Supplement formulation of nicotinamide mononucleotide combined with Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 reduces the photoaging damage in murine skin by activating AMPK signaling pathway, says a new study.
The study findings, published in the Frontiers journals, conclude that “NMN combined with L. fermentum TKSN041 had good in vitro antioxidant capacity and improved UVB-induced skin damage in mice. The possible mechanism may be that the combination of NMN and L. fermentum TKSN041 activated the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the damage caused by inflammatory mediators to mice. In addition, activated AMPK reduced oxidative damage of the skin and improved the body’s overall antioxidant capacity by regulating the levels of relevant oxidative stress indicators in the blood, liver, and skin.”
NMN: Anti-aging property and skin aging
Aging is a natural phenomenon which is characterized by a reduction in energy production within the cells, owing to the decline in NAD+ levels. NAD+ is the chemical compound responsible for energy production within the body, and plays a crucial role in driving many critical metabolic processes. It is primarily responsible for converting the nutrients from the food we eat into a form of energy used by the body to drive vital cellular activities.
The reduction in NAD+ available to the body leads to some bothersome age-related health challenges in organs such as skin, liver, brain, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, etc. Aging is also commonly accompanied by senescence resulting from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Over the years, scientists have discovered that UV radiation, a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted from sunlight, is a major culprit behind the processes of skin aging. Large doses of UV rays weaken the skin cells, causing them to age faster than normal. Overexposure to this radiation causes cellular senescence, and destroys the collagen fibres of the skin cells thereby causing skin shrinkage and premature skin aging.
The discovery of the anti-aging effect of NMN and its potential to enhance cell longevity have triggered increased interest in the study of the pharmacological actions of NMN. Several research studies have demonstrated that NMN has several pharmacological activities which are of great therapeutic benefits to humans. Some of the potentials of NMN include anti-diabetic, cardio-protective, and anti-hypertensive effects. Pre-clinical trials have also shown it to be effective in the treatment of myocardial and cerebral ischemia, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, and some obesity-related complications. Most of these diseases are mainly age-related, and are linked to the deficiency of intracellular NAD+.
Consequently, researchers have relentlessly made efforts to find lasting solutions to health issues surrounding aging, premature aging and skin cell degeneration. One advancement in this field is the discovery of the vital role played by nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in the control of the cell-deteriorating and skin-damaging effect of UV rays. NMN, a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin), is a key precursor and intermediate in the synthesis of NAD+ within the human cells. It has been proven in some studies conducted by IHP to effectively slow down and reverse skin aging and other adverse effects of UV radiation on the skin.