Effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid homeostasis in healthy mice

Motivation: The rising popularity of NAD+ precursors to alleviate metabolic stress in aging necessitates a close monitoring of tissue metabolic status. Goal(s): FINUTE and 2H-MRS are used monitor lipid homeostasis and glucose metabolism in the brains of healthy mice following supplementation of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a widely used NAD+ precursor. Approach: Mice administered saline or NR intraperitoneally for one week are imaged to assess lipid integrity. 2H-MRS is performed following administration of labeled glucose to monitor downstream metabolite labeling. Results: Mice administered NR show increased lipid integrity and improved glucose metabolism, determined through increased labeling of Glx (TCA) and lower labeling of lactate (glycolysis). Impact: Nicotinamide riboside has potential in improving cerebral glucose metabolism and lipid integrity as assessed by lipid-sensitive MRI and 2H-MR spectroscopy, necessitating further exploration of NR and other NAD+ precursors both clinically and in aging-related diseases using these methods.