Nicotinamide Riboside Reduces Liver Fibrosis: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Liver fibrosis is part of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum, which currently has no approved pharmacological treatment. Researchers tested whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD+ precursor, could reduce liver fibrosis in mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet. NR lowered body weight and significantly reduced collagen buildup in the liver but did not affect liver inflammation or fat accumulation. In isolated mouse and human liver stellate cells, NR blocked their activation, which contributes to fibrosis. NR also increased energy use in muscle and brown fat. These findings suggest NR may help prevent liver fibrosis by targeting stellate cell activation and boosting metabolism.

Journal

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease