Why This Matters to Us
As longevity enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for advancements that help us live longer, healthier lives. Drugs like Ozempic are gaining attention not just for weight loss but also for their ability to combat age-related decline. The possibility of pairing Ozempic with NAD+ boosters, such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), opens a fascinating avenue for improving health at the cellular level. These findings could guide future therapies targeting inflammation, bone health, heart health, and overall resilience to aging.
The Detail
A recent study explored how liraglutide—a drug similar to Ozempic—interacts with enzymes called sirtuins, particularly SIRT1, to improve bone health in diabetic rats. Sirtuins are a family of seven proteins that help regulate critical cellular processes, such as DNA repair, metabolism, and ageing. They are powered by NAD+, an essential molecule for cellular energy production. Because NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, replenishing them with supplements like NMN or NR (nicotinamide riboside) has become a promising anti-aging strategy.
In this study, diabetic rats were treated with liraglutide for 12 weeks. The results showed that the drug reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone deterioration—key drivers of aging. Notably, these benefits were dependent on the presence of SIRT1. When scientists genetically removed SIRT1 from the rats, liraglutide’s protective effects on bone health were eliminated. This demonstrated that SIRT1 is a critical player in the anti-aging effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide.
So, what does this mean for us? GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, may do more than regulate blood sugar. Their ability to activate sirtuins suggests they can combat various age-related conditions, including inflammation and poor bone health. Given that inflammation and bone loss are common as we age, drugs like Ozempic could double as longevity-promoting treatments.
Another exciting angle involves combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with NAD+ precursors, such as NMN. Harvard researcher David Sinclair, PhD, has highlighted the potential for such combinations. Sirtuins require NAD+ to function, and by boosting NAD+ levels, we could enhance the longevity-promoting effects of drugs like Ozempic. This could also offset side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs, such as muscle mass loss. For instance, studies show that NMN improves bone strength, fracture healing, and muscle endurance in animals and humans.
There has been some clinical evidence supporting the power of combining NAD+ boosters and sirtuin activators. For example, a trial combining the NAD+ precursor NR and a sirtuin activator called pterostilbene reduced liver inflammation in adults. Though similar trials involving GLP-1 receptor agonists are still lacking, the foundation for testing these combinations in humans is promising. Hopefully, further research will confirm whether combining NAD+ boosters like NMN with GLP-1 receptor agonists results in additive benefits for longevity.
Next Steps and Final Thoughts
While these findings are exciting, they come with caveats. First, most of the evidence linking Ozempic, sirtuins, and anti-aging effects comes from animal studies. Human trials are essential to confirm these results and determine their safety and effectiveness. Second, while NAD+ boosters like NMN have shown potential in improving health at the cellular level, their long-term effects still need to be better understood. Finally, while combining these therapies holds theoretical promise, more rigorous testing is required to validate their combined effects and identify any potential risks.
In summary, this research into GLP-1 receptor agonists and sirtuin activation represents a step toward understanding how these therapies could slow down aging and extend lifespan. By targeting core processes of ageing, such as cellular damage and inflammation, these therapies could help people live longer, healthier lives. The possibility of combining drugs like Ozempic with NAD+ boosters adds an exciting dimension to the future of longevity research.
For more details on this study, check out the full publication on PubMed: Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Overweight or Obesity (SELECT).