Age-Related Changes in NAD Metabolome and Nicotinamide Riboside Levels: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important molecule that helps cells produce energy and control gene activity. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and giving animals NAD+ precursors has been shown to help with age-related metabolic problems. However, how NAD+ is made and used in aging organs isn’t fully understood. In this study, researchers developed a new method using LC/MS/MS to measure NAD+ and its reduced form, NADH, in cells and tissues with just one sample preparation. Using this approach, they confirmed that NAD+ levels drop in the liver and muscles as animals age. They also found that levels of NAD+ precursors—nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR)—increase in the kidneys with age. This new method makes it easier to study NAD metabolism in aging and could help guide future research on NAD-related therapies.

Journal

Biomedical Chromatography