“Star Wars” Gene Aging You?

There’s a little-known gene with a Star Wars-sounding name that is a critical cause of aging.

And blocking this CD38 gene is key to reverse aging…

You see, the CD38 gene devours and destroys a coenzyme in your body called NAD+. And we can’t live without NAD+. Our brains, hearts, lungs, eyes, joints, you name it… no organ can survive without it.

NAD+ acts as a fuel for many of our key biological processes, including:

•Converting food into energy

•Rebooting your internal aging clock

•Repairing DNA damage

•Producing new mitochondria

•Strengthening cells’ defense systems

•Generating new stem cells

Low levels of NAD+ have been linked to almost every symptom of aging, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, hearing and vision loss, loss of muscle, cancer and chronic inflammation.

You can see that maintaining high levels of NAD+ is vital. Unfortunately, by the time we turn 50, we have less than HALF of our original levels. By age 80, NAD+ levels drop as much as 98%.

But there are ways you can dramatically increase NAD+ in your body. More on that in a moment.

First, I want to tell you more about how the Star Wars gene steals healthy years from your life.

When you’re younger, CD38 is an important part of your immune response. It helps the body recognize and defend itself from bacteria, viruses and other outside invaders.1

But as we age, levels of this CD38 skyrocket.2

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted two studies on post-stroke heart disease patients…

First, they found that these patients suffered from high activation of CD38 which depleted their NAD+ levels by 90%. As a result, they suffered from endothelial dysfunction — or damage to the lining of blood vessels in the heart.

But when a group of similar patients received a CD38

inhibitor along with NAD+, this didn’t happen. Their blood pressure remained normal. And there was no change in their heart muscle tissue.

In fact, they experienced a 125% better recovery than untreated patients.3

The most effective way to block CD38 — and start reversing aging — is with an incredibly powerful antioxidant called luteolin. The easiest way to get luteolin is through your diet. My top picks for foods and herbs rich in luteolin include celery, parsley, citrus fruits, green peppers, artichoke and basil. Aim to get at least one serving at each meal.

In addition to blocking CD38, luteolin protects against cancer, dementia and depression, viral infections, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

It can be hard to get enough luteolin through food alone. If that’s the case, you can supplement. Luteolin is available as a powder, pill or chewable tablet. I recommend taking 8 mg to 10 mg daily.

But blocking CD38 is your first step to maintaining NAD+ levels. But you also need to increase these levels.

Reverse Years of Aging by Boosting NAD+

Your body produces NAD+ from vitamin B3 (niacin). Here’s how you can increase it naturally to help reverse aging:

  1. Boost your niacin levels with food. The best sources are grass-fed beef and organ meats. Other good sources include pastured eggs, chicken and turkey, and wild-caught salmon and tuna. You can also get some niacin from peanuts, beets, leafy greens, nuts, peas and beans.
  2. Include a supplement. For anti-aging and autoimmune benefits, you’ll have to supplement. Look for a supplement containing niacin, niacinamide or nicotinamide. I recommend getting 750 mg to 2,000 mg a day. Just don’t rush in too fast.
  3. Beware the flush. When you start taking B3 supplements you may get a reaction known as “niacin flush.” It feels like a burning and prickly sensation over your face, neck and chest. It’s harmless and only lasts 20 minutes. The reaction wears off as you continue to use B3, so be patient. It may take a few weeks, but you’ll build up a tolerance.
  4. Start slowly. I recommend starting at a small dose of 250 mg per day. At first, take it every other day and slowly work up to a daily dose. Increase the amount gradually every month until you get up to your target. You can also split your dose into twice a day to help reduce the flush.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD

Al Sears, MD, CNS

References

1. Malavasi F, et al. “Evolution and function of the ADP ribosyl cyclase/CD38 gene family in physiology and pathology.” Physiol Rev. 2008;88(3):841-886.
2. Camacho-Pereira J, et al. “CD38 dictates age-related nad decline and mitochondrial dysfunction through an sirt3-dependent mechanism.” Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):1127-1139.
3. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (2019, April 19). Ohio State Researchers Develop Promising New Stroke Therapy [Press release]. Retrieved from https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/ohio-state-researchers-develop-promising-new-stroke-therapy