Targeting NAD+ in translational research to relieve diseases and conditions of metabolic stress and ageing

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a fundamental role in life and health through the regulation of energy biogenesis, redox homeostasis, cell metabolism, and the arbitration of cell survival via linkages to apoptosis and autophagic pathways. The importance of NAD+ in ageing and healthy longevity has been revealed from laboratory animal studies and early-stage clinical testing. While basic researchers and clinicians have investigated the molecular mechanisms and translation potential of NAD+, there are still major gaps in applying laboratory science to design the most effective trials. This mini-review was based on the programme and discussions of the 3rd NO-Age Symposium held at the Akershus University Hospital, Norway on the 28th October 2019. This symposium brought together leading basic researchers on NAD+ and clinicians who are leading or are going to perform NAD+ augmentation-related clinical studies. This meeting covered talks about NAD+ synthetic pathways, subcellular homeostasis of NAD+, the benefits of NAD+ augmentation from maternal milk to offspring, current clinical trials of the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) on Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), Parkinson’s disease (PD), post-sepsis fatigue, as well as other potential NR-based clinical trials. Importantly, a consensus is emerging with respect to the design of clinical trials in order to measure meaningful parameters and ensure safety.