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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
10:36
Modeling Neuronal Death and Degeneration in Mouse Primary Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Published on: November 6, 2017
NAD+ and NADH in neuronal death
1Department of Neurology (127), University of California at San Francisco and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. Weihai.Ying@ucsf.edu
Summary
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its reduced form (NADH) play crucial roles in neuronal death. NAD+ administration significantly reduced ischemic brain damage, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuronal death is a critical factor in numerous neurological diseases.
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and NADH are vital for energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, calcium homeostasis, aging, and cell death.
- Existing research highlights the significant involvement of NAD+ and NADH in neuronal demise within specific neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of NAD+ and NADH in neuronal death.
- To explore the potential of NAD+ as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the functions of NAD+ and NADH in neurological disease.
- Presentation of recent experimental findings on NAD+ administration.
Main Results:
- NAD+ and NADH are implicated in various cellular processes relevant to neuronal survival and death.
- Intranasal administration of NAD+ demonstrated a substantial reduction in ischemic brain injury in recent studies.
Conclusions:
- NAD+ and NADH are key players in the pathophysiology of neuronal death in neurological diseases.
- NAD+ administration presents a promising novel therapeutic avenue for managing certain neurological conditions, particularly those involving ischemic damage.
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