mixed, numerous studies suggest that citicoline could confer improvements in neurological function, disability reduction, expedited recovery, and cognitive decline prevention within these cohorts. Additionally, citicoline boasts a favorable safety profile and high tolerability. In summary, citicoline stands as a promising agent, wielding both neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential across a spectrum of neurological conditions. However, further research is imperative to delineate the optimal dosage, treatment duration, and underlying mechanisms. Moreover, identifying specific patient subgroups most likely to reap the benefits of citicoline as a new therapy remains a critical avenue for exploration.