Abstract

Objectives: N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a key biomarker for assessing cardiac function in companion animals and plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of heart disease. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor of NAD+, has attracted attention for its potential to enhance mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral NMN supplementation in reducing elevated NT-proBNP levels in dogs and to assess its potential clinical applicability in veterinary practice.
Materials and Methods: Dogs with elevated NT-proBNP levels were administered oral NMN at weight-adjusted doses (10–30 mg per dose) twice daily. Treatment continued until NT-proBNP levels returned to the normal reference range. Serum NT-proBNP and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations were measured, and clinical data were systematically analyzed to evaluate treatment response.
Results: NMN supplementation significantly reduced NT-proBNP levels in dogs without evident cardiac structural abnormalities or with mild-to-moderate NT-proBNP elevation. Improvements were particularly notable in cases with preserved cardiac structure and function. However, in dogs with severe heart disease or complex comorbidities, NMN alone demonstrated limited efficacy and required combination with conventional therapeutic interventions to achieve optimal outcomes.
Conclusions: Oral NMN administration may serve as a beneficial adjunctive strategy for reducing NT-proBNP levels in dogs without significant structural cardiac defects or advanced functional impairment. Its cardioprotective effects are likely associated with improved myocardial energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Further controlled clinical studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic role in veterinary cardiology.

Key words: Canine heart disease; NT-proBNP; β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN); early diagnosis; treatment strategy; NAD+