Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence

Summary

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), the cell’s hydrogen carrier for redox enzymes, is well known for its role in redox reactions. More recently, it has emerged as a signaling molecule. By modulating NAD ⁺ sensing enzymes, it controls hundreds of key processes from energy metabolism to cell survival, rising and falling depending on food intake, exercise and the time of day. NAD ⁺ levels steadily decline with age, resulting in altered metabolism and increased disease susceptibility. Restoration of NAD ⁺ levels in old or diseased animals can promote health and extend lifespan, prompting a search for safe and efficacious NAD-boosting molecules. Such molecules hold the promise of increasing the body’s resilience, not just to one disease, but to many, thereby extending healthy human lifespan.

eTOC Blurb

Nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a key regulator of cellular processes that control the body’s response to stress. Rajman et al. discuss NAD boosters, small molecules that raise NAD+ levels, which are now considered to be highly promising for the treatment of multiple diseases and the potential extension of human lifespan.