The neurovascular system is a critical network that maintains brain function and ensures proper blood supply to tissues throughout the body. Its health directly influences cognitive performance, motor abilities, and tissue repair efficiency, playing a vital role in overall wellness and anti-aging.


01. Protecting Brain Endothelium and Maintaining Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity

Brain endothelial cells form the core structure of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). They regulate the transport of essential nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, into brain tissue while preventing harmful substances from entering the brain. Endothelial cells also release signaling molecules like nitric oxide (NO) to regulate cerebral vessel dilation and maintain stable, efficient cerebral blood flow.

As we age or face risk factors like hypertension and high blood sugar, NAD+ levels in brain endothelial cells decline, leading to endothelial dysfunction. Reduced NO production can result in vessel constriction and stiffness, while impaired tight junctions compromise the BBB’s integrity. This increases the risk of inflammation and toxin infiltration into the brain, potentially causing cerebral hypoperfusion, cognitive decline, and other neurodegenerative issues.

NMN can replenish NAD+ levels and activate the Sirtuins protein family within endothelial cells, particularly SIRT1. Known as the “longevity protein,” SIRT1 repairs damaged endothelial DNA through deacetylation and enhances endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, increasing NO production. This improves cerebral vessel dilation and reduces vascular stiffness. Additionally, SIRT1 upregulates tight junction proteins, such as occludin and claudin-5, reducing BBB permeability and protecting neural tissue from harmful substances.


02. Reducing Neurovascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the neurovascular system are key contributors to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral infarction. When brain blood vessels or neurons are damaged, inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB are activated, leading to overactivation of microglia (the brain’s immune cells) and the release of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. Concurrently, mitochondrial dysfunction increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, amplifying oxidative stress and further damaging neuron membranes, vascular walls, and DNA. This “inflammation-oxidation” vicious cycle ultimately leads to neuronal apoptosis and vascular fibrosis.

NMN elevates NAD+ levels, breaking this cycle through two key mechanisms. First, NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme for the mitochondrial respiratory chain, enhancing energy metabolism efficiency and reducing ROS generation at the source. Second, NAD+ activates SIRT3 (mainly in mitochondria) and PARP1 (poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1). SIRT3 deacetylates mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD2), boosting their activity and accelerating ROS clearance. PARP1 participates in DNA repair and regulates inflammatory cytokine expression, effectively reducing neurovascular inflammation. Through these mechanisms, NMN provides comprehensive protection for the neurovascular system against oxidative and inflammatory damage.


03. Enhancing Neurovascular Coupling and Boosting Brain Functional Reserve

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the core coordination mechanism of the neurovascular system. When specific brain regions—such as the hippocampus (memory) or cortical motor areas—are activated, neurons release signaling molecules like glutamate and ATP, prompting nearby blood vessels to dilate. This increases local blood flow, delivering more oxygen and glucose while removing metabolic waste, ensuring efficient brain function.

Aging or neurodegenerative diseases can weaken NVC. Neurons release fewer signaling molecules, and cerebral vessels respond more slowly, reducing the coordination between neuronal activation and blood flow. This may lead to slower cognitive processing, reduced attention, and impaired motor coordination.

NMN enhances NVC by elevating NAD+ levels in both neurons and cerebral vessels. In neurons, NAD+ supports synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter synthesis, boosting energy supply and promoting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate to maintain strong and sustained signaling. In blood vessels, SIRT1 activation improves vascular smooth muscle relaxation, allowing cerebral vessels to respond rapidly to neuronal signals, quickly increasing local cerebral blood flow. This dual action enhances neurovascular coupling and strengthens the brain’s functional reserve.

In 2020, researchers at the University of Oklahoma demonstrated that NMN restored NAD+ levels in aged mice, activated SIRT1, rescued neurovascular function, increased cerebral blood flow, and significantly improved cognitive performance. This study provides important scientific evidence for the potential application of NMN in supporting neurovascular health and anti-aging.