
- Nad is a molecule found in each living cell of the body which plays an important role in creating energy in the body.
- Researchers at the University of Bergen, for the first time, show how mitochondria act as “tanks” to play Nad, who plays an important role in the creation of energy in the body.
- Scientists believe that this observation could open the way to new therapeutic options to combat aging and age -related diseases.
“NAD is an essential molecule that plays a critical role in all living cells – bacteria, plants, (and) animals”, Mathias Ziegler, MD, PHD, professor in the Biomedicine Department of the University of Bergen in Norway explained to Medical news today.
“The fundamental role of NAD is in the recovery of energy from food sources to make it available for cellular functions. Metaphorically speaking, NAD acts as a rechargeable battery storing the withdrawal energy from nutrients, then transmits it to the demanding energy processes. The most important of these processes takes place in the mitochondria, the power of the cell, “he continued.
Ziegler is the main author of a new study which explains how mitochondria act as “tanks” to store the NAD for cells.
However, as the quantity of NAD in mitochondrial “tanks” run out with age, cells may not have enough NAD to operate adequately.
Scientists believe that this observation can lead to new therapeutic options aimed at increasing NAD levels to combat aging and age -related diseases.
For this study, Ziegler and his team have developed cellular models to examine how cells can react when NAD levels are reduced during the aging process.
Previous research shows that NAD levels decrease as we get aging, potentially causing increased levels of DNA damage and a decrease in cellular metabolism, which are both linked to the aging process.
“Throughout the cell, the NAD is also used as a chemical messenger to transmit information and to define switches to regulate key events such as cell division and DNA repair,” said Ziegler.
“Unlike the energy transmission function, when it acts as a messenger molecule, the NAD is degraded and must be resynthesized. In a variety of diseases, including
“In our study, we have established and studied for the first time a cellular model system which resembled the situation of chronically reduced NAD levels, allowing us to study the mechanistic consequences,” he added.
During the study, researchers discovered that mitochondria act as a “reservoir” to hold the NAD and provide it with the cell if necessary.
“Previous studies have shown that the Mitochondrial Nad plays an important protective role in cell stress situations,” said Ziegler. “However, the way Nad exercises this role has remained unknown. Our investigation has revealed that mitochondria can provide NAD when the demand for this molecule is excessive in other parts of the cell. »»
Ziegler and his team also discovered that if the mitochondria do not have enough NAD stored, this can have a fatal consequence for the cell.
“Our study connects two characteristics of aging, mitochondrial dysfunction and deregulated NAD levels, which indicates that excessive consumption of mitochondrial Nad could constitute a key factor leading to dysfunctional mitochondria and therefore diseases associated with aging.”
– Mathias Ziegler, MD, PHD
“Our study made an important contribution to the understanding of the mechanistic base of the positive results of various preclinical and clinical studies of supplementation approaches in NAD. Even if it is unlikely that such supplementation approaches are able to cure pathology, they could have positive effects on the progression of the disease (that is to say slowing down progression) and reducing symptoms ” , explained Ziegler.
“This is also probably the case in aging, when the NAD mitochondrial tank is still sufficiently functional. Since we have been able to identify the key players in the buffer function of mitochondria, we have disentangled potential molecular targets for the development of therapeutic approaches, specifically supporting this mechanism, “he added.
Mnt Had the opportunity to speak to Manisha Parilekar, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD, Director of the Geriatrie Division at Hackensack University Medical Center and co -director of the Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, About this study.
“Nad + (Nad’s oxidized version) is a crucial coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions, in particular those linked to energy production, DNA repair and cell signaling. It is not surprising that the deregulation of NAD +levels, in particular a decrease in age, is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to aging and a wide range of pathologies, “said Parulekar.
“Although significant progress has been made in understanding the role of NAD + in aging and diseases, several key areas require additional research. Could the complement of NAD precursors stop this process, what is the optimal dose for different age groups and health conditions? Research should explore how factors such as age, sex, genetics and underlying health problems influence the response to NAD +precursors. »»
– Manisha Parulekar, MD, FACP, AGSF, CMD
Mnt He also spoke with Clifford Segil, Do, a neurologist at the Providence Center in Providence Saint John in Santa Monica, California, about this study.
“Nad (is) a supplement closely linked to vitamin B3 or niacin, and niacin is an supplement that we use to reduce cholesterol,” said Segil.
“Part of what they said was that the NAD in the study is linked to mitochondrial problems. In neurology, mitochondrial problems are generally neuromuscular or muscular problems, therefore (it is) the almost accepted mitochondrial problems affect muscles in neurology. It is not admitted that mitochondria affect dementia in neurology, “he said.
“I would like to see them say what food changes could try to increase the NAD as we age. I would also like to see them do research on mitochondrial or muscle diseases because in neurology, mitochondrial diseases are the most widespread in muscle neurological problems, “he added,
Parulekar said that while completely stopping the decline linked to the age of Nad + is probably impossible, readers can take measures to alleviate the decline and maintain healthier levels.
“Strategies may include the consumption of foods rich in NAD + precursors such as dairy products, fish, poultry, (and) green vegetables. Daily exercise can also help stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and increase energy demand, “she said.
Segil urged readers to consider Nad Oraux supplements rather than perfusions for security reasons.
Nad vs infusions supplements
“Each time you get an additional infusion, which is an intravenousness made outside a hospital, there are great risks for infections, so I discourage any patient to obtain an intravenous or an infusion of any supplement. I think it is safer to continue the oral supplements with vitamins and minerals. Perfusions IV of vitamins and supplements include the risk of infection, and the risk of infection prevail over potential advantages. »»
– Clifford Segil, do
“It is important to consult a health professional before starting any NAD +supplementation diet, especially if you have underlying health problems. They can help you interpret existing research and determine if the NAD + supplementation is right for you, “added Parulekar.