Absolute quantification of nicotinamide mononucleotide in biological samples by double isotope-mediated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (dimeLC-MS/MS)

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is an essential metabolite for fundamental biological phenomena, including aging. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a key NAD⁺ intermediate that has been extensively tested as an effective NAD⁺-boosting compound in mice and humans. However, the accurate measurement of NMN in biological samples has long been a challenge in the field. Here, we have established an accurate, quantitative methodology for measuring NMN by using liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with double isotopic NMN standards. In this new methodology, the matrix effects of biological samples were properly adjusted, and the fate of NMN could be traced during sample processing. We have demonstrated that this methodology can accurately quantitate NMN levels in mouse plasma and confirmed quick, direct NMN uptake into blood circulation and cells. This double isotope-mediated LC-MS/MS (dimeLC-MS/MS) can easily be expanded to other NAD⁺-related metabolites as a reliable standard methodology for NAD⁺ biology.