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Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Alleviates Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report

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Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by Lewy body formation and dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra. Current pharmacological dopamine agonists and dopamine replacement therapy for PD treatment has shown adverse effects including hallucinations, cardiovascular complications, psychosis and further dyskinesia. The co-factor Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) serves a vital role in cell functionality and dopaminergic neuronal replenishment, where NAD+ depletion has been associated with the onset of neurodegenerative disease such as PD. Additionally, in a previous case study in a PD patient, an intravenous (IV) NAD+ administration protocol showed a rapid and sustained alleviation of PD-related symptoms, providing rationale for further investigating the positive effects of IV NAD+ through quantifiable measurements on tremors and cognitive function associated with PD. Method: A 59 year old male was diagnosed with PD four years prior to entering an outpatient clinic for treatment, reporting to have used PD medications with no alleviation of symptoms. Patient received a specific protocol of NAD+ (called BR+NAD) for a total of six days, with two days of 1,500mg IV NAD+, followed by four days of 500-750mg IV NAD+. Tremors were recorded in the client’s dominant right and left hands using an accelerometer and gyroscope. Researchers recorded periodic measurements (Hz) beginning on Day 2 through the end of Day 5 with 13 total measurements, on three axes; vertical, horizontal and anterior-posterior. Following Day 6, client received sublingual NAD+ tablets (300mg, twice per day X 14 days) after finishing IV treatment. Results: 1) Vertical axis tremors decreased by 75.9%, horizontal axis tremors decreased by 83.0% and anterior-posterior axis tremors decreased by 9.1%. 2) Mean tremor on Day 2 was 44.5Hz, while on Day 6 was 20.6Hz, resulting in a decline of 54.7% over the 4 day span. 3) Patient self-report of tremors continued to decline two weeks post BR+NAD (average 12Hz) with maintenance sublingual supplementation and application of a relaxation technique. Conclusion: These data show the effectiveness and endurance of the initial IV BR+NAD followed by sublingual tablets (300mg, twice per day) in maintaining decline and alleviation of PD symptoms. Additionally, these results substantiate previous research and case study findings, while establishing a protocol for empirically measuring PD symptom changes of IV NAD+. Keywords: Accelerometer and gyroscope; Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; Parkinson’s disease; Parkinson’s symptoms; Tremors
Content may be subject to copyright.
*Corresponding author: Susan Broom Gibson, School of Natural and Behav-
ioral Sciences, Department of Psychology, William Carey University, 710 Wil-
liam Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA, Tel: +1 2283040522; E-mail:
sgibson@wmcarey.edu
Citation: Rutherford L, Gadol E, Broom SL, Olds T, Mestayer RF, et al. (2020)
Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Alleviates
Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report. J Gerontol
Geriatr Med 6: 047.
Received: January 31, 2020; Accepted: February 24, 2020; Published: March 02,
2020
Copyright: © 2020 Rutherford L, et al. This is an open-access article distributed
under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits un-
restricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original
author and source are credited.
Introduction
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressively disabling neurodegen-
erative disease marked by the formation of Lewy body aggregates
and the death of dopaminergic neurons within the brain’s substan-
tia nigra. The symptoms of PD-related neurodegeneration often in-
volve noticeable disturbances in motor functionality, including trem-
ors and bradykinesia, as well as cognitive impairments in executive
functioning, including compromised working memory, attention and
problem-solving [1,2]. Current pharmacological treatment options
involve the use of dopamine agonists and dopamine replacement
agents, yet such treatments have produced signicant adverse effects
for patients, including visual hallucinations, dyskinesia and psychosis
[3]. In consideration of alternate treatments for PD, prior research has
shown that supplementation with the co-factor Nicotinamide Adenine
Dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical molecule involved in maintaining
healthy cellular redox metabolism and mitochondrial functionality,
can replenish the neuronal loss implicated in PD and other neurode-
generative diseases [4]. With respect to prion and prion-like neurode-
generative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Hunting-
ton’s diseases, researchers found that NAD+ starvation in a murine
model induced neurodegeneration, whereas NAD+ supplementation
displayed neuroprotective qualities in delaying neurodegeneration in
prion-infected mice [5]. Additionally, a recent study found a direct
link between the administration of an NAD+ precursor in the pre-
vention of dopaminergic neuronal loss amongst patient-derived in-
duced pluripotent stem cells of those with Parkinson’s disease [6].
Rutherford L, et al., J Gerontol Geriatr Med 2020, 6: 047
DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100047
HSOA Journal of
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine
Case Report
Intravenous Administration
of Nicotinamide Adenine Di-
nucleotide Alleviates Tremors
Associated with Parkinson’s
Disease: A Case Report
Rutherford L1, Gadol E2, Broom SL3*, Olds T1, Mestayer RF1,2 and
Mestayer P1,2
1Springeld Wellness Center, Springeld, Louisiana, USA
2NAD Research, Inc., Springeld, Louisiana, USA
3School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychology,
William Carey University, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
Abstract
Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative
disorder characterized by Lewy body formation and dopaminergic
neuronal death in the substantia nigra. Current pharmacological do-
pamine agonists and dopamine replacement therapy for PD treat-
ment has shown adverse effects including hallucinations, cardiovas-
cular complications, psychosis and further dyskinesia. The co-factor
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) serves a vital role in
cell functionality and dopaminergic neuronal replenishment, where
NAD+ depletion has been associated with the onset of neurodegen-
erative disease such as PD. Additionally, in a previous case study
in a PD patient, an Intravenous (IV) NAD+ administration protocol
showed a rapid and sustained alleviation of PD-related symptoms,
providing rationale for further investigating the positive effects of IV
NAD+ through quantiable measurements on tremors and cognitive
function associated with PD.
Method: A 59 year old male was diagnosed with PD four years prior
to entering an outpatient clinic for treatment, reporting to have used
PD medications with no alleviation of symptoms. Patient received a
specic protocol of NAD+ (called BR+NAD) for a total of six days,
with two days of 1,500mg IV NAD+, followed by four days of 500-
750mg IV NAD+. Tremors were recorded in the client’s dominant
right and left hands using an accelerometer and gyroscope. Re-
searchers recorded periodic measurements (Hz) beginning on Day
2 through the end of Day 5 with 13 total measurements, on three
axes; vertical, horizontal and anterior-posterior. Following Day 6,
client received sublingual NAD+ tablets (300mg, twice per day X 14
days) after nishing IV treatment.
Results: 1) Vertical axis tremors decreased by 75.9%, horizontal
axis tremors decreased by 83.0% and anterior-posterior axis trem-
ors decreased by 9.1%. 2) Mean tremor on Day 2 was 44.5Hz, while
on Day 6 was 20.6Hz, resulting in a decline of 54.7% over the 4
day span. 3) Patient self-report of tremors continued to decline two
weeks post BR+NAD (average 12Hz) with maintenance sublingual
supplementation and application of a relaxation technique.
Conclusion: These data show the effectiveness and endurance of
the initial IV BR+NAD followed by sublingual tablets (300mg, twice
per day) in maintaining decline and alleviation of PD symptoms.
Additionally, these results substantiate previous research and case
study ndings, while establishing a protocol for empirically measur-
ing PD symptom changes of IV NAD+.
Keywords: Accelerometer and gyroscope; Nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide; Parkinson’s disease; Parkinson’s symptoms; Tremors
Citation: Rutherford L, Gadol E, Broom SL, Olds T, Mestayer RF, et al. (2020) Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Alleviates
Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report. J Gerontol Geriatr Med 6: 047.
• Page 2 of 5 •
J Gerontol Geriatr Med ISSN: 2381-8662, Open Access Journal
DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100047
Volume 6 Issue 1 • 100047
This increasing evidence supports the rationale for further investi-
gating the therapeutic potential of NAD+ as an alternative form of
treatment in PD.
In a prior case study conducted by Gadol and colleagues [7], one
Parkinson’s patient showed signicant improvement in PD symp-
tomology, in addition to the discontinuation of PD-related medica-
tion, following an 8-day treatment course of intravenously delivered
NAD+ with monthly IV maintenance. Based on these ndings, the
present case study sought to quantitatively measure and further elab-
orate on similar symptom alleviation effects found in another PD pa-
tient [8] through directly measuring PD symptoms and corresponding
symptom changes over a 6-day treatment course of intravenously de-
livered NAD+ [9].
Method
We present a case of a 58-year-old male who had been diagnosed
with PD ve years prior to entering an outpatient clinic specializing
in IV (Intravenous) NAD+ therapy. Before beginning treatment, the
patient reported the following PD symptoms: gait rigidity (an impair-
ment in ability to walk uidly), bilateral hand tremors with a more
pronounced tremor in the left hand, impaired movement of ngers
and hands, difculty typing, and difculty opening and closing a
st. Additionally, the patient indicated that in the past four years, his
increased levels of anxiety and stress, as well as lack of consistent,
healthy sleep, had greatly affected his quality of life and led to an
increase of PD symptomology. According to the patient, his Parkin-
sonian symptoms began manifesting with severity over these last four
years. The patient reported taking PD medications in the class of do-
pamine agonists during these four previous years, yet decided to dis-
continue his PD-related medication before entering NAD+ treatment,
reporting that he had minimal alleviation of symptoms.
The treatment (known as BR+NAD, or Brain Restoration Plus
NAD) was comprised of IV infusions of NAD+, as well as added oral
supplementation of Vitamin C, B6, Folate, Selenium, N-acetyl-L-cys-
teine, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine and electrolytes. The patient received
BR+NAD for a total of six treatment days. He received 1,500mg of
BR+NAD for Days 1 and 2, followed by 500-750mg of BR+NAD
for Days 3-6 (Table 1). Tremor measurements were recorded in his
left, more compromised hand beginning on Day 2 using a comput-
erized program that included a gyroscope and accelerometer, called
Toozon Tremor. Empirical measurements of tremor severity (Hz)
were analyzed on the vertical, horizontal and anterior-posterior axes.
Additionally, researchers used a standardized battery of computerized
tests using Luminosity to assess cognitive performance in the areas
of memory, attention and problem solving on Day 1 (baseline score)
and Day 5. Lastly, in addition to the BR+NAD infusions, the client
learned and practiced a combination of relaxation techniques, includ-
ing deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation,
and a form of guided self-hypnosis (e.g., “With each breath I become
more relaxed,” etc.,). The results of the patient’s cognitive perfor-
mance on Day 5 of his IV BR+NAD treatment were compared to
his baseline scores on Day 1 for observable, quantiable evidence of
improvements in cognitive abilities following his IV BR+NAD infu-
sion. Following Day 6, for additional maintenance of his Parkinson’s
symptoms, the patient received sublingual NAD+ tablets (300mg,
twice per day) for 14 days. The patient recorded mean tremors for 14
days and provided additional self-report of changes through email fol-
low-up. Data were prepared in table and gure formats and analyzed
by descriptive analysis using Microsoft Excel.
Results
Baseline symptomology, treatment dose/timeline and qualitative
changes in PD symptoms are summarized in table 1.
As stated previously, the patient initially presented symptoms
including bilateral hand tremors (more pronounced in left hand),
shufing gate/gait rigidity and impairments in movements of the
hands and ngers. The patient indicated that he did not experience
cognitive or mood impairments typical of many PD patients. The
rst set of tremor measurements (in the left hand) occurred on Day
2 of the BR+NAD treatment. The patient took the rst measurement
at 12:00pm, approximately four hours after beginning his second
BR+NAD infusion, or approximately 35 hours into the treatment
process. The scores for Day 2 were 54.307Hz for vertical, 47.985Hz
for horizontal and 31.216Hz for anterior-posterior. The patient took
the second measurement at 1:00pm. These scores were 31.988Hz for
vertical, 20.255Hz for horizontal and 30.133Hz for anterior-posterior.
To note, within this one-hour timeframe, there was a 58% decrease in
tremors on the vertical axis, a 42% decrease in tremors on the hori-
zontal axis, and nally a 1% decrease on the anterior-posterior axis
(Figure 1). On Day 3 of the patient’s BR+NAD treatment, the second
set of measurements was gathered. The patient took the rst measure-
ment at 1:00pm, with measured tremor scores of 23.168Hz for verti-
cal, 14.538Hz for horizontal and 30.143Hz for anterior-posterior. At
2:00pm, the second measurement was taken with scores of 22.343Hz
for vertical, 13.084Hz for horizontal and 29.674Hz for anterior-pos-
terior.
Treatment Day BR+NAD Dose (mg) PD Symptoms and Symptom Changes
Baseline 0 Tremors in both hands; more pronounced in left hand; shufing gate/gait rigidity; difculty writing/making a st; mood and cognitive ability
rated appropriate
Day 1 1, 500 Baseline luminosity tests conducted; bilateral tremors present; patient reporting stress in am; By noon, patient reports decreasing tremors
“Something is happening!”
Day 2 1,500 Average tremors (left hand) declining from 47-24 HZ; Patient actively participating in treatment plan discussion
Day 3 750 Mood and Sleep quality good; Average tremors left hand continue to decline, lowest point at 16.9Hz
Day 4 750 Average tremors (left hand) stabilizing at 22.17 by mid-day; Patient noted that stressors caused an increase in tremors late in the day
Day 5 500 Average tremors (left hand) nal recording at 20.63HZ
Day 6 750 Steady gait; Tremors reduced in combination with breathing exercises/relaxation "I feel good." Second round of luminosity tests conducted.
Day 20 300mg 2X day Steady gait; Patient reported tremors present initially at wake up time, then drop off with relaxation exercises
Table 1: Summary of treatment days and corresponding PD symptoms.
Citation: Rutherford L, Gadol E, Broom SL, Olds T, Mestayer RF, et al. (2020) Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Alleviates
Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report. J Gerontol Geriatr Med 6: 047.
• Page 3 of 5 •
J Gerontol Geriatr Med ISSN: 2381-8662, Open Access Journal
DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100047
Volume 6 Issue 1 • 100047
At 3:00pm, the third measurement was taken with scores were
20.628Hz for vertical, 11.275Hz for horizontal and 18.718Hz for
anterior-posterior. At 4:00pm, the fourth measurement was taken,
with scores of 12.212Hz for vertical, 16.278Hz for horizontal and
20.802Hz for anterior-posterior (Figure 1). On Day 4 of receiving
his BR+NAD infusion, the third set of measurements was recorded
starting at 1:00pm. His scores were 24.2Hz for vertical, 13.1Hz for
horizontal and 29.7Hz for anterior-posterior. At 3:00pm, the second
measurement was taken with scores of 23.1Hz for vertical, 12.1Hz
for horizontal and 33.3Hz for anterior-posterior. At 6.30pm, the third
measurement was taken with scores of 37.0Hz for vertical, 16.1Hz for
horizontal and 27.5Hz for anterior-posterior.
The patient reported that he felt the results for the vertical dimen-
sion were inuenced by psychological stressors at the time, and there-
fore not quite as accurate a measurement as the prior measurements.
At 6:45pm, the fourth measurement was taken, with scores of 15.2Hz
for vertical, 4.6Hz for horizontal and 24.0Hz for anterior-posterior.
On Day 5 of the six-day treatment, his fourth set of measurements
was recorded starting at 8:15am. His scores were 28.6Hz for vertical,
18.5Hz for horizontal and 26.0Hz for anterior-posterior. At 12:30pm,
the second measurement was taken with scores of 30.3Hz for vertical,
17.03Hz for horizontal and 22.3Hz for anterior-posterior. At 1:30pm,
the third measurement was taken with scores of 19.5Hz for vertical,
13.0Hz for horizontal and 29.4Hz for anterior-posterior. As shown in
gure 1, overall, the vertical axis tremors decreased by 75.9%, the lat-
eral axis decreased by 83.0% and the anterior-posterior axis decreased
by 9.1%. Collectively, the average decline from baseline to Day 6 was
54.7%. Patient self-report of tremors continued to decline two weeks
post IV BR+NAD (average 12Hz) by utilizing maintenance NAD+
sublingual tablets, along with the application of relaxation techniques
(data not shown).
On Day 1 and Day 5 of the patient’s IV BR+NAD, cognitive per-
formance was measured in the areas of problem solving, attention
and memory (Figure 2). Figure 2 shows raw scores on these three
cognitive performance measures. Values range on a scale of 0-20,000
(zero being the lowest possible score; 20,000 being the highest possi-
ble score). On Day 1 of treatment, the patient’s score on the memory
test was 3560, where on Day 5, the patient’s score increased by 29.8%
to 4620. On Day 1 of treatment, the patient’s score on the attention
test was 1500, where on Day 5, the patient’s score increased by 320%
to 6300. On Day 1 of treatment, the patient’s score on the problem
solving test was 17260, where on Day 5, the patient’s score increased
by 7.5% to 18550.
Discussion
As the number of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
continues rising, with numbers of diagnosed cases nearly doubling
globally between the years of 1990 and 2015, the importance of nd-
ing effective therapeutic approaches in disease treatment and preven-
tion is paramount [10]. Prior research demonstrates the neuro-re-
generative and neuroprotective capacity of NAD+ supplementation
in both in vitro and in vivo studies, providing rationale for further
investigation of the effects of NAD+ on neurodegenerative diseases
such as PD [5,6]. Additionally, as intracellular NAD+ levels of this
neuroprotective co-factor are known to progressively lower with age,
where markedly low levels are indeed present in adult-onset neurode-
generative diseases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, utilizing
this co-factor for PD lends additional evidence for potentially promis-
ing treatment results [11,12].
In this case report, further evidence of the therapeutic potential
of IV NAD+ [8] was indeed documented, supporting the decreased
PD-related symptom ndings of a previous case study of tremor reduc-
tion associated through NAD+ use [7]. Yet, this case study builds on
these prior ndings by providing quantiable evidence of both trem-
or reduction and cognitive improvements. Over the course of the six
NAD+ treatment days, the patient’s PD symptoms overall improved,
as shown by a signicant decline in hand tremors, development of a
steady gate, increased sociability, increased cognitive functioning and
improved sleep (Table 1). Signicant tremor improvements on the
vertical, horizontal, and anterior-posterior axes hold strong support
in NAD+ supplementation in this individual. Additionally, the cog-
nitive improvements in memory, attention, and problem solving from
Days 1 to 5 may lend further support for the neuroprotective quality
of NAD+ use. Although the increased cognitive scores are consistent
with the Practice Effect (i.e., an individual may score better on a test
when taken the second time in comparison to the rst), the dramatic
increase in his attention score by 320% may not be easily explained
through this phenomenon. Moreover, in a murine study of Alzhei-
mer’s affected mice, utilizing an NAD+ precursor for the building of
intracellular NAD+ showed signicant improvements in a number of
cognitive performance tests [13]. Therefore, it is possible to attribute
the improvement in this patient’s cognitive performance to be due in
part to his NAD+ treatment program.
Figure 1: Tremors measured in hertz on vertical (X) horizontal (Y) and anterior-pos-
terior (Z) axes as a function of IV BR+NAD treatment day.
Figure 2: Cognitive performance scores on Day 1 and Day 5 of IV BR+NAD treat-
ment day.
Citation: Rutherford L, Gadol E, Broom SL, Olds T, Mestayer RF, et al. (2020) Intravenous Administration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Alleviates
Tremors Associated with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report. J Gerontol Geriatr Med 6: 047.
• Page 4 of 5 •
J Gerontol Geriatr Med ISSN: 2381-8662, Open Access Journal
DOI: 10.24966/GGM-8662/100047
Volume 6 Issue 1 • 100047
Additionally, the overall effectiveness and lasting effects of NAD+
in this particular patient can be understood by the continued decline
in PD-related tremors both during treatment and through NAD+ sub-
lingual tablets post-treatment (dosage was approximately 300mg of
NAD+ per tablet, twice per day). If this trend in PD-symptom alle-
viation continues throughout the course of the patient’s follow ups,
not only is strong evidence for the effectiveness of the IV infusion
supported in this particular case, it also poses possible effectiveness
for oral NAD+ supplementation in maintaining PD symptom stabili-
zation. Likewise, as stress was a predominant trigger for the patient’s
tremor severity, the positive patient self-reports of utilizing a com-
bination of deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relax-
ation, and guided imagery/self-hypnosis techniques on lowering his
hand tremors supports relaxation techniques as additional treatment
for PD sufferers.
As the delivery of NAD+ intravenously may not be practical in a
growing population of individuals with Parkinson’s disease, this case
study shows that the use of alternate means of NAD+ delivery, such
as through the use of sublingual tablets, can be another promising
method of reducing Parkinson’s disease symptomology. Additionally,
the use of NAD+ precursors can be another promising and sustainable
option in PD treatment. Previous research indicates that the NAD+
precursor, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), signicantly improves mito-
chondrial functionality in the cells of those with Parkinson’s disease
exhibiting notable dysfunction, as well as prevents further loss of do-
paminergic neurons and motor impairment in a y model of PD [6].
Additionally, a clinical trial is currently underway investigating the
role of nicotinamide supplementation in a neurodegenerative disease
known to signicantly impair motor function [14]. In summary, using
such alternative approaches in boosting NAD+ for PD treatment may
be promising to employ as well.
Overall, data discussed in this case study show repeatable and
quantiable results, and they also provide a protocol for treating
the symptoms of PD in an efcient manner with little to no report-
ed side effects during treatment and follow-up. Results show that IV
BR+NAD effectively reduces tremors and improves cognitive perfor-
mance in a subset of PD patients, further supporting previous ndings
on tremor alleviation using NAD+. Likewise, the results establish a
protocol for empirically measuring the effects of IV NAD+ on PD
symptoms, specically tremors, and show the effectiveness of symp-
tom alleviation in this treatment as compared to traditional PD phar-
macotherapies.
Acknowledgment
Thank you to Springeld Wellness Center for providing the set-
ting and clinical staff in support for this project. Thank you to NAD
Research, Inc. for funding this project. Thank you to William Carey
University for providing a Professional Development Grant in sup-
port of this project.
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... Albeit several clinical trials showed positive outcomes, questions still rise from supplements with NAD + and its precursors in several aspects, such as administration routes, enteral absorption, intracellular biosynthesis and transference in various cell 1 Kang et al, 2 Covarrubias et al, 5 Bonkowski and Sinclair 6 IV NAD + infusion with safety Grant et al, 18 Rutherford et al 19 NA/NAM/ Promoting energy metabolism Katsyuba et al, 1 Kang et al, 2 Covarrubias et al, 5 Bonkowski and Sinclair, 6 Katsyuba et al, 1 Kang et al, 2 Covarrubias et al, 5 Bonkowski and Sinclair, 6 Radenkovic et al, 12 Xiang et al, 14 Harrison et al 15 Adverse effects Radenkovic et al, 12 Hwang and Song 17 ...
... 5,12,17 The preliminary clinical investigation of intravenous (IV) NAD + in healthy males was first documented for its pharmacokinetic properties in 2019. 18 It was just a case report regarding the clinical valuable effect of IV NAD + on a patient subjected with Parkinson's disease to date, 19 though IV Diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) and NAD(P)H were revealed with salutary clinical effects 3 decades ago. In addition, IV NAD + for healthy aging, which cannot be orally administrated due to the degradation, is expensive. ...
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In last decades, healthy aging has become one of research hotspots in life science. It is well known that the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidized form (NAD ⁺ ) level in cells decreases with aging and aging-related diseases. Several years ago, one of NAD ⁺ precursors was first demonstrated with its new role in DNA damage repairing in mice, restoring old mice to their physical state at young ones. The finding encourages extensive studies in animal models and patients. NAD ⁺ and its precursors have been popular products in nutrition markets. Alternatively, it was also evidenced that clearance of cellular senescence by senolytics preserved multiorgan (kidney and heart) function and extended healthy lifespan in mice. Subsequent studies confirmed findings in elderly patients subjected with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The senolytic therapy is now focused on various diseases in animal and clinical studies. However, pyruvate, as both a NAD ⁺ substitute and a new senolytic, may be advantageous, on the equimolar basis, over current products above in preventing and treating diseases and aging. Pyruvate-enriched fluids, particularly pyruvate oral rehydration salt, may be a novel intervention for diseases and aging besides critical care. Albeit the direct evidence that benefits healthy aging is still limited to date, pyruvate, as both NAD ⁺ provider and senolytic agent, warrants intensive research to compare NAD ⁺ or senolytics for healthy aging, specifically on the equimolar basis, in effective blood levels. This review briefly discussed the recognition of healthy aging by comparing NAD ⁺ and Senolytics with sodium pyruvate from the clinical point of view.
... The preliminary clinical investigation of intravenous (IV) NAD + in healthy males was first documented for its pharmacokinetic properties in 2019 [18]. It was just a case report regarding the clinical valuable effect of IV NAD + on a patient subjected with Parkinson's disease to date, though IV Diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) and NAD(P)H were revealed with salutary clinical effects three decades ago [19]. In addition, IV NAD + for healthy aging, which cannot be orally administrated due to the degradation, is expensive. ...
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The decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels is a hallmark of aging in multiple organisms and tissues, including the human brain. Hence, agents that increase intracellular NAD + could have beneficial effects in aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Disturbances in NAD + metabolism have also been observed in Parkinson’s disease (PD), supporting a link between neuronal bioenergetics failure and disease pathogenesis. Here, we review emerging findings revealing key roles for NAD + and related metabolites in experimental models of dopaminergic neurodegeneration and in PD patients. We discuss how increased NAD + levels might ameliorate disease phenotypes by restoring neuronal mitochondrial energy metabolism, promoting cellular proteostasis, and modulating the immune system. Finally, we describe ongoing clinical trials targeting NAD + in PD and highlight the need for further investigations to better delineate the association between NAD+, brain aging and disease, and optimal strategies for efficiently and safely raising NAD + levels. A more comprehensive understanding of the basic mechanisms linking NAD+, energy metabolism, and PD, and of the impact of life-long NAD + targeting strategies, are critical to inform future clinical applications.
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Neurological deterioration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and resulting motor dysfunction arises from Lewy body formation and dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra. Two factors contributing to PD-related apoptosis and subsequent motor dysfunction involve improper cellular metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impaired mitochondrial functionality. The co-factor Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD +), reduction of which has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative disease, is a critical player in maintaining cellular redox metabolism and mitochondrial function. We present a case study of a PD patient who has become near asymptomatic through the use of intravenous (I.V.) NAD +. This report documents the patient's initial symptom changes while receiving I.V. NAD + over the course of eight treatment days, with two non-treatment days in between. The treatment entailed 1500 mg. I.V. NAD + on day one, 1000 mg. I.V. NAD + on day two, and 750 mg. I.V. NAD + on day three. Symptoms were documented by medical staff for the next two days of non-treatment. Following this, 750 mg. I.V. NAD + was administered on treatment days four and five, 500 mg. I.V. NAD + on treatment days six and seven, and 750 mg. I.V. NAD + on treatment day eight. Over the course of treatment, the patient's hand tremors decreased to a mild level, permitting coordinated use of a pen and utensils. Hand tremors were absent on days one and six. Visual hallucinations were absent on days two through seven. To maintain tremors at a tolerable level, aftercare involved I.V. NAD + every four to six weeks, with a daily regimen of 300 mg/ml NAD + nasal spray. Moreover, the patient discontinued PD-related medication, thereby preventing visual hallucination side effects. Although more research on NAD + in clinical use is needed, the evidence obtained from these symptom improvements indicates NAD + as having the potential for clinical use in at least a subset of PD sufferers.
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Objectives Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is further associated with progressive cognitive decline. In respect to motor phenotype, there is some evidence that akinetic-rigid PD is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in general and a greater risk of developing dementia. The objective of this study was to examine cognitive profiles among patients with PD by motor phenotypes and its relation to cognitive function. Methods Demographic, clinical and neuropsychological cross-sectional baseline data of the DEMPARK/LANDSCAPE study, a multicentre longitudinal cohort study of 538 patients with PD were analysed, stratified by motor phenotype and cognitive syndrome. Analyses were performed for all patients and for each diagnostic group separately, controlling for age, gender, education and disease duration. Results Compared with the tremor-dominant phenotype, akinetic-rigid patients performed worse in executive functions such as working memory (Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised backward; p=0.012), formal-lexical word fluency (p=0.043), card sorting (p=0.006), attention (Trail Making Test version A; p=0.024) and visuospatial abilities (Leistungsprüfungssystem test 9; p=0.006). Akinetic-rigid neuropsychological test scores for the executive and attentive domain correlated negatively with non-tremor motor scores. Covariate-adjusted binary logistic regression analyses showed significant odds for PD-mild cognitive impairment for not-determined as compared with tremor-dominant (OR=3.198) and akinetic-rigid PD (OR=2.059). The odds for PD-dementia were significant for akinetic-rigid as compared with tremor-dominant phenotype (OR=8.314). Conclusion The three motor phenotypes of PD differ in cognitive performance, showing that cognitive deficits seem to be less severe in tremor-dominant PD. While these data are cross-sectional, longitudinal data are needed to shed more light on these differential findings.
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While mitochondrial dysfunction is emerging as key in Parkinson's disease (PD), a central question remains whether mitochondria are actual disease drivers and whether boosting mitochondrial biogenesis and function ameliorates pathology. We address these questions using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and Drosophila models of GBA-related PD (GBA-PD), the most common PD genetic risk. Patient neurons display stress responses, mitochondrial demise, and changes in NAD+ metabolism. NAD+ precursors have been proposed to ameliorate age-related metabolic decline and disease. We report that increasing NAD+ via the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) significantly ameliorates mitochondrial function in patient neurons. Human neurons require nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) to maintain the NAD+ pool and utilize NRK1 to synthesize NAD+ from NAD+ precursors. Remarkably, NR prevents the age-related dopaminergic neuronal loss and motor decline in fly models of GBA-PD. Our findings suggest NR as a viable clinical avenue for neuroprotection in PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Emerging findings suggest that compromised cellular bioenergetics and DNA repair contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but their role in disease-defining pathology is unclear. We developed a DNA repair-deficient 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mouse that exacerbates major features of human AD including phosphorylated Tau (pTau) pathologies, synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and cognitive impairment. Here we report that 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice have a reduced cerebral NAD⁺/NADH ratio indicating impaired cerebral energy metabolism, which is normalized by nicotinamide riboside (NR) treatment. NR lessened pTau pathology in both 3xTgAD and 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice but had no impact on amyloid β peptide (Aβ) accumulation. NR-treated 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice exhibited reduced DNA damage, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons and increased activity of SIRT3 in the brain. NR improved cognitive function in multiple behavioral tests and restored hippocampal synaptic plasticity in 3xTgAD mice and 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice. In general, the deficits between genotypes and the benefits of NR were greater in 3xTgAD/Polβ+/− mice than in 3xTgAD mice. Our findings suggest a pivotal role for cellular NAD⁺ depletion upstream of neuroinflammation, pTau, DNA damage, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal degeneration in AD. Interventions that bolster neuronal NAD⁺ levels therefore have therapeutic potential for AD.
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The mechanisms of neuronal death in protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion diseases are poorly understood. We used a highly toxic misfolded prion protein (TPrP) model to understand neurotoxicity induced by prion protein misfolding. We show that abnormal autophagy activation and neuronal demise is due to severe, neuron-specific, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) depletion. Toxic prion protein-exposed neuronal cells exhibit dramatic reductions of intracellular NAD(+) followed by decreased ATP production, and are completely rescued by treatment with NAD(+) or its precursor nicotinamide because of restoration of physiological NAD(+) levels. Toxic prion protein-induced NAD(+) depletion results from PARP1-independent excessive protein ADP-ribosylations. In vivo, toxic prion protein-induced degeneration of hippocampal neurons is prevented dose-dependently by intracerebral injection of NAD(+). Intranasal NAD(+) treatment of prion-infected sick mice significantly improves activity and delays motor impairment. Our study reveals NAD(+) starvation as a novel mechanism of autophagy activation and neurodegeneration induced by a misfolded amyloidogenic protein. We propose the development of NAD(+) replenishment strategies for neuroprotection in prion diseases and possibly other protein misfolding neurodegenerative diseases. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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An extensive body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress and inflammation play a central role in the degenerative changes of systemic tissues in aging. However a comparatively limited amount of data is available to verify whether these processes also contribute to normal aging within the brain. High levels of oxidative damage results in key cellular changes including a reduction in available nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)), an essential molecule required for a number of vital cellular processes including DNA repair, immune signaling and epigenetic processing. In this study we quantified changes in [NAD(H)] and markers of inflammation and oxidative damage (F2-isoprostanes, 8-OHdG, total antioxidant capacity) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of healthy humans across a wide age range (24-91 years). CSF was collected from consenting patients who required a spinal tap for the administration of anesthetic. CSF of participants aged >45 years was found to contain increased levels of lipid peroxidation (F2-isoprostanes) (p = 0.04) and inflammation (IL-6) (p = 0.00) and decreased levels of both total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.00) and NAD(H) (p = 0.05), compared to their younger counterparts. A positive association was also observed between plasma [NAD(H)] and CSF NAD(H) levels (p = 0.03). Further analysis of the data identified a relationship between alcohol intake and CSF [NAD(H)] and markers of inflammation. The CSF of participants who consumed >1 standard drink of alcohol per day contained lower levels of NAD(H) compared to those who consumed no alcohol (p<0.05). An increase in CSF IL-6 was observed in participants who reported drinking >0-1 (p<0.05) and >1 (p<0.05) standard alcoholic drinks per day compared to those who did not drink alcohol. Taken together these data suggest a progressive age associated increase in oxidative damage, inflammation and reduced [NAD(H)] in the brain which may be exacerbated by alcohol intake.
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Gene defects play a major role in the pathogenesis of degenerative disorders of the nervous system. In fact, it has been the very knowledge gained from genetic studies that has allowed the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the etiology and pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we discuss the current status of genetic epidemiology of the most common neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, and prion diseases, with a particular focus on similarities and differences among these syndromes.
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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential coenzyme that mediates various redox reactions. Particularly, mitochondrial NAD plays a critical role in energy production pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. NAD also serves as a substrate for ADP-ribosylation and deacetylation by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and sirtuins, respectively. Thus, NAD regulates energy metabolism, DNA damage repair, gene expression, and stress response. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of NAD metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and retinal degenerative diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered crucial pathogenesis for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and PD. Maintaining appropriate NAD levels is important for mitochondrial function. Indeed, decreased NAD levels are observed in AD and PD, and supplementation of NAD precursors ameliorates disease phenotypes by activating mitochondrial functions. NAD metabolism also plays an important role in axonal degeneration, a characteristic feature of peripheral neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, dysregulated NAD metabolism is implicated in retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Leber congenital amaurosis, and NAD metabolism is considered a therapeutic target for these diseases. In this review, we summarize the involvement of NAD metabolism in axon degeneration and various neurodegenerative diseases and discuss perspectives of nutritional intervention using NAD precursors.
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Significance: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) participates in redox reactions and NAD+-dependent signaling processes, which involve the cleavage of NAD+ coupled to post-translational modifications of proteins or the production of second messengers. Either as a primary cause or as a secondary component of the pathogenic process, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are prominent features of several neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of NAD+-dependent signaling pathways has a major effect in the capacity of the cell to modulate mitochondrial function and counteract the deleterious effects of increased oxidative stress. Recent advances. Progress in the understanding of the biological functions and compartmentalization of NAD+-synthesizing and consuming enzymes have led to the emergence of NAD+ metabolism as a major therapeutic target for age-related diseases. Critical issues: Three distinct families of enzymes consume NAD+ as substrate: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), ADP-ribosyl cyclases (CD38/CD157) and sirtuins. Two main strategies to increase NAD+ availability have arisen. These strategies are based on the utilization of NAD+ intermediates/precursors or the inhibition of the NAD+-consuming enzymes, PARPs and CD38. An increase in endogenous sirtuin activity seems to mediate the protective effect that enhancing NAD+ availability confers in several models of neurodegeneration and age-related diseases. Future directions: A growing body of evidence suggests the beneficial role of enhancing NAD+ availability in models of neurodegeneration. The challenge ahead is to establish the value and safety of the long-term use of these strategies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Dopamine agonists (DAs), which can be categorized as ergot derived and non-ergot derived, are used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This review describes the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of selected DAs and relates these characteristics to clinical outcomes, with an emphasis on adverse events. Relevant articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (to May 2006) using the terms dopamine agonists (or each individual drug name) and pbarmacokinetics, metabolism, drug-drug interaction, interactions, CYP450, fibrosis, valvular heart disease, tremor, clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses. Abstracts from recent sessions of the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders were also examined. Clinical studies with <20 patients overall or <10 patients per treatment group in the final analysis were excluded. All DAs that were graded at least possibly useful with respect to at least 3 of 4 items connected to the treatment/prevention of motor symptoms/complications in the most recent evidence-based medical review update were included. This resulted in a focus on the ergot-derived DAs bromocriptine, cabergoline, and pergolide, and the non-ergot-derived DAs pramipexole and ropinirole. Bromocriptine, cabergoline, pergolide, and ropinirole, but not pramipexole, have the potential for drug-drug interactions mediated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system. The occurrence of dyskinesia may be linked to stimulation of the dopamine D(1) receptor, for which cabergoline and pergolide have a similar and relatively high affinity; bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole have been associated with a lower risk of dyskinesias. The valvular heart disease (VHD) and pulmonary and retroperitoneal fibrosis seen with long-term use appear to represent a class effect of the ergot-derived DAs that may be related to stimulation of serotonin 5-HT(2B) (and possibly 5-HT(2A)) receptors. The incidence of valvular regurgitation was 31% to 47% with ergot-derived DAs, 10% with non-ergot-derived DAs, and 13% with controls. As reflected in the results of the clinical trials included in this review, dyskinesia associated with DA therapy may be linked to stimulation of the D(1) receptor. Fibrosis (including VHD) seemed to be a class effect of the ergot-derived DAs. Each of the DAs except pramipexole has the potential to interact with other drugs via the CYP enzyme system.