The Role of NAD+ in Anti-Aging Therapies | Biomedgrid

The aging process involves accumulation of DNA damage, mitochondrial defects, progressive tissue degeneration and atrophy, and the development of metabolic dysfunction and weakness. Aging is also accompanied by decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which can result in cell damage and even shorter life spans. NAD+ acts as an enzyme cofactor in many essential biological pathways and is a substrate for several regulatory proteins. Many studies have suggested that the upregulation of NAD+ precursors can increase levels of NAD+ in tissues or cells to delay aging. Clinical trials have been conducted on the safety and efficacy of NAD+. Here we provide a review of NAD+ metabolism and its role in aging-related therapy.