Investigating Age-Specific Effects of NAD+ Supplements on Vitality in Caenorhabditis Elegans
Exercise such as walking, running, and other forms of physical activity are influential to maintaining a healthy system. Additionally, exercise can reduce the risk of health complications such as cardiovascular disease, improve mental health, and contribute towards the regulation of metabolic processes in the human body. General metabolism assists in the systemic management of blood circulation and hormone level balance, which stimulates and maintains healthy aging. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a co-substrate that assists cellular processes such as Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and immune response. Furthermore, it fuels divergent biosynthesis pathways such as The Citric Acid Cycle (TCA), Glycolysis, and Oxidative Phosphorylation. Deficiency in NAD+ can contribute to the dysregulation of these metabolic processes as well as the genesis of metabolic diseases, such as Pellagra (niacin deficiency) and diabetes. Molecular mechanisms of physical activity have been researched in terms of neurobiological health and general NAD+ homeostasis. However, there is a lack of information towards further understanding the dynamics of NAD+ metabolism levels in relation to physical activity and whether additional supplementation, namely Nicotinic acid (NA) and Nicotinamide (NAM), leads to overall improvement in exercise endurance.
Our study utilized the genetic model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans, to demonstrate locomotory performance through thrashing rate as well as endurance by swimming speed in timed swimming activity. Swimming exercises were documented using WormLab analysis software to track, analyze, and obtain quantitative data from worms at various developmental stages.
Our results displayed that swimming exercise has improved endurance and lengthened the health span of controlled young worms opposed to aged worms. This establishes the foundation that physical activity contributes to greater longevity and endurance, which are health benefits for aging adults. Alternatively, there was a decline in the endurance of NA supplemented post-reproductive worms, which shows that NA supplementation contributes towards metabolic deterioration following physical activity.
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| Work Title | Investigating Age-Specific Effects of NAD+ Supplements on Vitality in Caenorhabditis Elegans |
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| Subtitle | Science Research Distinction (SCIRES) |
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| License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
| Work Type | Research Paper |
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| Publication Date | May 9, 2025 |
| Deposited | May 09, 2025 |
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