NAD+, Mitochondria, and Fertility: Examining the Complex Relationship
Fertility is a complex topic that has puzzled scientists for decades. Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between NAD+ levels, mitochondria function, and fertility.
What are NAD+ and Mitochondria?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays an essential role in energy production by helping to convert food into cellular energy. It also regulates various biological processes such as DNA repair and gene expression.
Mitochondria are organelles found in most eukaryotic cells responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used as an energy source by the cell. They also play important roles in other cellular functions such as calcium signaling, apoptosis, and metabolism.
The Link Between NAD+, Mitochondria Function, and Fertility
Recent research has suggested that there may be a link between NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function, and fertility. A study published in Nature Communications showed that mice with reduced levels of NAD+ had impaired oocyte quality leading to decreased fertility rates [1]. This suggests that maintaining adequate levels of NAD+ may be crucial for optimal reproductive health.
Another study conducted on human granulosa cells showed that increasing mitochondrial activity could improve oocyte quality [2]. The researchers concluded that improving mitochondrial function through interventions such as supplementation with antioxidants or exercise could potentially improve fertility outcomes.
Future Advances on this Topic
As research continues to uncover the complex relationship between NAD+, mitochondria function, and fertility new avenues for treatment options will become available. One area of focus is the use of supplements containing nicotinamide riboside (NR), which can increase intracellular levels of NAD+. Studies have shown NR supplementation can improve muscle performance [3], cognitive ability [4], glucose metabolism [5], and mitochondrial function [6]. Clinical trials are currently underway to determine whether NR supplementation can improve fertility outcomes.
In conclusion, the link between NAD+, mitochondria function, and fertility is a complex relationship that requires further research. However, early studies suggest that maintaining adequate levels of NAD+ and improving mitochondrial function could potentially improve fertility outcomes. As more research is conducted on this topic new treatment options may become available for individuals struggling with infertility.
References:
[1] Mills et al., “Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 mediates oocyte aging in female mice”, Nature Communications (2017), doi:10.1038/ncomms15545
[2] Hwang et al., “Mitochondrial activity in human granulosa cells after luteinizing hormone receptor activation or hydrogen peroxide exposure”, Fertility and Sterility (2010), doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.007
[3] Dollerup et al., “A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside in obese men: safety, insulin-sensitivity, and lipid-mobilizing effects”, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2018), doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqx089
[4] Martens et al., “Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults”, Nature Communications (2018), doi:10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7
[5] Elhassan et al., “Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle Metabolome”, Cell Reports (2019), doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019
[6] Trammell et al., “Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans”, Nature Communications (2016), doi:10.1038/ncomms12948
*Note: this site does not provide medical opinions or diagnosis and should not be relied upon instead of receiving medical attention from a licensed medical professional.
