In March of this year, a research team from Stanford University School of Medicine published a groundbreaking study in the journal Nature, which showed that through one-time antibody therapy, the composition of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells in mice can be persistently altered, thereby enhancing the immune ability of older mice and effectively combating pathogen invasion.
In fact, in the context of global aging population, scientists have never stopped exploring how to more effectively combat aging and alleviate the aging process. The scientific community has been searching for more aging factors and striving to develop more anti-aging drugs or supplements. Numerous studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is one of the more clear factors affecting cellular aging. As an important coenzyme involved in energy metabolism, metabolic substrate, and intracellular signaling molecule, NAD+participates in various physiological activities such as cellular material metabolism, energy synthesis, DNA repair, etc.
In recent years, the changes and regulation of NAD+metabolism during aging have attracted much attention. Scholars [4] have proposed that there exists a "NAD World" system regulatory network in the aging process of mammals; The NAD+levels of cells and organisms determine the process and degree of aging; The weakness of certain specific links leads to a decrease in NAD+levels, ultimately leading to a decrease in overall NAD+levels and accelerating aging. The effects of anti-aging measures such as resveratrol, calorie restriction, and exercise have been confirmed to be related to their regulation of the NAD+metabolic pathway. Therefore, NAD+is considered a potential target for anti-aging.
Based on current research, the main roles of NAD+in the human body include:
1.
NAD+helps to prolong telomeres. When cells divide, telomeres become shorter. When telomeres are "worn" to a certain extent, cells no longer divide and become inactive or apoptotic. Sirtuins proteins promote cell division by requiring NAD+to help maintain telomere length.
2.
NAD+helps repair our DNA. As we age, DNA strands may break and genetic mutations may occur. As DNA damage accumulates, it can lead to many diseases that shorten lifespan, such as cancer and weakened immunity. Of course, our human body has its own DNA repair mechanism. When DNA is damaged, it activates the enzyme PARP-1 and repairs DNA within cells. During the repair process, a large amount of NAD+is consumed in the body. Supplementing NAD+can restore the DNA repair process and prevent cell apoptosis.
3.
NAD+regulates immune cell signaling, and as we age, our immune cells become unstable. Being overly active can lead to autoimmune diseases, while being inactive can increase the risk of various bacterial and viral infections. This is known as immune aging, which depends on mitochondrial function and energy balance factors, both of which are closely related to NAD+activity.
4.
Nad+ promotes the cellular delivery of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) energy enzymes. A general feature of aging is the loss of cellular energy. ATP is the main energy source in most cellular processes. Energy is used to maintain all processes required for life. However, in the process of energy transmission, energy loss inevitably occurs. One of the reasons is the decline of electron transport chain effect, in which nad+ is an important participant. Studies have shown that restoring electron transport chain function by increasing nad+ level is a fast and effective means to promote energy extraction and maintain young cell function.
5.
Nad+ helps stabilize chromosomes. As time changes, chromosomes, like all complex molecular structures, will slowly become unstable. Ultimately, instability will trigger errors in gene interpretation, which will eventually lead to harmful changes in cell function and structure. Nad+ is required for enzymes that maintain stable chromosome structure to operate normally.
6.
Nad+ promotes brain health. Because nad+ affects neurotransmitters and plays an important role in maintaining brain health, neurotransmitters can transmit signals between nerve cells to help regulate systemic functions, such as mood, appetite, stress, etc.
