Roles of NAD+ in Health and Aging

Abstract

NAD+, the essential metabolite involved in multiple reactions such as the regulation of cellular metabolism, energy production, DNA repair, mitophagy and autophagy, inflamma-tion, and neuronal function, has been the subject of intense research in the field of aging and disease over the last decade. NAD+ levels decline with aging and in some age-related dis-eases, and reduction in NAD+ affects all the hallmarks of aging. Here, we present an overview of the discovery of NAD+, the cellular pathways of producing and consuming NAD+, and discuss how imbalances in the production rate and cellular request of NAD+ likely contribute to aging and age-related diseases including neurodegeneration. Preclinical studies have revealed great potential for NAD+ precursors in promotion of healthy aging and improvement of neurodegeneration. This has led to the initiation of several clinical trials with NAD+ precursors to treat accelerated aging, age-associated dysfunctions, and diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. NAD supplementation has great future potential clinically, and these studies will also provide insight into the mechanisms of aging.