https://nad.com/news/dna-variant-revitalizes-multiple-organs-restores-nad Italian scientists find that a longevity-associated variant of the BPIFB4 gene keeps NAD+ levels high in old age and may increase lifespan. Highlights A DNA variant in the gene BPIFB4 is shared amongst long-living individuals. This longevity linked DNA variant eliminates senescent cells and rejuvenates NAD+ levels in mice. Long-living individuals, especially those with the longevity variant in BPIFB4, have higher NAD+ levels than elderly adults. ELI55: "Senescent cells also secrete molecules that activate CD38 – an enzyme that breaks down NAD+. Therefore, by eliminating senescent cells, CD38 cannot be activated to break down NAD+. To test this, the Italian researchers measured the NAD+ levels of old mice injected with LAV-BPIFB4. They found that the longevity gene brought NAD+ levels back to the same level as young mice, as predicted. " Bottomline: "having high NAD+ levels in old age is not solely dependent on having LAV-BPIFB4. Numerous studies have shown that supplementation with NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boost NAD+ levels in old age. Whether or not this increases lifespan is still unknown, but the findings of Ciaglia and colleagues are encouraging"