Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD): Difference between revisions

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NAD+ is involved in several crucial biological processes:
NAD+ is involved in several crucial biological processes:


# Energy Production: NAD+ helps in converting nutrients into energy within the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells.
# '''Energy Production''': NAD+ helps in converting nutrients into energy within the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells.
# DNA Repair: It's essential for the function of enzymes like PARPs and sirtuins, which are involved in DNA repair and have links to longevity.
# '''DNA Repair''': It's essential for the function of enzymes like PARPs and sirtuins, which are involved in DNA repair and have links to longevity.
# Cell Signaling: As a substrate for various enzymes, it plays a role in cellular communication and adaptations to stress.
# '''Cell Signaling''': As a substrate for various enzymes, it plays a role in cellular communication and adaptations to stress.


[[File:nihms790132f7.jpg|thumb|CD38/NADase increases during aging, and causes NAD decline and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction.]]
[[File:nihms790132f7.jpg|thumb|[[CD38]]/[[NADase]] increases during aging, and causes NAD decline and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction.]]


=== NAD+ Decline with Age ===
=== NAD+ Decline with Age ===
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* A decrease in mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy output.
* A decrease in mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy output.
* Reduced activity of sirtuins, proteins linked to lifespan extension in various organisms.
* Reduced activity of [[Sirtuins|sirtuins]], proteins linked to lifespan extension in various organisms.
* Enhanced vulnerability of DNA to damage.
* Enhanced vulnerability of DNA to damage.
* Increased susceptibility to age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
* Increased susceptibility to age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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# [[Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)]]: Another NAD+ precursor that can elevate NAD+ levels in the body.
# [[Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)]]: Another NAD+ precursor that can elevate NAD+ levels in the body.
# [[Caloric Restriction]]: It has been observed to enhance NAD+ levels and activate sirtuins.
# [[Caloric Restriction]]: It has been observed to enhance NAD+ levels and activate sirtuins.
# NAD+ Infusions: Direct infusion of NAD+ is being explored as a method, although it's still in the early stages of research.
# [[NAD+ Infusions]]: Direct infusion of NAD+ is being explored as a method, although it's still in the early stages of research.


=== Safety and Implications for Longevity ===
=== Safety and Implications for Longevity ===