Sir2, with love

This past weekend, most of us in the U.S. set our clocks ahead one hour to begin that rite of spring called daylight savings time. I always enjoy the extra hour of daylight that comes with this season, but whenever I advance that hour hand I can’t help but think it’s the opposite of what I’d really like to do – which is turn back the clock on the aging process and regain a little of that zip and mental alertness I had more of just a few years ago.

Of course, there’s no going back. But there is a way to prevent our aging from spinning ahead too rapidly.

Last week I told you about a relatively new science called nutrigenomics that examines the effects that nutrients have on genes – especially as it relates to the genetic characteristics of each individual (“Gene Feed” 4/1/03). This week I’ll take the subject a step further with information about how one important nutrient may go a long way in preventing the DNA damage that promotes aging and disease.

Superficial, but critical too

We’ll start on the “surface” of this topic with some news from the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology last month. According to a presentation by dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., recent studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of nicotinamide (a derivative of niacin – also known as vitamin B3) promote moisture retention in the epidermis – the upper-most layer of the skin.

In one study, subjects reported significantly less dryness and flakiness, followed by smoother, softer skin after using a topical nicotinamide. Dr. Baumann said that formulas containing nicotinamide may be especially useful to those (such as myself) who have flare-ups of a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis.

More importantly, other studies have revealed chemopreventative effects when nicotinamide was used. In one animal study, ultraviolet-induced skin cancer was reduced by 70 percent when topical nicotinamide was applied to mouse skin.

But as useful as nicotinamide might prove to be for the prevention and treatment of skin problems, when taken internally, this nutrient does wonders for your body and especially your brain.

Chain of protection

The excellent benefits of nicotinamide are illustrated through its relationship to a gene called Sir2 that can slow the aging process and prevent disease. Sir2 stands for “silent information regulator 2.” It produces a protein called Sir2p that forms a protective barrier around your cells, defending them from rogue DNA molecules that cause the genetic instability that promotes aging. Without this barrier, cells deteriorate and eventually die – unable to resist disease or invasion by foreign bodies.

Nicotinamide is a precursor to a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which your body requires to activate the protective effects of Sir2p protein. So the equation is pretty simple: nicotinamide promotes the development of NAD, and the more NAD you have, the longer Sir2p will remain active and prevent DNA damage. In addition, NAD has been found to repair breaks in your DNA, while also working with antioxidants, vitamin B6, and folic acid to protect chromosome damage that eventually leads to diseases such as cancer.

Brain & body

Injury to your DNA has serious consequences. The deterioration and death of brain cells are symptoms of aging, and patients suffering from this type of cell death typically show DNA damage. Recent research at the University of Southern California found that brain DNA damage was prevented by nicotinamide supplements. This is hopeful news for those suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases (both of which are believed to be associated with brain-cell death).

Additionally, the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health found that nicotinamide seems to have a significant positive effect on osteoarthritis patients as well. When researchers compared the effects of nicotinamide to a placebo, the arthritis patients who received nicotinamide supplements improved by 29 percent in a variety of areas, such as arthritis impact and pain, as well as joint range of motion and flexibility. In these same areas, the placebo group deteriorated by 10 percent during the 12-week study.

More eggs, please

Research into the genetic theory of aging is really just beginning, and more research will be needed to fully understand the relationship between Sir2p, NAD, and B vitamins. In the meantime, there’s no doubt that a daily intake of niacin will help put the breaks on your body’s aging process. The best dietary sources of niacin include red meat (including organ meats), poultry, fish, eggs and whole grains.

Supplements of nicotinamide are available at most health food stores. I’ve heard good reports about a Source Naturals product called Coenzymated B-3, which provides niacin as NAD. You can check the Source Naturals web site (sourcenaturals.com) for a list of retailers that carry their products.

One detail to watch for, however, when looking for a nicotinamide supplement: do not confuse NADH with NAD. NADH is a cell energizer that we’ve talked about in the past. It’s also a form of vitamin B3, but NADH will not supply Sir2p with the fuel it needs to form a shield around your cells, protecting them from the negative influences that would speed them too quickly into old age.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Enzyme Role Found for Aging Gene” Jennifer Fisher Wilson, The Scientist, V.16, Issue 22, 11/11/02, the-scientist.com
“Transcriptional Silencing and Longevity Protein Sir2 is an NAD-Dependent Histone Deacetylase” Nature, V. 403, 795-800 (2000), nature.com
“American Academy of Dermatology: Old Vitamins Learn New Tricks” Press Release, PR Newswire, 3/24/03, biz.yahoo.com