Adv Sci：我国学者揭示尼古丁抗衰老的新机制

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses new evidence regarding nicotine's potential anti-aging effects, suggesting that nicotine can reprogram aging-related metabolism and protect against motor decline in mice [3]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published by researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology indicates that chronic low-dose nicotine acts as an activator of NAD⁺ biosynthesis, improving glucose metabolism and cognitive function in mice [8]. - The research highlights that the beneficial effects of nicotine occur at significantly lower concentrations than those typically associated with smoking, emphasizing the need for further studies on nicotine dosage and duration [10]. - The study also found that long-term oral nicotine treatment can mitigate age-related declines in motor function in mice, with no pathological changes observed in peripheral organs related to metabolism [11][13]. Group 2: Aging and Metabolism - Aging is characterized by systemic physiological deterioration, including metabolic dysregulation and reduced physical activity, which are critical factors for healthy aging [5]. - Recent advancements in aging research utilize multi-dimensional omics and machine learning to depict biological aging trajectories, revealing the interconnectedness of energy metabolism, mitochondrial efficiency, and nutrient signaling networks [6]. - The decline in NAD⁺ levels during aging negatively impacts cellular energy homeostasis and genomic integrity, while restoring NAD⁺ can alleviate age-related decline [6]. Group 3: Nicotine's Biological Activity - Epidemiological data show a paradoxical relationship between smoking and certain diseases, where nicotine may have protective associations against conditions like ulcerative colitis and Parkinson's disease [7]. - The study indicates that nicotine influences the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in overall physiology, and its effects vary depending on conditions, necessitating context-specific analyses [10]. - Nicotine's impact on sphingolipid metabolism is linked to improved energy metabolism and reduced accumulation of neurotoxic ceramides, which are associated with age-related muscle dysfunction [13][15].