A recent study from the Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University found that NMN helps improve gastrointestinal health
NMN supplements affect energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
In conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), dysfunction of the intestinal barrier may lead to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation.
On August 30, 2024, a new article published in the Journal of Translational Medicine by the Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, showed that taking NMN can help improve gastrointestinal health.
The authors note that NMN enhances mitochondrial function by increasing NAD+ levels, thus promoting cellular energy production.
This helps repair and maintain the intestinal epithelial barrier, which may reduce inflammation and improve intestinal health.
1. Anti-inflammatory effect
NAD+ is essential for the activity of sirtuins, a class of proteins with anti-inflammatory properties.
Increased NMN-mediated levels of NAD+ activate sirtuins, which regulate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
In diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage.
Activation of sirtuins by NMN can reduce inflammation by deacetylating histones and transcription factors, thereby inhibiting pro-inflammatory gene expression.
2. Reduce oxidative stress
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of digestive diseases.
NMN helps fight oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant defenses of cells.
NAD+ acts as a cofactor for enzymes such as PARP (polyADP-ribose polymerase) and sirtuins, which regulate DNA repair and antioxidant responses.
By supplementing NAD+ levels, NMN supports these enzyme activities, thereby reducing oxidative damage to gastrointestinal tissues.
3. Regulation of intestinal flora
Emerging evidence suggests that NAD+ metabolism affects the composition and function of the gut microbiota.
Imbalance of intestinal flora is associated with various digestive diseases.
The effect of NMN on NAD+ levels can regulate microbial metabolism and diversity, potentially restoring healthy gut microbiota composition.
This microbial balance is essential for immune regulation, inflammation regulation, and overall gastrointestinal homeostasis.
4. Cell senescence and tissue regeneration
The ability of NMN to enhance NAD+ levels supports cellular processes involved in tissue repair and regeneration.
In cases of gastritis or intestinal injury, NMN may promote the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells.
This cell regeneration can accelerate tissue healing and restore normal gastrointestinal function.
Sum up
The molecular mechanisms by which NMN plays a role in digestive diseases are multifaceted, focusing primarily on its role in replenishing cellular NAD+ levels.
By enhancing energy metabolism, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating gut microbiota, and promoting tissue regeneration, NMN has shown potential therapeutic benefits for diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Further research, particularly clinical trials in people with specific digestive disorders, is needed to validate these mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy and safety of NMN in clinical Settings.
References:
1.Liao, G., Xie, Y., Peng, H. et al. Advancements in NMN biotherapy and research updates in the field of digestive system diseases. J Transl Med 22, 805 (2024).
