Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
NAD+ is a fundamental coenzyme found in all living cells, essential for life. It exists in two forms: NAD+, an oxidizing agent, and NADH, which acts as a reducing agent. These electron transfer reactions are the primary engine of energy production in the cell.
DNA Repair and PARP
Beyond energy, NAD+ serves as a critical substrate for enzymes like PARPs (Poly ADP-ribose polymerases), which are responsible for detecting and repairing damaged DNA. This makes NAD+ a central pillar of genomic stability and cellular resilience.
Levels Over Time
Research has consistently shown that NAD+ levels decline in various tissues as a biological system ages. This has sparked intense scientific interest in how restoring NAD+ concentrations might influence mitochondrial efficiency and systemic cellular health.
Scientific References:
[1] Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). "NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease." Trends in Cell Biology.
[2] Verdin, E. (2015). "NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration." Science.
