Nicotinamide Riboside Prevents Liver Injury and Restores Mitochondrial Function: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

NAMPT is an enzyme that helps make NAD+. Since low liver NAD+ is linked to fatty liver disease, scientists removed NAMPT specifically from liver cells in mice to see the effect. These mice had less liver fat but showed more liver damage and fibrosis even on a normal diet. Their liver mitochondria had fewer proteins and lower respiratory function. Giving these mice NAD+ precursors (nicotinamide riboside and nicotinic acid) prevented liver injury and restored mitochondrial proteins. Analysis showed that most gene changes occurred in liver cells and were linked to damage. This suggests a critical NAD+ level is needed to prevent liver injury, and NAD+ precursors can protect the liver.

Journal

Journal of Biological Chemistry