Using NMR Spectroscopy to Measure Nicotinamide Riboside and NAD+ Metabolites in Human Cells: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

NAD+ and NADP+ are essential molecules that help cells produce energy and carry out important chemical reactions. They also act as signals and support protein functions like ADP-ribosylation and deacetylation by sirtuins. To maintain proper levels, human cells make NAD+ from forms of vitamin B3, including nicotinamide (Nam), nicotinic acid, nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinic acid riboside (NAR). These precursors are converted into NMN and NAMN, which are then turned into NAD+ and NAAD. In this study, researchers developed a method using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) to measure NAD+, NADP+, and their precursors in human cells. They found that cells grown with just Nam had detectable levels of NAD-related molecules, and adding NR and NAR allowed them to measure additional NAD+ intermediates. This NMR method can also measure NAD+ in human platelets and red blood cells, providing a useful tool to study NAD+ metabolism in humans.

Journal

International Journal of Molecular Sciences