NR Restores NAD+ and Protects Heart Cells from Fatty Acid Damage: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study looks at how fatty acids (FAs) affect heart cells (cardiomyocytes) by reducing their ability to take in glucose, especially after a lack of oxygen (ischemia–reperfusion injury). It focuses on the role of NAD+, a molecule that helps regulate many cell functions. When heart cells are exposed to fatty acids, NAD+ levels drop, leading to an increase in protein acetylation (a chemical modification of proteins), which damages the cells' ability to take in glucose and increases fat breakdown. The study tested whether boosting NAD+ with nicotinamide riboside (NR) could reverse this damage. It found that NR reduced protein acetylation, improved glucose uptake, and decreased fat oxidation in cells exposed to fatty acids. Essentially, the study shows that NAD+ depletion caused by fatty acids leads to protein acetylation and impaired glucose uptake, but restoring NAD+ with NR helps protect the heart cells from this damage.

Journal

Metabolites