From the Guidelines
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, typically containing fewer than 50 amino acids, and NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production. They function as signaling molecules in the body, regulating various biological processes including hormone production, immune function, and tissue repair 1. Peptides can be found naturally in the body or synthesized for therapeutic purposes, with applications in medicine for conditions like growth hormone deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and skin rejuvenation.
Key Characteristics of Peptides and NAD+
- Peptides are composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
- NAD+ facilitates the conversion of nutrients into cellular energy by carrying electrons from one reaction to another
- NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which has been linked to various aspects of aging and age-related diseases 1 Some of the key aspects of NAD+ include its role in maintaining cellular health, supporting DNA repair mechanisms, and potentially slowing certain aspects of the aging process.
Therapeutic Applications of Peptides and NAD+
- Peptides have applications in medicine for conditions like growth hormone deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and skin rejuvenation
- NAD+ supplementation through precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may help maintain cellular health and support DNA repair mechanisms 1 It is essential to note that while peptides and NAD+ have potential therapeutic applications, their use should be guided by the strongest and most recent evidence, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
The administration of 'supraphysiological' doses of vitamin B3 (≥500 mg/kg) has been demonstrated to prevent specific events and the subsequent loss of cellular NAD+ levels 1. However, this should be considered in the context of the individual patient's needs and medical history, and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. In terms of peptide-based therapies, synthetic long peptides (SLPs) have been shown to be an effective neoantigen delivery mechanism in personalized immunotherapy preclinical studies and clinical trials 1. Nevertheless, the design and delivery of peptide-based therapies should be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as manufacturability, solubility, and potential immunogenicity.
From the Research
Peptides
- Peptides are biopolymers, typically consisting of 2-50 amino acids, produced by cellular ribosomal machinery or non-ribosomal enzymes 2
- They have important physiological functions as intrinsic signalling molecules, such as neuropeptides and peptide hormones, for cellular or interspecies communication 2
- Peptides can regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in various organisms, including plants, microorganisms, insects, birds, rodents, primates, and humans 3
- Short peptides, consisting of 2-7 amino acid residues, can penetrate into the nuclei and nucleoli of cells and interact with DNA, histone proteins, and nucleosomes 3
- Peptides have been approved as therapeutic agents, with over 60 peptides approved by the FDA, and are gaining popularity as biomarkers or innovative therapeutics 2, 4, 5
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)
- NAD+ is a coenzyme for redox reactions, central to energy metabolism, and an essential cofactor for non-redox NAD+-dependent enzymes, including sirtuins, CD38, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 6
- NAD+ influences many key cellular functions, including metabolic pathways, DNA repair, chromatin remodelling, cellular senescence, and immune cell function 6
- A decline in NAD+ levels is linked to numerous ageing-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia, and frailty 6
- Restoring NAD+ levels has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate ageing-related disease, extend human healthspan, and lifespan 6