Riekelt Houtkooper

Abstract Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in blood and tissues are widely proposed to decline with age, yet evidence in human blood is inconsistent. Using a rigorously validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry system that accounts for real-world analytical variability, we quantify NAD+ across seven independent human cohorts.

Abstract NAD+ is a crucial metabolic cofactor whose intracellular levels can influence the progression of multiple metabolic and age-related complications. There is therefore a strong interest in using NAD+ precursors (vitamin B3s) as therapeutic tools, but most current precursors exhibit either poor bioavailability or adverse effects.

Abstract Beyond their classical functions as redox cofactors, recent fundamental and clinical research has expanded our understanding of the diverse roles of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) in signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation and energy homeostasis. Moreover, NAD and NADP influence numerous diseases as well as the processes of aging, and are emerging as targets for clinical intervention.