Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Intestinal Barrier From Alcohol Damage by Supporting Mitochondrial Function: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

The intestinal barrier, made up of epithelial tight junctions, prevents harmful substances in the gut from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier is damaged, it can cause widespread injury. Proper energy balance and healthy mitochondria are important for maintaining this barrier. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a compound that boosts NAD+ and supports mitochondrial function in the liver, but it's unclear whether NR can protect the gut barrier from alcohol-induced damage. This study used mice and intestinal cells to test if NR can prevent alcohol-induced gut damage. NR maintained levels of NAD+, boosted SIRT1 activity, improved mitochondrial function, and restored tight junction proteins that keep the barrier intact. Knocking down SIRT1 blocked NR's protective effects, showing the importance of SIRT1 in this process. Thus, NR helps protect the gut barrier from alcohol injury by supporting mitochondrial health through SIRT1.

Journal

Nutrients