Key Points:
Orally-administered NMN-loaded nanoparticles showed superior protection against aging in several ways:
- Enhanced NAD+ boosting effect of NMN
- Promoted healthy aging and functionality
- Improved memory and learning
- Increased antioxidant capacity
NMN-Loaded Nanoparticles Assessed in Aging Mouse Model
Scientists developed a new method to more effectively deliver NMN using nanoparticles made of protein (ovalbumin, or OVA) and carbohydrate (fucoidan).
The OVA-fucoidan nanoparticles (OFNPs) loaded with NMN were evaluated in an aging mouse model.
Mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 10) and given their respective treatments via oral administration:
- Control group: Healthy, normally aging mice; no treatment
- Model group: Aging mice, no treatment
- Positive group: Aging mice; received vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant with well-established health effects (100 mg/kg/d)
- NMN group: Aging mice; received free NMN (30 mg/kg/d)
- OFNPs group: Aging mice; received OFNPs without NMN (110 mg/kg/d)
- OF-NMN group: Aging mice; received OFNPs loaded with NMN (110 mg/kg/d)
NMN administered at 30 mg/kg/d in mice is equivalent to 146 mg per day for a human weighing 60 kg (132 lb).
The dosage for mice receiving OFNPs (110 mg/kg/d) reflects the total weight of the nanoparticles and encapsulated cargo.
Encapsulation Improved NAD+ Boosting Ability of NMN
Plasma NAD+ concentration in the OF-NMN group was 1.34 times higher than the free-NMN group.
“These results demonstrated that OF-NMN obviously enhanced the bioavailability and anti-aging effect of NMN by promoting the generation of NAD+ in blood.”
Supported Healthy Aging and Functional Ability
Mice given OF-NMN showed several signs of healthier aging compared to mice given free NMN:
- Exhibited a healthier appearance
- Showed increased mobility
- Maintained organ health
- Reduced age-related water loss
Nesting, a natural behavior that keeps mice warm and reflects overall well-being, was also significantly improved in mice treated with OF-NMN.
The figure above shows the nesting behavior of the mice. Compared to untreated mice (Model Group, left), mice treated with free NMN (middle) exhibited an 83% increase in their nesting score. Notably, mice treated with OF-NMN (right) displayed a 200% increase in their nesting score compared to the Model Group.
“OF-NMN treatment could improve nesting ability of the aged mice than those of the free NMN treated mice.”
Enhanced Memory and Learning Capacity
The researchers used a maze test to evaluate cognitive function.
Mice receiving OF-NMN navigated the maze significantly faster and with fewer wrong turns compared to the free NMN group.
“The spatial localization memory of the mice in OF-NMN–group had been improved than those in free NMN-treated group.”
Moreover, examination of the brains revealed that the OF-NMN group was protected from age-related decline in regions linked to cognitive function.
“OF-NMN treated mice possessed intact nucleus and displayed normal shape and good states compared to the model group.”
Increased Antioxidant Defenses
Researchers evaluated the serum, liver, and brain and found OF-NMN protected mice from age-related decline in their defense against free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage cells.
- Activity of important antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, and CAT) were increased
- Levels of MDA (a marker of free radical damage) were decreased
Overall, the protective effects of OF-NMN were more pronounced than free NMN and vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
“OF-NMN treatment enhanced the regulation of oxidative stress, indicating that OF-NMN were more effective than vitamin C and NMN in improving the antioxidant activities.”
Effects of NMN Nanoparticles Observed in an Aging Mouse Model
This figure depicts a summary of the study outcomes.
- Enhanced NMN Delivery: Researchers used protein (ovalbumin) and carbohydrate (fucoidan) to encapsulate NMN for improved delivery
- NAD+ Levels and Antioxidant Defense: Administration of NMN-loaded ovalbumin and fucoidan nanoparticles (OF-NMN) increased serum NAD+ levels and boosted antioxidant capacity in an aging mouse model
- Cognition: Aging mice treated with OF-NMN showed improved cognitive function in a water maze
Conclusion
Delivery of NMN in nanoparticles significantly enhanced its bioavailability and effectiveness in a mouse model of aging.
Compared to free NMN, encapsulated NMN was more effective for boosting NAD+ levels, maintaining functional and cognitive abilities, and strengthening the antioxidant defense system.
“The NMN- encapsulated ovalbumin and fucoidan nanoparticles reported in this paper provided an experimental foundation for the effective delivery of NMN to intervene aged mice.”
