Nicotinamide Riboside Increased Liver Regeneration by Enhancing Mitochondrial Functions: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

The liver’s ability to regenerate after injury or surgery is vital for survival, but the metabolic mechanisms behind this process are not fully understood. This study found that losing the mitochondrial enzyme SIRT3—which depends on NAD+ for activity—greatly reduced the liver’s capacity to heal. Interestingly, treatment with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 derivative that raises NAD+ levels, restored liver regeneration even when SIRT3 or its related enzyme SIRT1 were absent. NR improved mitochondrial respiration, oxygen use, and glucose output, suggesting that it directly enhances mitochondrial energy metabolism rather than relying on sirtuin signaling. These results show that NAD+ supplementation with NR promotes liver recovery by strengthening mitochondrial function, offering new insights into how cellular energy balance supports tissue repair.

Journal

JCI Insight