Manoj Sonavane, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, is the lead author of a recently published article about the unexpected impact of boosting NAD+ levels using a newly characterized NAD+ supplement, dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH).
Sonavane’s research is focused on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a key component for cells to produce energy. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and this decline contributes to diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s among older patients.
“People take NAD+ precursors, like vitamin B3 or niacin, to improve their quality of life. New supplements like NRH could increase NAD+ faster and more dramatically, but we don’t understand if that will be beneficial or not,” he said.
While examining NRH, Sonavane found that it increased NAD+ levels but damaged liver cell models. Kidney cell models were not impacted by NRH. This research shows NAD pools are carefully regulated by the body and that careful evaluation of supplements that boost NAD+ are needed to prevent potential side effects.
Sonavane has completed 11 research publications on topics including biotechnology, environmental science and toxicology. His work as a postdoctoral researcher includes examining the effects of voluntary and involuntary chemical exposure on human health.
The research was a collaborative effort between the labs of Natalie Gassman, Ph.D., assistant professor of physiology and cell biology, and Marie Migaud, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology.
PLOS One is a nonprofit organization that publishes peer-reviewed articles of scientific findings in 219 research areas. Read Sonavane’s full research article, titled “Dihydronicotinamide riboside promotes cell-specific cytotoxicity by tipping the balance between metabolic regulation and oxidative stress,” on PLOS One’s website.
