Nicotinamide Riboside May Help Reactivate Early Human Embryos in IVF: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

During in vitro fertilization (IVF), nearly 60% of human embryos stop developing early—between the 3- and 8-cell stages—making it a major challenge for successful pregnancies. This study found that these embryos enter a senescent-like (aged) state, where they stop dividing and show reduced activity of key growth genes such as MYC and p53, along with lower production of ribosomes and histones. The researchers identified three types of arrested embryos, with metabolic differences affecting glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (the cell’s energy pathways). Remarkably, treating these embryos with nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3 derivative that boosts NAD+ levels—or resveratrol helped restart development in some embryos by restoring normal metabolism. These findings suggest that metabolic and epigenetic dysfunctions cause early embryo arrest, and that NR supplementation may help improve IVF success by reactivating healthy embryonic growth.

Journal

PLoS Biology