Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 31-41 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 31 Research Insight Open Access The Key Role of NADPH in Biosynthesis and Antioxidant Reactions Xinyi Fang , Gang Xu Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang AandF University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: xinyi.fang@jicat.org Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/jeb.2025.16.0004 Received: 19 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 26 Jan., 2025 Published: 08 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Fang and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fang X.Y., and Xu G., 2025, The key role of NADPH in biosynthesis and antioxidant reactions, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 16(1): 31-41 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2025.16.0004) Abstract NADPH, the full name of which is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, is a very important coenzyme in cells. It plays a key role in the body's production of various substances and resistance to oxidative stress. We can think of it as an "electron provider" that is indispensable in many biological reactions. When synthesizing fatty acids, cholesterol, nucleotides, and some secondary metabolites, cells need a lot of NADPH to provide reducing power. In other words, without it, these things cannot be made. NADPH also helps cells fight "oxidative stress". It can regenerate reduced glutathione and support the normal operation of the thioredoxin system. These systems are particularly important for scavenging free radicals and maintaining cell health. The main way cells make NADPH is through a metabolic pathway called the "pentose phosphate pathway". In addition, some enzymes, such as NADP-dependent malic enzyme and isocitrate dehydrogenase, can also replenish NADPH. These enzymes are distributed in different areas of the cell to ensure that there is enough NADPH everywhere. NADPH is also important in the immune system. For example, when phagocytes (like macrophages) react in an outburst, it helps cells quickly release reactive substances to kill bacteria. In addition, NADPH is also related to aging, metabolic problems, and the development of certain diseases. Scientists are studying how to better monitor and regulate NADPH in cells. These new technologies may be used in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Future research needs to further clarify how NADPH is regulated and how it interacts with various cell signaling pathways. NADPH is critical for maintaining cell health and may also become a new target for treating certain diseases (especially those related to oxidative stress) or improving metabolic efficiency. Keywords NADPH; Biosynthesis; Antioxidant reactions; Redox homeostasis; Metabolic regulation 1 Introduction NADPH, the full name of which is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, is a very important coenzyme in cell metabolism. It plays a key role in redox reactions. Structurally, NADPH and NADH are very similar. The main difference between them is that there is an extra phosphate on the ribose ring of NADPH. This small change allows NADPH to specifically participate in anabolism. It can provide the required reducing power in the synthesis of substances and antioxidant defense (Xiao et al., 2018; Amjad et al., 2021). NADPH does not have only one source. It can be synthesized through several different metabolic methods. For example, the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and a step in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, isocitrate dehydrogenase, can also help produce NADPH (Spaans et al., 2015). NADPH is indispensable in many life activities, especially in the manufacture of substances and anti-oxidation. It provides reducing power in the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and nucleotides. These substances are very important for cell growth and division (Xiao et al., 2018; Amjad et al., 2021). NADPH also helps cells resist oxidative stress. It can restore the antioxidant glutathione to an active state. This process helps cells fight damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Hashida et al., 2010; Spaans et al., 2015). Because of these functions, NADPH is particularly important in cellular metabolism. It is also considered a new target for treating metabolic diseases and some degenerative diseases (Braidy et al., 2019; Tannous et al., 2020). This study mainly wants to take a deeper look at the role of NADPH in material production and anti-oxidation. We will start with its molecular structure, then talk about how it is made, and analyze what it does specifically in cellular activities. Our goal is to fully understand the role of NADPH in supporting cellular metabolism and think
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