Mitochondrial Activators Like Nicotinamide Riboside Help Heart Cell Function: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Mitochondrial dysfunction in failing hearts can cause energy shortages in heart cells. This study tested how isoproterenol (ISO), a compound that stresses heart cells, affects mitochondria and energy levels, and whether certain treatments can help. Rat heart cells were treated with ISO along with mitochondrial activators (quercetin, rosiglitazone, SNAP) or the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR). ISO lowered ATP (the cell's energy) in the heart cells. SNAP improved ATP levels, while NR increased NAD+ but did not raise ATP. Several treatments, including SNAP, rosiglitazone, and NR, boosted mitochondrial function. These results show that mitochondrial activators can improve heart cell function, but only some also restore energy molecules, which could guide treatments for heart failure.

Journal

Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids