3 replies to this topic

[osris]

Here is an article saying that boosting NAD+ can fuel cancer cells:

 

"Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and the sirtuins caution: Pro-cancer functions"

 

https://onlinelibrar...1002/agm2.12184

 

Summary:

 

1. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial molecule for cellular energy production and DNA repair, but its levels can be influenced by various pathways and enzymes such as CD38 and PARP1.

2. Raising NAD levels or overexpressing sirtuins, proteins that use NAD as a cofactor, could potentially promote tumorigenesis and should be approached with caution.

3. CD38 is a major consumer of NAD+ and inhibiting it can increase NAD+ levels, but this may have unintended consequences such as hindering the cell's ability to mitigate cancer.

4. PARP1 is a nuclear enzyme that uses NAD+ to form ADP-ribose polymers on target proteins, and its activation can significantly reduce nuclear NAD levels, leaving the nuclear machinery open to instability.

5. Maintaining NAD levels at healthy levels is important for genomic repair pathways and preventing cancer, as low NAD levels can inhibit these pathways.

6. The oxidized form of NAD appears to play a role in some of the effects of aging and disease susceptibility.

[osris]

Here is an article by ChatGPT on this matter:

 

Debunking the Myth: The Unlikely Link Between NAD+ Precursors and Cancer Risk

 

In recent years, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a key player in cellular metabolism and aging. With its involvement in various physiological processes, including energy production and DNA repair, NAD+ has garnered attention as a potential target for interventions aimed at promoting health and longevity. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of NAD+ precursor supplementation and its potential association with cancer risk. In this article, we delve into the scientific evidence to debunk the myth that supplementing with NAD+ precursors is likely to cause cancer.

 

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that NAD+ itself is not carcinogenic. NAD+ is a vital coenzyme involved in numerous cellular functions, and its levels naturally decline with age. Restoring NAD+ levels through supplementation with its precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), has been proposed as a strategy to counteract age-related decline and promote cellular health. However, concerns have been raised that increasing NAD+ levels might inadvertently fuel cancer growth, particularly due to its role in cellular metabolism and DNA repair.

 

One argument against the notion that NAD+ precursor supplementation increases cancer risk is the lack of robust evidence supporting such a link. Despite extensive research into NAD+ metabolism and its implications for health and disease, intervention studies specifically examining the association between NAD+ precursors and cancer risk are scarce. Most studies investigating the effects of NAD+ precursors have focused on their potential benefits in mitigating age-related decline and improving cellular function, rather than assessing cancer risk.

 

Moreover, the existing literature suggests that NAD+ metabolism is dysregulated in cancer cells, with some studies indicating that cancer cells exhibit increased NAD+ utilization to support their rapid growth and proliferation. While this may raise concerns about the potential for NAD+ precursor supplementation to promote cancer growth, it's essential to consider the context in which these findings are observed. Cancer cells exhibit a remarkable ability to exploit various cellular pathways to meet their energy demands and sustain their proliferation. However, this does not imply that increasing NAD+ levels through supplementation directly promotes cancer initiation or progression.

 

Furthermore, the safety profile of NAD+ precursors, such as NR and NMN, has been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical settings. These compounds have been shown to be well-tolerated, with few reported adverse effects. While long-term safety data are still limited, the available evidence suggests that NAD+ precursor supplementation is generally safe when used as directed.

 

It's also important to consider the potential benefits of NAD+ precursor supplementation in promoting overall health and longevity. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of NAD+ in maintaining cellular function, supporting DNA repair, and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. By replenishing NAD+ levels, supplementation with NAD+ precursors may help counteract age-related decline and improve cellular resilience, thereby potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases, including cancer.

 

In conclusion, while concerns have been raised regarding the safety of supplementing with NAD+ precursors and their potential association with cancer risk, the available evidence suggests that such concerns may be unfounded. NAD+ itself is not carcinogenic, and increasing NAD+ levels through supplementation is unlikely to directly promote cancer initiation or progression. With its potential to promote cellular health and resilience, NAD+ precursor supplementation holds promise as a strategy for promoting overall well-being and longevity. However, further research is warranted to fully elucidate the long-term effects and safety profile of NAD+ precursors in humans.

 

[osris]

Here is a more detailed ChatGPT article:
 

Questioning the Link Between NAD+ Supplementation and Increased Cancer Risk

 

In recent years, there has been a growing body of research exploring the relationship between nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and cancer. This coenzyme, crucial for cellular metabolism and energy production, has been the subject of intense scrutiny due to its potential implications in cancer biology. While some studies have suggested that increased levels of NAD+ may benefit cancer cells or even promote tumor growth under certain circumstances, it's crucial to approach these findings with a critical eye and to question the complexities underlying this research.

 

Study Findings from The Wistar Institute

 

For instance, one study from The Wistar Institute found something new about how NAD+ works in the body. It seems to play a role in releasing molecules that can make tumors grow from old cells. This raises worries about supplements that increase NAD+ levels, which are being developed to fight aging, because they might actually help tumors grow.

 

Limitations of In Vitro Experiments

 

While the study conducted by The Wistar Institute offers valuable insights into the relationship between NAD+ levels and cancer, there are several limitations and caveats that need to be considered before drawing definitive conclusions.

 

Firstly, the study primarily relies on in vitro experiments, which may not fully capture the complexities of the human body's response to changes in NAD+ levels. Cellular behavior in a controlled laboratory setting may differ significantly from in vivo conditions, where various physiological factors come into play.

 

Cautions in Extrapolating Findings to Human Effects

 

Furthermore, the study focuses on cellular senescence and the release of inflammatory molecules associated with it. While the findings suggest a potential link between increased NAD+ levels and enhanced release of these molecules, the direct causal relationship is not firmly established. Correlation does not necessarily imply causation, and additional experimental evidence, such as in vivo studies or clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings.

 

Moreover, the extrapolation of these findings to the potential effects of NAD+ supplements on cancer growth in humans is speculative at best. Human biology is immensely complex, and the effects of NAD+ modulation may vary depending on various factors, including individual genetic make-up, lifestyle, and overall health status. Thus, caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions about the implications of NAD+ supplementation based solely on cell culture experiments.

 

Conflicting Results in Cancer Progression Studies

 

Furthermore, while some studies have suggested a positive correlation between NAD+ levels and cancer progression, others have reported conflicting results. For instance, research in animal models has shown that manipulating NAD+ levels can have contrasting effects on tumor growth depending on the experimental conditions. Additionally, the role of NAD+ in cancer metabolism is still not fully understood, and more comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action.

 

Safety Profile of NAD+ Precursors

 

Furthermore, the safety profile of NAD+ precursors, such as NR and NMN, has been extensively studied in preclinical and clinical settings. These compounds have been shown to be well-tolerated, with few reported adverse effects. While long-term safety data are still limited, the available evidence suggests that NAD+ precursor supplementation is generally safe when used as directed.

 

Complexity of NAD+ Metabolism and Cancer Biology

 

At first glance, the idea that a molecule essential for cellular function could also fuel cancer growth seems counterintuitive. NAD+ is a crucial component in numerous cellular functions, such as DNA repair, gene expression, and energy metabolism.

 

Consideration of Cancer Cell Adaptation

 

While some studies suggest that in cancer cells, the way NAD+ (a molecule in the body) is handled isn't normal, we need to think about the bigger picture. Cancer cells are really good at adapting and finding different ways to grow. So, saying that taking more NAD+ will always make cancer worse is too simple.

 

Balancing Potential Benefits and Risks of NAD+ Precursor Supplementation

 

It's also important to consider the potential benefits of NAD+ precursor supplementation in promoting overall health and longevity. Numerous studies have highlighted the role of NAD+ in maintaining cellular function, supporting DNA repair, and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. By replenishing NAD+ levels, supplementation with NAD+ precursors may help counteract age-related decline and improve cellular resilience, thereby potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases, including cancer.

 

Conclusion

 

Despite extensive research into NAD+ metabolism and its implications for health and disease, there is limited evidence linking NAD+ precursor supplementation to an increased risk of cancer. Most studies have focused on the potential benefits of NAD+ precursors in mitigating age-related decline and improving cellular function rather than assessing cancer risk directly.

 

We must approach these findings with caution due to the complexity of cancer biology. Cancer encompasses various types, each with distinct characteristics, and the effects of NAD+ can vary depending on the cellular context and environmental factors. Simply stating that elevated NAD+ levels universally promote tumor growth oversimplifies the intricacies of cancer development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Boopy!]

i think I saw this elsewhere, so without re-reading (sorry but no time now) I can only say that if it is good for the body and you already have cancer, e.g. pancreatic cancer -- cancer will also use what is good for longevity. In other words, it will latch onto certain nutrients and this is one of them (I think iron is another, which is why anemia is such an issue and people getting very tired often is the only sign they have of cancer.) This is why I'm not sure excess C or NAD or glutathione are ideal if you already have a cancer, and the problem is -- many can have a cancer growth and be unaware. This is just my initial thought on this, would have to reread and ask some experts. I would say if you already have had a cancer scare or are high risk, this is when you really need to worry about this. Unfortunately, something that is preventative can also be used to fuel cancer GROWTH, can a medical expert chime in on this? After all you cannot target only healthy cells with supplements.