It is postulated that a decrease in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration has a primary association with carcinogenesis.

The following observations are presented as evidence:

(1) NAD and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations are lower in cancer cells;
(2) chemical carcinogens and radiation can cause a lowering of NAD concentration in precancerous cells:
(3) biosynthesis of NAD in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is altered; and
(4) NAD is involved in regulating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis.

The lowering of NAD concentration would lead to the expression of oncogene and/or virogene according to the protovirus hypothesis, and the cellular characteristics of cancer cells can also be explained through the lowering of cellular NAD concentration. Experimental approaches are also proposed.

About the Authors

Chung, K.T. (1982). An association of carcinogenesis and decrease of cellular NAD concentration. Chung Hua Min Kuo Wei Sheng Wu Chi Mien I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1982 Nov;15(4):309-18.