NMN Study: A Powerful Solution for Inflammation in Human Cells

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule essential for cellular energy and repair. This study delved into the effects of NMN on inflammation, particularly the inflammation induced by poly(I:C), a synthetic compound that mimics viral infections. Researchers studied two human cell types: human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). They found that NMN greatly lowers the inflammation caused by poly(I:C). This means NMN could potentially treat both short-term and long-term inflammation.

Main Findings

• NMN’s Anti-inflammatory Role: NMN effectively reduces the poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory response in both HPMECs and HCAECs.
• Regulatory Mechanisms: Major inflammatory mediators, like IL6 and PARP family members, were notably downregulated when exposed to NMN in poly(I:C)-activated conditions.
• Potential Therapeutic Implications: Bayesian network analysis highlighted genes, including the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (EIF4B), that potentially regulate the identified inflammation modules.

Methods Used

1. Human Primary Cell Cultures: Researchers cultured and maintained human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). And human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) in specific conditions. They treated the cells with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) to simulate viral infection-induced inflammation.
2. RNA-Seq and Data Analysis: The team performed transcriptome sequencing and analyzed the data using various tools and packages. They mapped the sequences against the reference genome GRCh38 and calculated the abundance of genes/transcripts.
3. Differentially Expressed Gene Analysis: The study identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and high-dose NMN groups using R. Thresholds for log2-fold change, p-value, and local FDR were set.

Detailed Insights

NMN’s role in increasing NAD+ levels in cells is well-established. NAD+ is crucial for various metabolic processes, including glycolysis and the electron transport chain. Previous studies have shown that NMN can counteract age-related declines in physical health in mice. Improving aspects like energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles.

In this research, scientists used a substance called poly(I:C) to mimic how our body reacts to viruses. When cells encounter poly(I:C), they produce inflammation signals. However, the study shows that adding NMN can lower these signals, making it a potential helper against inflammation.

The researchers actively analyzed and grouped genes that showed similar patterns to better understand the core processes at play. Through their detailed analysis, they discovered that specific genes, particularly EIF4B, might play a pivotal role in directing NMN’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how NMN alleviates the poly(I:C)-induced inflammatory response in human primary cell cultures. Through a series of sophisticated analyses, including RNA-seq, WGCNA, and Bayesian network analysis. The research uncovers the underlying mechanisms and potential regulatory pathways. The findings not only shed light on NMN’s anti-inflammatory properties. But also pave the way for potential therapeutic applications in treating inflammation-related diseases.

Maybe you also like to read: A compelling human trial on nmn efficacy

Reference

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10359400/