Research Studies Involving NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is the oxidized form of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Hydroxide (NADH). NAD+ is considered to be a crucial component of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). ETC may be the key to the cellular energy generation cycle. It appears to produce energy in the form of ATP by transferring electrons from one carrier to another. NAD+ acts as a medium for sharing power within and outside the cells. In addition to energy generation, NAD+ may help to carry out several other biological processes. One such process is the folding and protein modification after their synthesis (post-translational edit). It also appears to help in the activation/deactivation of several enzymes.

NAD+ peptide also acts as a means of communication between cells. NAD+ has been suggested to act as an extracellular signaling molecule and helps regulate pivotal physiological functions. These functions include the activity of the intestine, bladder, neurons, and blood vessels. Research into the peptide has also implicated its activity in energy conversion, immune mediation, regulation of circadian rhythm, and timely DNA repair. NAD+ is an important biomolecule, but endogenous production appears to level off and then decline over time, which signifies its importance in age-related disease research.

 

What Does NAD+ Research Suggest?

1. Anti-Aging Potential of NAD+
Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cells. It controls processes that generate ATP, which is a form of energy currency. In addition, it is considered to help in several intracellular signaling processes and regulates innate immunity. Mitochondria senescence may lead to decreased cellular metabolism, heightened inflammation, and accelerated cell aging. These processes may lead to certain conditions which have been linked to age-related physiological decline, and it may also induce organ dysfunction and altered tissue repair processes in cases of injury or damage.

Processes that can modulate or accelerate the actions of mitochondria may reverse the biological clock. Researcher speculate that NAD+ may be a critical component of mitochondrial function. A decline in the levels of NAD+ has been suggested to interrupt signaling pathways to the nucleus by promoting a pseudohypoxic state. These changes may undergo reversal with adequate supplementation of NAD+. NAD+ supplementation has been hypothesized to mitigate or reverse decline in mitochondrial action.

NAD+ supplementation may lead to the activation of SIRT1. SIRT1 is a gene that produces an enzyme called Sirtuin-1. It is also known as NAD+-dependent Deacetylase Sirtuin-1. Sirtuin-1 acts as a co-mediator for cellular processes. These may include improved metabolism, cellular longevity, and reduced inflammation.

2. Neurodegenerative Conditions
NAD+ released by the nerve endings acts as a signaling molecule. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative potential, it has been hypothesized to exhibit significant neuroprotective characteristics. NAD+ appears to act on the mitochondrial energy generation pathways and reduces the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS are toxic molecules that lead to the generation of biologically healthy molecules. ROS increases significantly over time and is considered to be a pathogenic process in the onset of age-related conditions. Findings in animal models of Parkinson’s disease suggest that NAD+ supplementation may potentially reduce ROS. It also may improve the survival of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Researchers report that it appeared to effectively reduce the motor deficits seen in the animal models of Parkinson’s disease.

3. Muscle Function:
Muscle cell proliferation is considered to decline over time as well. This decline appears to be a direct consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction and NAD+ decline. A fall in mitochondrial gene expression may lead to reduced oxidative phosphorylation. A decrease in oxidative phosphorylation may lead to reduced energy production by mitochondria. Animal research suggests that NAD+ supplementation may potentially help improve gene expression and energy generation.

NAD+ supplementation appears to help stabilize the activity of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1-alpha). Stabilization of this gene may effect muscle growth similar to regular physical activity. Also, increased oxidative stress and inflammation may potentially induce a decline in muscle mass. NAD+ supplementation may potentiate an improvement in the survival of muscle fibers.

4. NAD+ and Inflammation
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is an enzyme-linked to inflammation. Several cancers are considered to lead to an over-expression of this enzyme. It is also linked to type 2 diabetes, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and obesity. NAD+ supplementation may potentially cause a dramatic decline in the levels of NAMPT.

 

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