The Role of NAD and NAD-Boosting Therapies in Inflammatory Response by IL-13.

The essential role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in redox reactions during oxidative respiration is well known, yet the coenzyme and regulator functions of NAD in diverse and important processes are still being discovered. Maintaining NAD levels through diet is essential for health. In fact, the United States requires supplementation of the NAD precursor niacin into the food chain for these reasons. A large body of research also indicates that elevating NAD levels is beneficial for numerous conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular health, inflammatory response, and longevity. Consequently, strategies have been created to elevate NAD levels through dietary supplementation with NAD precursor compounds. This paper explores current research regarding these therapeutic compounds. It then focuses on the NAD regulation of IL-13 signaling, which is a research area garnering little attention. IL-13 is a critical regulator of allergic response and is associated with Parkinson's disease and cancer. Evidence supporting the notion that increasing NAD levels might reduce IL-13 signal-induced inflammatory response is presented. The assessment is concluded with an examination of reports involving popular precursor compounds that boost NAD and their associations with IL-13 signaling in the context of offering a means for safely and effectively reducing inflammatory response by IL-13.