NAD+ metabolism and eye diseases: current status and future directions

Mol Biol Rep. 2023 Oct;50(10):8653-8663. doi: 10.1007/s11033-023-08692-y. Epub 2023 Aug 4.

Abstract

Currently, there are no truly effective treatments for a variety of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). These conditions have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and can be a burden on society. However, these diseases share a common pathological process of NAD+ metabolism disorders. They are either associated with genetically induced primary NAD+ synthase deficiency, decreased NAD+ levels due to aging, or enhanced NAD+ consuming enzyme activity during disease pathology. In this discussion, we explore the role of NAD+ metabolic disorders in the development of associated ocular diseases and the potential advantages and disadvantages of various methods to increase NAD+ levels. It is essential to carefully evaluate the possible adverse effects of these methods and conduct a more comprehensive and objective assessment of their function before considering their use.

Keywords: Eye Diseases; NAD+; NAD+ homeostasis; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism
  • Eye / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration* / metabolism
  • NAD* / metabolism
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • NAD