Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Social Preference Deficits: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

NAD-derived molecules regulate oxytocin release, which influences social behaviors. This study tested the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplementation on social interaction in mice lacking either CD157 or CD38, two enzymes involved in NAD+ metabolism. While NR had no effect on sociability in either model, it rescued social preference deficits (interest in novel over familiar mice) in CD157-deficient mice but not in CD38-deficient mice. Neither genotype showed improvement in social memory after NR treatment. These findings suggest NR can improve certain social behaviors depending on the presence of CD38, highlighting its role in NAD-mediated social function.

Journal

Frontiers in Immunology