Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Vascular Health and Reduces Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in arteries, begins with endothelial cell dysfunction and inflammation triggered by high cholesterol. This study found that loss of SIRT3, a mitochondrial enzyme activated by NAD+, worsened blood vessel damage and increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Supplementing with NAD+ or its vitamin B3 precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), restored mitochondrial function, improved vessel relaxation, and reduced inflammation in both human endothelial cells and mice. In mice prone to atherosclerosis, NR supplementation reduced plaque formation and improved overall vascular health. These results show that boosting NAD+ levels can protect blood vessels through SIRT3-dependent and independent mechanisms, making NR a potential strategy for preventing or treating heart disease caused by high cholesterol and inflammation.

Journal

Antioxidants