One of the urban myths of NAD metabolism is the idea that NAD+ is good, while NADH is bad. NAD+:NADH are a redox couple that differ by a hydride group (a proton with 2 electrons) /1
NAD+ picks up the hydride when small molecules are oxidized, forming NADH. NADH donates the electrons to generate ATP and/or heat at the inner mitochondrial membrane. NADH is also the source of electrons in ketone body formation and gluconeogenesis /2
Thus, ketogenesis and gluconeogenesis are run in a reducing environment while fuel oxidation to produce ATP and/or heat requires oxygen as the ultimate electron acceptor to maintain a high NAD+/NADH ratio /3
NAD+ has 2 phosphates in it but is also phosphorylated to produce NADP+, which has 3 phosphates. NADP+ and NADPH are a redox couple that is mostly involved in anabolic reactions (making stuff). Cells can maintain a high NAD+/NADH ratio while having a high NADPH/NADP+ ratio /4
This is how our cells can simultaneously oxidize glucose (to citrate) while producing fat. #NADtwitter #metabolism #redox /end
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