Influence of NAD+ as an ageing-related immunomodulator on COVID 19 infection: A hypothesis
Autor
Omran, Huda M.
Almaliki, Mohamed S.
Institución
Resumen
The aging-associated decline of biologicalfunctions represents an important contributor to the increase in
morbidity and mortality of human beings. Ofthese biologicalfunctions deterioration;there is a significant
decline in the heart function, impairments in the lungs gas exchange, and impairments in the immune
function. Many alterations in the body humeral and cellular immune response were observed with ageing
process: The circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines are increased, the naive lymphocytes are decreased,
the numbers of the antigen-presenting cells areelevated and the overall response is impaired.
In addition, ageing is associated with a progressive restriction in the telomere length. Telomeres are
located at chromosomes ends and play an essential role in preserving chromosome stability. Also, telomere length is very important to the immune system, because of the high sensitivity of the immune cells to
the shortening oftelomeres. Telomeres shortening adversely affectthe immune cells’ function and developments. These adverse changes increased the susceptibility for severe infection, risk of hospitalization,
and even death.
Elderly COVID-19 patients are at a real risk of complications due to impaired immune function,
cytokine storm and defective respiratory function. Administration of anti-ageing immunomodulation
factors like Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide NAD+ can minimize these changes through its potent
immunomodulation and longevity effects. NAD+ has a direct inhibitory effect on PARP-1 and can prevent pro-inflammatory cytokines over-activation. Increasing the NAD+ level will also result in stabilizing
telomeres and this has a positive impact on immune cells function.