Degradation Of Nadh's Role In The Metabolis Of Cells

There are two forms of coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), oxidized NAD+ and reduced NADH, that play a key role in the metabolism of cells (Daempfle, 2016). The conversion between the two forms enables the cell to accept and donate electrons. NADH is crucial for cellular energy production and plays a vital role in various reactions associated with oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and fermentation. Cells synthesize NADH from glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. The hydrogen from NADH reacts with oxygen to produce energy and water. Adequate availability of NADH is essential for a cell to perform its core functions properly (Casem, 2016; Khan et al., 2007).

The energy generated from NADH during various processes, such as oxidative phosphorylation, is stored as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the vital energy source of the cell. The availability of ATP not only influences the ability of cells to perform its functions but also their lifespan. As a result, the degradation of NADH by a toxic drug can lead to reduced levels of ATP causing various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia, autoimmune disorders, muscular dystrophy and even death. …show more content…
Therefore, they require a considerable amount of energy. Sufficient availability of NADH ensures an adequate supply of energy to the cell facilitating better performance and longer life (Birkmayer,