Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Against Radiation-Induced Intestinal Senescence: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Radiation therapy for cancer often damages the intestines, leading to long-term side effects known as delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). This study investigated whether nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ booster—can protect the gut from radiation-induced cellular aging (senescence). Mice exposed to gamma radiation developed signs of intestinal senescence, oxidative stress, and disrupted gut function, but NR treatment significantly reduced these effects. NR restored intestinal stem cell activity, improved gut microbial balance, corrected metabolic abnormalities, and reduced oxidative damage. Mechanistically, these benefits were linked to the activation of SIRT6 and SIRT7, enzymes involved in DNA repair and metabolism, and inhibition of the mTORC1 pathway, which is associated with aging and inflammation. The findings suggest that NR supplementation could serve as a therapeutic strategy to prevent or reverse intestinal aging and dysfunction caused by radiation, improving the quality of life for patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Journal

Journal of Advanced Research