The body is composed of approximately 40 to 60 trillion cells, and each of these 40 to 60 trillion cells relies on NAD+ to perform its "job" and maintain itself.
Without NAD+, the heart would be unable to pump blood through veins.
The lungs do not inhale any air, and the neurons in the brain do not get activated.
Without this key molecule, no important organ in the body would function.
What is NAD+?
NAD+, also known as coenzyme I, whose full name is "Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide", is a crucial coenzyme within cells.
It can promote aerobic metabolism in mitochondria and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. As a core cofactor in REDOX reactions, it facilitates the metabolic processes of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids, and directly participates in the synthesis of the cellular energy currency - adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
NAD is responsible for electron transfer in the human body. Depending on whether it carries the transferred electrons, NAD is divided into two forms: NAD+ and NADH. NADH is in the reduced form, while NAD+ is in the oxidized form.
NAD+ and NADH are like the two sides of a coin, very similar yet absolutely irreplaceable.
The difference between the two lies in that the latter has one more H carrying a positive charge and two electrons carrying a negative charge than the former.
The two can transform into each other in the human body, so NAD+ is usually used instead of NAD in terms of nomenclature.
How is NAD+ synthesized?
NAD+ can be synthesized through different dietary precursors via the De novo pathway, the Preiss-Handler pathway, the Salvage pathway and the Nucleosige pathway.
1. De Novo Pathway
Tryptophan (Trp)→ Kyurine (Kyn)→ quinolinic acid (QA)→ Nicotinic acid mononucleotide (Namn)→ nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (Naad)→ NAD+
This pathway is widely distributed within cells, but its synthetic efficiency is relatively low and it has a high dependence on tryptophan.
2. Preiss-Handler approach
Niacin (Na) → niacin mononucleotide (Namn) → niacin adenine dinucleotide (Naad) → NAD+
This pathway is an important supplementary route for the synthesis of NAD+ within cells, especially when there is an adequate intake of niacin.
3. Salvage Pathway
Nicotinamide (Nam) → Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) → NAD+
4. Nucleosige pathway
Nicotinamide nucleoside (NR) → Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) → NAD+
The remedial approach is the main way of NAD+ synthesis within cells, which is highly efficient and accounts for a large proportion, and can effectively recycle and utilize nicotinamide substances within cells.
function of NAD+
NAD+ plays multiple key roles in cells, mainly including:
(1) Energy metabolism
NAD+ serves as a cofactor for various REDOX enzymes within cells and acts as an electron carrier in processes such as glycolysis, the TCA cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation, participating in the generation of ATP.
(2) DNA repair
NAD+ is a cofactor of the PARP(poly ADP-ribose polymerase) family and participates in the process of DNA damage repair.
(3) Signal transmission:
NAD+ serves as a substrate for enzymatic reactions, especially as a necessary cofactor for Sirtuins(longevity proteins) and PARP, regulating epigenetic and cellular signaling pathways.
(4) Mitochondrial function:
Adequate NAD+ levels can ensure that mitochondria produce energy efficiently and maintain the normal metabolic activities of cells.
NAD+ protects mitochondria from oxidative stress damage by activating Sirtuins, regulates the morphology and function of mitochondria, and maintains mitochondrial quality.
(5) Immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory:
NAD+ regulates immune responses by influencing immune cells (T cells, macrophages, etc.), inhibits excessive inflammatory reactions, and reduces tissue damage.
(6) Anti-aging
NAD+ effectively regulates the normal operation of various "systems" through multiple mechanisms, such as promoting DNA repair, activating Sirtuins proteins, maintaining mitochondrial function, inhibiting oxidative stress, and regulating immunity and inflammation, to maintain vitality and a healthy appearance, thereby effectively delaying the aging process.
research history of NAD+
NAD+ has been studied by scientists for over 100 years. NAD+ is not a brand-new discovery but a substance that has been under research for more than 100 years.
The Nobel Prize winners in Chemistry and Medicine laid the research foundation for it.
NAD+ was first discovered in 1904
In 1904, Sir Arthur Harden, a British biochemist, first discovered NAD+. Later, Sir Harden won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1929.
In 1920, NAD+ was purified and its molecular structure was discovered
In 1920, Hans vonEuler-Chelpin first isolated and purified NAD+ and discovered its dinucleotide structure. Subsequently, in 1929, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
In 1930, crucial role of NAD+ in human metabolism was discovered
In 1930, Otto Warburg first discovered the crucial role of NAD+ as a coenzyme in material and energy metabolism. Subsequently, in 1931, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
In 1980, NAD+ was applied to treatment of human diseases
In 1980, Professor George Birkmayer from the Department of Medical Chemistry at the University of Graz in Austria first applied reduced NAD+ to disease treatment.
