![Diagram of an NAD molecule](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7fb8ed_668501cb4d83451fb58102b7ddd84eaf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_170,h_170,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/NAD%20Molecule%20300%20-%20rotated.jpg)
Science of NAD
How are your NAD levels today?
![Diagram of an Nicotinamide Riboside molecule](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7fb8ed_2330d424e8b943c0a0efb437a9600a53~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_83,h_124,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Nicotinamide%20Riboside%20Molecule.jpg)
![Diagram of a Nicotinamide Riboside Molecule](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7fb8ed_2330d424e8b943c0a0efb437a9600a53~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_83,h_124,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Nicotinamide%20Riboside%20Molecule.jpg)
NAD+ in Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications
Trends in Molecular Medicine
September 9, 2017
Fang, Evandro
Summary
The coenzyme NAD+ is critical in cellular bioenergetics and adaptive stress responses. Its depletion has emerged as a fundamental feature of aging that may predispose to a wide range of chronic diseases. Maintenance of NAD+ levels is important for cells with high energy demands and for proficient neuronal function. NAD+ depletion is detected in major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, cardiovascular disease and muscle atrophy. Emerging evidence suggests that NAD+ decrements occur in various tissues during aging, and that physiological and pharmacological interventions bolstering cellular NAD+ levels might retard aspects of aging and forestall some age-related diseases. Here, we discuss aspects of NAD+ biosynthesis, together with putative mechanisms of NAD+ action against aging, including recent preclinical and clinical trials.