Urolithin A and Nicotinamide Riboside Support Brain Immune Cells and Mitochondrial Health: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

During aging, many cellular processes, including DNA repair, energy production, and immune function, become less efficient. This study examined how two natural compounds, Urolithin A (UA) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), affect microglial cells, the brain's immune cells. Both compounds were shown to reduce DNA damage and slow cellular aging, but they influenced inflammation differently: UA activated the cGAS-STING pathway, while NR had broader anti-inflammatory effects. Both compounds improved mitochondrial function and energy production, although they differently affected reactive oxygen species and glycolysis. These findings suggest that UA and NR may support healthy brain immune cells and help protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Journal

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience