Article: Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Mitochondrial Defects and Neuronal Loss in Parkinson's Disease: Preclinical Findings

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Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular Health Preclinical

Nicotinamide Riboside Improves Mitochondrial Defects and Neuronal Loss in Parkinson's Disease: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Mitochondrial problems are thought to play a major role in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but it’s unclear if fixing them can slow the disease. Using patient-derived stem cells and fruit fly models of GBA-related PD, researchers found that neurons had stressed mitochondria and altered NAD+ metabolism. Supplementing with nicotinamide riboside (NR) boosted NAD+ levels and significantly improved mitochondrial function in patient neurons. NR also prevented neuron loss and motor decline in flies. These effects depend on the NAMPT and NRK1 enzymes for NAD+ production. The results suggest NR could be a promising treatment to protect brain cells in PD and similar disorders.

Journal

Cell Reports

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Liver Health

Study of Nicotinamide Riboside's Properties and Degradation Kinetics: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to NAD+, shows promise as a therapeutic compound for aging. However, little is known about its physical and chemical prope...

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Neurological Health

Mild Vitamin B3 Deficiency Changes Gene Activity in White Fat Tissue: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis Mild vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency is hard to detect. This study compared mice fed a diet without NR (vitamin B3 precursor) to those given recommended B3 levels, both with low tryptophan...

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