Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study identified the essential role of NAMPT, an enzyme that helps produce NAD+, in protecting dopaminergic neurons—the brain cells that control movement and are lost in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers found that these neurons contain higher levels of NAMPT than other brain cells. When NAMPT was removed or inhibited in mice, it caused progressive neuron loss, dopamine pathway damage, and motor problems similar to PD. In a rotenone-induced PD mouse model, treatment with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ precursor, restored NAD+ levels, reduced oxidative stress, repaired mitochondrial function, and protected dopamine neurons. In cell studies, NR reversed ROS accumulation and cell death caused by NAD+ depletion. These findings show that NAMPT and NAD+ are critical for neuron survival, and that NR supplementation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for slowing or preventing Parkinson’s disease progression.

Journal

Brain Research Bulletin