CD38 inhibitor 78c increases mice lifespan and healthspan in a model of chronological aging

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels decline during aging, contributing to physical and metabolic dysfunction. The NADase CD38 plays a key role in age-related NAD decline. Whether the inhibition of CD38 increases lifespan is not known. Here, we show that the CD38 inhibitor 78c increases lifespan and healthspan of naturally aged mice. In addition to a 10% increase in median survival, 78c improved exercise performance, endurance, and metabolic function in mice. The effects of 78c were different between sexes. Our study is the first to investigate the effect of CD38 inhibition in naturally aged animals.

Automated summary

Inhibiting CD38 enzyme can prolong the lifespan and healthspan of aged mice, improve exercise performance, endurance, and metabolic function, with differences observed between sexes.