Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.In addition, testosterone is involved in health and well-being,and the prevention of osteoporosis.Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including frailty and bone loss.
Testosterone is a steroid from the androstane class containing a keto and hydroxyl groups at the three and seventeen positions respectively. It is biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites.It exerts its action through binding to and activation of the androgen receptor.
In humans and most other vertebrates, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testicles of males and, to a lesser extent, the ovaries of females. Small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands. On average, in adult males, levels of testosterone are about 7–8 times as great as in adult females.As the metabolic consumption of testosterone in males is greater, the daily production is about 20 times greater in men.Females are also more sensitive to the hormone.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide ("NMN" and "β-NMN") is a nucleotide derived from ribose and nicotinamide.Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is a derivative of vitamin B3, also known as niacin.As a biochemical precursor of NAD+, it may be useful in the prevention of pellagra.
In studies on mice, NMN has shown to reverse age-related arterial dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress.A long-term study indicates that NMN can slow down the physiologic decline in ageing mice.As a result, the older mice in the study have metabolism and energy levels resembling those of younger mice, with extended life spans. However, NMN did not show similar beneficial effects in young mice.
The anti-ageing properties are being tested on humans in Japan.