NAD+ ⇒ Study on the role of NAD and its implications in pathophysiology and therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease

[daviddean]

Implications of NAD metabolism in pathophysiology and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential coenzyme that mediates various redox reactions. Particularly, mitochondrial NAD plays a critical role in energy production pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. NAD also serves as a substrate for ADP-ribosylation and deacetylation by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and sirtuins, respectively. Thus, NAD regulates energy metabolism, DNA damage repair, gene expression, and stress response. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of NAD metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and retinal degenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered crucial pathogenesis for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD. Maintaining appropriate NAD levels is important for mitochondrial function. Indeed, decreased NAD levels are observed in AD and PD, and supplementation of NAD precursors ameliorates disease phenotypes by activating mitochondrial functions. NAD metabolism also plays an important role in axonal degeneration, a characteristic feature of peripheral neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, dysregulated NAD metabolism is implicated in retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Leber congenital amaurosis, and NAD metabolism is considered a therapeutic target for these diseases. In this review, we summarize the involvement of NAD metabolism in axon degeneration and various neurodegenerative diseases and discuss perspectives of nutritional intervention using NAD precursors.

FULL TEXT AVAILABLE on site
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31280708

[Drdavid]

David, thank you for sharing this wonderful article. Neurodegenerative disease is growing in America and seeing something so simple that can offer some relief to thousands is impressive. We are currently involved in a case study with autoimmune disease and the lens and treatment with NAD+. Last exam showed improvement so maybe we will have a successful case.