Fact Meets Function

This animal study found that a high-fat diet increases alpha-ketoglutarate levels, which triggers a chain reaction that depletes NAD+ and NMN levels in immune cells. This depletion disrupts cellular energy production and increases inflammation, contributing to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries). The research suggests that maintaining adequate NAD+ and NMN levels may be important for cardiovascular health and controlling inflammation.

This study found that aging causes an energy crisis in the intestines that disrupts production of HDL3, a beneficial cholesterol that protects the liver from inflammation. Supplementing with NMN restored intestinal energy production and HDL3 levels, which helped reduce liver damage and inflammation associated with aging. The research suggests NMN may help maintain healthy gut-liver communication as we age.

Researchers developed a targeted drug delivery system that uses NMN (a compound that boosts cellular energy) to treat kidney damage caused by reduced blood flow. In mouse studies, this system successfully delivered NMN directly to injured kidney cells, restored their energy production, and prevented both immediate kidney damage and long-term scarring. The treatment works by boosting NAD+ levels in kidney cells, which helps repair their cellular powerhouses (mitochondria).