Massive New Study shows Niacin and NAD+ cause Heart Disease?? Is this true? [Study 282]

Summary

This video discusses a study suggesting a link between the metabolite 4py, produced from the NAD metabolism pathway involving niacin (NIN), and an increased risk of heart disease. The research identifies a connection between 4py and the ACSMD gene, with higher levels of 4py associated with greater cardiovascular risk. Despite these findings, the video argues against condemning niacin supplementation, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies and considering the potential for increased 4py levels with high niacin doses.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The study suggests a potential link between the metabolites of niacin (NYS) and heart disease, specifically through the accumulation of 2py and 4py.
• 🔍 Researchers conducted an untargeted metabolomics screen to identify unusual molecules associated with heart disease risk factors.
• 🧪 Mass spectrometry was used to determine the weight and composition of the unknown molecules, revealing their involvement in the niacin and NAD metabolism pathway.
• 📊 The study found that higher levels of 2py and 4py were associated with a greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), even after adjusting for other risk factors.
• 🧬 A gene-wide association study (GWAS) identified a gene, ACMSD, that is closely related to the metabolism of 2py and 4py.
• 🧬 The ACMSD gene was found to be associated with a specific mutation, RS10496731, which could impact the metabolism of niacin and NAD.
• 🐁 Animal studies using mice showed that inhibiting the ACMSD gene led to increased levels of 2py and 4py.
• 🧬 The study proposes that 4py, in particular, may contribute to cardiovascular disease by increasing the adhesion of immune cells to the endothelium, potentially leading to plaque formation.
• ⚠️ The study does not conclusively prove that niacin supplementation causes heart disease but suggests a potential mechanism that could be explored further.
• 🔎 More research is needed to understand the direct effects of niacin supplementation on cardiovascular health and the role of ACMSD gene mutations.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the study discussed in the video?

The study focuses on the potential role of niacin (NYS) and its metabolites in causing heart disease, specifically investigating the residual risk of heart disease even when controlling for known risk factors.

What is an untargeted metabolomics screen?

An untargeted metabolomics screen is a method of probing blood samples for thousands of molecules to identify any abnormal rise or drop in certain molecules, which can indicate potential health issues.

What are the two suspicious metabolites identified in the study that are involved in the niacin and NAD metabolism pathway?

The two suspicious metabolites identified are N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (2py) and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (4py).

What is the significance of the metabolites 2py and 4py in relation to heart disease?

The study found that higher levels of 2py and 4py in the blood are associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), even after accounting for other risk factors.

What is a Gene-wide Association Study (GWAS) and how does it relate to the study?

A GWAS is a study that looks for associations between genes and particular conditions or diseases. In this study, a GWAS was used to find a gene (acmsd) that is tightly related to the metabolites 2py and 4py.

What is the function of the acmsd gene and how does it relate to 2py and 4py?

The acmsd gene is involved in the metabolism of tryptophan and is part of the pathway that can lead to the production of 2py and 4py. A deficiency or mutation in this gene can lead to increased levels of these metabolites.

What does the experiment involving injecting small hairpin RNA into mice demonstrate?

The experiment demonstrates that inhibiting the acmsd gene leads to an increase in the levels of 2py and 4py, suggesting a direct link between the gene's function and the levels of these metabolites.

How does the study suggest that 4py might contribute to cardiovascular disease?

The study suggests that 4py might contribute to cardiovascular disease by increasing the adhesion of immune cells to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, which can lead to inflammation and the formation of plaques.

What is the conclusion of the video regarding the use of niacin (NYS) supplements and cardiovascular health?

The video concludes that while the study indicates a potential new mechanism of cardiovascular disease through 4py, it does not condemn niacin as a cardiovascular disease risk. The video suggests that the study's findings should be considered in the context of other research.

What mistake does the video claim the researchers made in their analysis?

The video claims that the researchers made a mistake by not considering the possibility that a functional acmsd enzyme might still lead to increased 4py levels if extremely high doses of niacin are supplemented, which could potentially raise cardiovascular risks.