Nicotinamide riboside alleviates exercise intolerance in ANT1-deficient mice

Abstract

Objective: Mitochondrial disorders are often characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. Null mutations in the heart-muscle adenine nucleotide translocator isoform 1 (ANT1) of both humans and mice cause cardiomyopathy and myopathy associated with exercise intolerance and muscle weakness. Here we decipher the molecular underpinnings of ANT1-deficiency-mediated exercise intolerance. Methods: This was achieved by correlating exercise physiology, mitochondrial function and metabolomics of mice deficient in ANT1 and comparing this to control mice. Results: We demonstrate a peripheral limitation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration and a reduced complex I respiration in ANT1-deficient mice. Upon exercise, this results in a lack of NAD+ leading to a substrate limitation and stalling of the TCA cycle and mitochondrial respiration, further limiting skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration. Treatment of ANT1-deficient mice with nicotinamide riboside increased NAD+ levels in skeletal muscle and liver, which increased the exercise capacity and the mitochondrial respiration. Conclusion: Increasing NAD+ levels with nicotinamide riboside can alleviate the exercise intolerance associated to ANT1-deficiency, indicating the therapeutic potential of NAD+-stimulating compounds in mitochondrial myopathies.

Keywords

• Mitochondrial disorder
• Exercise
• Nicotinamide riboside
• NAD+/NADH