Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside on Lung Cells: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study examined how different concentrations of nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursor—affect human lung cells grown in both 2D and 3D cultures. Researchers found that very low NR concentrations (1 μM) caused mild energy stress in cells before increasing NAD+ levels after several days. This controlled energy stress may help activate protective cellular pathways linked to metabolic health and cancer prevention. However, higher NR concentrations were toxic, leading to cell death, especially in 3D cell cultures and in premalignant cells, which were more sensitive than healthy ones. Protein analysis confirmed that NR altered energy metabolism and cell survival pathways. These results suggest that low, sustained NR exposure may induce beneficial stress responses, but excessive NR levels may be harmful, emphasizing the need to carefully balance NR dosage in future research and supplementation strategies.

Journal

Chemical Research in Toxicology