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Nicotinamide Riboside Increases NAD+ and Protects Neurons in ALS Models: Preclinical Findings
Synopsis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease where motor neurons progressively die. Astrocytes from ALS models can cause motor neuron death in cell cultures. Boosting NAD+ levels or increasing NAD+-dependent enzymes like SIRT3 and SIRT6 protects neurons in these models. In ALS mice, removing the NAD+-consuming enzyme CD38 had no effect, but giving nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor, slowed motor neuron loss, reduced spinal cord inflammation, improved muscle metabolism, and slightly extended survival. In ALS patients, key NAD+-related enzymes were altered, suggesting this protective pathway is impaired. These findings highlight NR as a promising approach to boost NAD+ and protect neurons in ALS.
Journal
Experimental Neurology