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Other scientists agree that the work is exciting, but they caution that it's not yet clear what role the enzymes play in aging or in the effects of caloric restriction. "People have made arguments that NAD level is important, but at this point, it's one of a lot of players," says David Finkelstein, a biologist at the National Institute on Aging.
Additional studies are needed to truly assess the role of these enzymes, says Matt Kaeberlein, a biologist at the University of Washington. "These enzymes could potentially be important regulators of disease and potentially useful drug targets, but we need to get into animal models to find out how important they are," he says. Most of the current research was limited to cell lines, but Sinclair and his colleagues are now studying a mouse that overexpresses the mitochondrial enzyme. "If the mice are long-lived and show resistance to age-related disease, that will support this hypothesis," says Kaeberlein.
Sirtris CEO and cofounder Christopher Westphal says that the company, which is already running clinical trials of a potential anti-diabetes molecule that targets SIRT1, is screening for compounds that target a number of the sirtuins. But Westphal won't say if the company has identified specific compounds that target SIRT3 and SIRT4. "SIRT3 and SIRT4 also look like they would be interesting for diabetes," says Westphal. "Maybe they would treat it in a different way than SIRT1."
A new method tested in monkeys for replacing mitochondrial DNA could one day prevent devastating diseases.
A new drug proves effective in fighting obesity and related diseases while increasing stamina in mice.
Alright, after reading this article, did anyone immediately go "ZOMBIES!"?
I'm totally void about the "Zombies" reference...
I've seen high-class movies with brain munching un-dead but I have no idea how that applies to supplements that keep us perpetually un-dead.
What language is that in your subject? Mine is French.
Manufacturing in the United States is in trouble. That's bad news not just for the country's economy but for the future of innovation.
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backtoheaven
1 Comment
NAD
"Boosting levels of the NAMPT enzyme increases amounts of a chemical known as NAD, a key cofactor in many metabolic reactions. NAD is also crucial for the function of sirtuins, which have previously been linked to longevity."
Interesting information, if one happens to know what this "mysterious chemical" NAD is that is, which I'm sure many of the everyday reader does not.
NAD is simply vitamin B3! In active form, that is the form that is used within the cells. (there are other forms of active B3 as well)
B3 is plentiful in wheat bran by the way, so is Magnesium, another "chemical" that is crusial for the produktion of ATP in the mitochondria.
So, instead of advanced and costly and perhaps dangerous genetherapy, maybe one could simply eat more wheat bran? Just a thought... ;)
Reply
Elroch
56 Comments
Re: NAD
There is some evidence for benefit to the mitochondria from nutritional vitamin B3. As well as wheat bran, other great sources are yeast extract and dried brewer's yeast. Can't quite recall why, but I've been in the habit of having a glass of orange juice with a couple of tablespoons of dried brewer's yeast mixed in every morning for years, and I'm doing ok. :-) See Pubmed.com abstract 12891154
Reply
mbmurphy777
14 Comments
Re: NAD
Probably this article refers to the activated form of NAD (NADH)rather than the simple cofactor. This activation occurs withing the mito at the end of the electron transport chain, IIRC. Simply taking more NAD/B3 wouldn't have the same metabolic effect.
Reply
Elroch
56 Comments
Re: NAD
Maybe so, but the abstract I refered to suggests that exogenous niacin is one of the the supplements which can improve mitochondrial function.
Reply
Hardheadjarhead
18 Comments
Re: NAD
Dietary yeast supplementation has been popular for years. If it had any effect on longevity, we'd know about it.
The stuff would gag a maggot. Good luck adding it to your juice. Hope too you're not allergic to it, as some are.
Reply
Elroch
56 Comments
Re: NAD
Not sure where you have got your yeast from (or your maggots), but the debitterered yeast sold as a supplement is very tasty, especially with orange juice. I am not aware of any studies that have examined health benefits of supplementation with yeast: what is your basis for the statement that we would know about the benefits, if there were any?
Reply
albayrak
1 Comment
Re: NAD
I think the authers as well as commentators are overestimating the result of one study and jumping the conclusion. I read the paper, we have a weak and minor evidence of that. Increasing amount of B vitamin, which body uses to make NAD if needed, has nothing to do with the results of this study. NAD+ is a coenzyme recharged within the cells all the time. The ratio NAD+/NADH in the cells is important regulation of many dehydrigenses. As far as I know, there should not be significant difference in terms of NAD+ level between mitecondria and cytoplasm. Otherwise, the regulation of energy as we know it becomes meaningless. A lower level of NAD+ in the cell sends strong message to the receptors, and transcription factors within the cells so to the whole body. Low level indicates fasted state. The study never implies (and there is no evidence), if you really want a suggestion, it might be hunger is good.
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