Therapeutic use of coenzyme Q10 and coenzyme Q10-related compounds and formulations

Electrochemically driven Michael reaction: synthesis of hydroquinone thioethers

An original method for the synthesis of a diverse array of hydroquinone thioethers with yields of 36% to 99% under mild conditions is described. The process is voltammetrically controlled and involves electrogenerating active protonated p-quinone followed by thiol addition.

Diosmin and Coenzyme q10: Synergistic histopathological and functional protection against doxorubicin-induced hepatorenal injury in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a cytotoxic anthracycline used to treat a variety of cancers. Cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity are adverse effects of DOX, that limit prognosis. The study aims to determine if diosmin (DIOS) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) alone or in combination protect rats against DOX-induced liver and kidney damage. Adult male rats were assigned randomly in five groups. An intraperitoneal injection of DOX (2.5 mg/kg) was given to the DOX group every other day for three weeks, whereas a normal control group received the vehicle. Diosmin group received oral DIOS (100 mg/kg), Co-Q10 group received oral CoQ10 (10 mg/kg) and combination group received oral DIOS and CoQ10 daily for three weeks concomitantly with DOX. Sera and tissues were obtained 24 hours after last DOX injection. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, urea, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were detected with hepatic and renal reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Histopathology and morphometry of liver and kidney were assessed. DOX exerted significant hepatorenal toxicity via elevation of liver and kidney functions, inducing oxidative stress by reducing GSH and elevating MDA, triggering renal and hepatic TNF-α and NF-kB. DIOS and CoQ10 modulated hepatic and renal functions, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. DIOS-CoQ10 combination treatment showed significant improvement in histopathology of liver and kidney along with morphometry compared to DOX group. In conclusion, combining DIOS and CoQ10 exhibited synergistic protective activity against DOX-induced hepatic and renal insult via their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bioavailability enhancement of coenzyme Q10: An update of novel approaches

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential, lipid-soluble vitamin involved in electron transport in the oxidoreductive reactions of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Structurally, the quinone ring is connected to an isoprenoid moiety, which has a high molecular weight. Over the years, coenzyme Q10 has become relevant in the treatment of several diseases, like neurodegenerative disorders, coronary diseases, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, and others. According to studies, CoQ10 supplementation might be beneficial in the treatment of CoQ10 deficiencies and disorders associated with oxidative stress. However, the water-insoluble nature of CoQ10 is a major hindrance to successful supplementation. So far, many advancements in CoQ10 bioavailability enhancement have been developed using novel drug carriers such as solid dispersion, liposomes, micelles, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, self-emulsifying drug systems, or various innovative approaches (CoQ10 complexation with proteins). This article aims to provide an update on methods to improve CoQ10 solubility and bioavailability.

Mitochondrion-targeted carboxymethyl chitosan hybrid nanoparticles loaded with Coenzyme Q10 protect cardiac grafts against cold ischaemia‒reperfusion injury in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation (HT) has been approved as an optimal therapeutic regimen for patients with terminal-stage cardiac failure. However, cold ischaemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury remains an unavoidable and outstanding challenge, which is a major factor in early graft dysfunction and an obstacle to long-term survival in HT. Cold I/R injury induces cardiac graft injury by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and augmenting free radical production and inflammatory responses. We therefore designed a mitochondrion-targeted nanocarrier loaded with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (CoQ10@TNPs) for treatment of cold I/R injury after cardiac graft in a murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model.

METHODS

Hybrid nanoparticles composed of CaCO3/CaP/biotinylated-carboxymethylchitosan (CaCO3/CaP/BCMC) were synthesized using the coprecipitation method, and the mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide SS31 was incorporated onto the surface of the hybrid nanoparticles through biotin-avidin interactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used for characterisation. In vitro, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model of H9c2 cells was employed to replicate in vivo cold I/R injury and treated with CoQ10@TNPs. The impact of CoQ10@TNPs on H9c2 cell injury was assessed by analysis of oxidative damage and apoptosis. In vivo, donor hearts (DHs) were perfused with preservation solution containing CoQ10@TNPs and stored in vitro at 4 °C for 12 h. The DHs were heterotopically transplanted and analysed for graft function, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers 1 day post-transplantation.

RESULTS

CoQ10@TNPs were successfully synthesized and delivered CoQ10 to the mitochondria of the cold ischaemic myocardium. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CoQ10@TNPs was taken up by H9c2 cells at 4 °C and localized within the mitochondria, thus ameliorating oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial injury in cold I/R injury. In vivo experiments showed that CoQ10@TNPs accumulated in DH tissue at 4 °C, localized within the mitochondria during cold storage and improved cardiac graft function by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative injury and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

CoQ10@TNPs can precisely deliver CoQ10 to the mitochondria of cold I/R-injured cardiomyocytes to effectively eliminate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), thus reducing oxidative injury and inflammatory reactions in cold I/R-injured graft tissues and finally improving heart graft function. Thus, CoQ10@TNPs offer an effective approach for safeguarding cardiac grafts against extended periods of cold ischaemia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential in mitigating cold I/R injury during HT. These findings present an opportunity to enhance existing results following HT and broaden the range of viable grafts for transplantation.

Novel Strategies in the Early Detection and Treatment of Endothelial Cell-Specific Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Coronary Artery Disease

Although elevated cholesterol and other recognised cardiovascular risk factors are important in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attack, the susceptibility of humans to this fatal process is distinct from other animals. Mitochondrial dysfunction of cells in the arterial wall, particularly the endothelium, has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. In this manuscript, we review the established evidence and mechanisms in detail and explore the potential opportunities arising from analysing mitochondrial function in patient-derived cells such as endothelial colony-forming cells easily cultured from venous blood. We discuss how emerging technology and knowledge may allow us to measure mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and risk management. We also discuss the "pros and cons" of animal models of atherosclerosis, and how patient-derived cell models may provide opportunities to develop novel therapies relevant for humans. Finally, we review several targets that potentially alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction working both via direct and indirect mechanisms and evaluate the effect of several classes of compounds in the cardiovascular context.

Efficacy and Safety of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We first searched PubMed, Wanfang Data, CNKI, Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov, and other databases. The retrieval time from the establishment of the database to January 2021. We collected relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of PCOS. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis of RCTs were performed using RevMan 5.0 software. This systematic review and meta-analysis include a total of 9 RCTs involving 1021 patients. The results show that the addition of coenzyme Q10 may improve insulin resistance (HOMA-IR (WMD - 0.67 [- 0.87, - 0.48], P < 0.00001); fasting insulin (WMD - 1.75 [- 2.65, - 0.84], P = 0.0002); fasting plasma glucose (WMD - 5.20 [- 8.86, - 1.54], P = 0.005)), improve sex hormone levels (FSH (SMD - 0.45 [0.11, 0.78], P = 0.009); testosterone (SMD - 0.28 [- 0.49, - 0.06], P = 0.01)), and improve blood lipids (triglycerides (SMD - 0.49 [- 0.89, - 0.09], P = 0.02); total cholesterol (SMD - 0.35 [- 0.56, - 0.14], P = 0.001); LDL-C (SMD - 0.22 [- 0.43, - 0.01], P = 0.04); HDL-C (SMD 0.22 [0.01, 0.43], P = 0.04)). Only one RCT reported adverse events, and they found that patients had no adverse effects or symptoms following supplementation. Based on the current evidence, it could be considered that the addition of CoQ10 is a safe therapy to improve PCOS by improving insulin resistance (reduce HOMA-IR, FINS, FPG), increasing sex hormone levels (increase FSH, reduce testosterone), and improving blood lipids (reduce TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased HDL-C).

Mitochondrial Genetic Background May Impact Statins Side Effects and Atherosclerosis Development in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Heredity of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can present as a dominant monogenic disorder of polygenic origin or with no known genetic cause. In addition, the variability of the symptoms among individuals or within the same families evidence the potential contribution of additional factors than monogenic mutations that could modulate the development and severity of the disease. In addition, statins, the lipid-lowering drugs which constitute the first-line therapy for the disease, cause associated muscular symptoms in a certain number of individuals. Here, we analyze the evidence of the mitochondrial genetic variation with a special emphasis on the role of CoQ₁₀ to explain this variability found in both disease symptoms and statins side effects. We propose to use mtDNA variants and copy numbers as markers for the cardiovascular disease development of FH patients and to predict potential statin secondary effects and explore new mechanisms to identify new markers of disease or implement personalized medicine strategies for FH therapy.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Increases Removal of the ATXN3 Polyglutamine Repeat, Reducing Cerebellar Degeneration and Improving Motor Dysfunction in Murine Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a well-known antioxidant, has been explored as a treatment in several neurodegenerative diseases, but its utility in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) has not been explored. Herein, the protective effect of CoQ10 was examined using a transgenic mouse model of SCA3 onset. These results demonstrated that a diet supplemented with CoQ10 significantly improved murine locomotion, revealed by rotarod and open-field tests, compared with untreated controls. Additionally, a histological analysis showed the stratification of cerebellar layers indistinguishable from that of wild-type littermates. The increased survival of Purkinje cells was reflected by the reduced abundance of TUNEL-positive nuclei and apoptosis markers of activated p53, as well as lower levels of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. CoQ10 effects were related to the facilitation of the autophagy-mediated clearance of mutant ataxin-3 protein, as evidenced by the increased expression of heat shock protein 27 and autophagic markers p62, Beclin-1 and LC3II. The expression of antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and 2 (SOD2), but not of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPx2), were restored in 84Q SCA3 mice treated with CoQ10 to levels even higher than those measured in wild-type control mice. Furthermore, CoQ10 treatment also prevented skeletal muscle weight loss and muscle atrophy in diseased mice, revealed by significantly increased muscle fiber area and upregulated muscle protein synthesis pathways. In summary, our results demonstrated biochemical and pharmacological bases for the possible use of CoQ10 in SCA3 therapy.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: Pathophysiology and Emerging Therapies

Mitochondria ensure the supply of cellular energy through the production of ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. The alteration of this process, called mitochondrial dysfunction, leads to a reduction in ATP and an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial dysfunction can be caused by mitochondrial/nuclear DNA mutations, or it can be secondary to pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, aging, and environmental stress. The use of therapies aimed at the prevention/correction of mitochondrial dysfunction, in the context of the specific treatment of cardiovascular diseases, is a topic of growing interest. In this context, the data are conflicting since preclinical studies are numerous, but there are no large randomized studies.

Preclinical and Clinical Role of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Various Pathological States

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an efficient antioxidant produced endogenously in a living organism. It acts as an important cofactor in the electron transport system of mitochondria and reported as a safe supplement in humans and animals with minimal adverse effect. CoQ10 is found naturally, as a trans configuration, chemical nomenclature of which is 2,3- dimethoxy-5- methyl-6-decaprenyle -1,4-benzoquinone. It is found in the body in two forms. In quinone form (oxidized form), it serves as an electron transporter that transfers the electrons in the electron transport chain between various complexes, and in ubiquinol form (reduced form), it serves as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals or by tocopherol regeneration in the living organism. Its primary roles include synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), stabilizes lipid membrane, antioxidant activity, cell growth stimulation, and cell death inhibition. CoQ10 has shown a variety of pharmacological and clinical effects including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, cardiovascular, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and various effects on the central nervous system. Present review has set about to bring updated information regarding to clinical and preclinical activities of CoQ10, which may be helpful to researchers to explore a new bioactive molecules for various therapeutic application.

Delivery of coenzyme Q10 with mitochondria-targeted nanocarrier attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. I/R induces acute kidney injury through exacerbating the mitochondrial damage and increasing inflammatory and oxidative responses. Here, we developed the mitochondria-targeted nanocarrier to delivery of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for renal I/R treatment in animal model. The mitochondria-targeted TPP CoQ10 nanoparticles (T-NP_CoQ10) were synthesized through ABC miktoarm polymers method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The I/R mouse model and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (D/R) model were created to examine the role of T-NP_CoQ10 on renal I/R. Mitochondrial DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines were measured in I/R injury mice. Plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, tubular injury score was tested to assess the renal function. T-NP_CoQ10 nanoparticles could be delivered to renal mitochondria preciously and efficiently. T-NP_CoQ10 administration attenuated oxidative injury in both cell and animal models significantly, alleviated mtDNA damage, suppressed inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and improved renal function. The mitochondria specific CoQ10 delivery provided a precious and efficient method for protecting inflammatory and oxidative responses of I/R-induced renal damage.

Coenzyme Q0, a novel quinone derivative of Antrodia camphorata, induces ROS-mediated cytotoxic autophagy and apoptosis against human glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) derived from Antrodia camphorata exerts anticancer activities against breast, melanoma, and ovarian carcinoma. Glioblastoma multiforme is a common tumor affecting the central nervous system. This study explored anticancer properties of CoQ0 on human glioblastoma both in vitro and in vivo, and explained the molecular mechanism behind it. CoQ0 treatment retarded the growth and suppressed colony formation in glioblastoma (U87MG and GBM8401) cells. CoQ0 induced apoptosis by activation of caspase-3, cleavage of PARP, and dysregulation of Bax and Bcl-2 in both cell lines. Annexin V/PI staining indicated CoQ0 mediated necrosis and apoptosis. Interestingly, AVOs were increased trough induction of autophagy by CoQ0, LC3-II accumulation, and p62/SQSTM1 expression, leading to death mechanism. Z-VAD-FMK has no effect on CoQ0-induced autophagy but autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA)/chloroquine (CQ) led to CoQ0-induced apoptosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited CoQ0-mediated ROS production and diminished CoQ0-induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Further, CoQ0 inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. CoQ0 reduced the tumor burden in U87MG and GBM8401 xenografted athymic nude mice and significantly modulated tumor xenograft by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. CoQ0 generated ROS-mediated apoptotic and autophagic cell death for effective glioblastoma treatment.

Exploring Molecular Approaches in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Drug Targets from Clinical and Pre-Clinical Findings

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease (MND) characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons (corticospinal tract) in the motor cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem, and spinal cord. The patient experiences the sign and symptoms between 55 to 75 years of age, which include impaired motor movement, difficulty in speaking and swallowing, grip loss, muscle atrophy, spasticity, and sometimes associated with memory and cognitive impairments. Median survival is 3 to 5 years after diagnosis and 5 to 10% of the patients live for more than 10 years. The limited intervention of pharmacologically active compounds, that are used clinically, is majorly associated with the narrow therapeutic index. Pre-clinically established experimental models, where neurotoxin methyl mercury mimics the ALS like behavioural and neurochemical alterations in rodents associated with neuronal mitochondrial dysfunctions and downregulation of adenyl cyclase mediated cAMP/CREB, is the main pathological hallmark for the progression of ALS in central as well in the peripheral nervous system. Despite the considerable investigation into neuroprotection, it still constrains treatment choices to strong care and organization of ALS complications. Therefore, this current review specially targeted the investigation of clinical and pre-clinical features available for ALS to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and to explore the pharmacological interventions associated with the up-regulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase/cAMP/ CREB and activation of mitochondrial-ETC coenzyme-Q10 as a future drug target in the amelioration of ALS mediated motor neuronal dysfunctions.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Age Related Macular Degeneration, Role in Pathophysiology, and Possible New Therapeutic Strategies

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the main cause of legal blindness in developed countries. It is a multifactorial disease in which a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to increased risk of developing this vision-incapacitating condition. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathophysiology of AMD and recent publications have highlighted the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress in this disease. Although treatment with vascular endothelium growth factor inhibitors have decreased the risk of blindness in patients with the exudative form of AMD, the search for new therapeutic options continues to prevent the loss of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells, characteristic of late stage AMD. In this review, we explain how mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress participate in AMD pathogenesis. We also discuss a role of several antioxidants (bile acids, resveratrol, melatonin, humanin, and coenzyme Q10) in amelioration of AMD pathology.

Coenzyme Q10 and Cardiovascular Diseases

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), which plays a key role in the electron transport chain by providing an adequate, efficient supply of energy, has another relevant function as an antioxidant, acting in mitochondria, other cell compartments, and plasma lipoproteins. CoQ₁₀ deficiency is present in chronic and age-related diseases. In particular, in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there is a reduced bioavailability of CoQ₁₀ since statins, one of the most common lipid-lowering drugs, inhibit the common pathway shared by CoQ₁₀ endogenous biosynthesis and cholesterol biosynthesis. Different clinical trials have analyzed the effect of CoQ₁₀ supplementation as a treatment to ameliorate these deficiencies in the context of CVDs. In this review, we focus on recent advances in CoQ₁₀ supplementation and the clinical implications in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid and lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, or endothelial function) as well as in a therapeutic approach for the reduction of the clinical complications of CVD.

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases

CoQ10 is an endogenous antioxidant produced in all cells that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. CoQ10 distribution is not uniform among different organs, and the highest concentration is observed in the heart, though its levels decrease with age. Advanced age is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxidative stress that impairs mitochondrial bioenergetic and reduces NO bioavailability, thus affecting vasodilatation. The rationale of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular diseases is that the loss of contractile function due to an energy depletion status in the mitochondria and reduced levels of NO for vasodilatation has been associated with low endogenous CoQ10 levels. Clinical evidence shows that CoQ10 supplementation for prolonged periods is safe, well-tolerated and significantly increases the concentration of CoQ10 in plasma up to 3–5 µg/mL. CoQ10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and mortality from cardiovascular causes and improves clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, prevents the accumulation of oxLDL in arteries, decreases vascular stiffness and hypertension, improves endothelial dysfunction by reducing the source of ROS in the vascular system and increases the NO levels for vasodilation.

CoenzymeQ in cellular redox regulation and clinical heart failure

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is ubiquitously embedded in lipid bilayers of various cellular organelles. As a redox cycler, CoQ shuttles electrons between mitochondrial complexes and extramitochondrial reductases and oxidases. In this way, CoQ is crucial for maintaining the mitochondrial function, ATP synthesis, and redox homeostasis. Cardiomyocytes have a high metabolic rate and rely heavily on mitochondria to provide energy. CoQ levels, in both plasma and the heart, correlate with heart failure in patients, indicating that CoQ is critical for cardiac function. Moreover, CoQ supplementation in clinics showed promising results for treating heart failure. This review provides a comprehensive view of CoQ metabolism and its interaction with redox enzymes and reactive species. We summarize the clinical trials and applications of CoQ in heart failure and discuss the caveats and future directions to improve CoQ therapeutics.

Therapeutic Potential and Immunomodulatory Role of Coenzyme Q10 and Its Analogues in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a mitochondrial electron carrier and a powerful lipophilic antioxidant located in membranes and plasma lipoproteins. CoQ₁₀ is endogenously synthesized and obtained from the diet, which has raised interest in its therapeutic potential against pathologies related to mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced oxidative stress. Novel formulations of solubilized CoQ₁₀ and the stabilization of reduced CoQ₁₀ (ubiquinol) have improved its bioavailability and efficacy. Synthetic analogues with increased solubility, such as idebenone, or accumulated selectively in mitochondria, such as MitoQ, have also demonstrated promising properties. CoQ₁₀ has shown beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases. Leukocytes from antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients exhibit an oxidative perturbation closely related to the prothrombotic status. In vivo ubiquinol supplementation in APS modulated the overexpression of inflammatory and thrombotic risk-markers. Mitochondrial abnormalities also contribute to immune dysregulation and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Idebenone and MitoQ improved clinical and immunological features of lupus-like disease in mice. Clinical trials and experimental models have further demonstrated a therapeutic role for CoQ₁₀ in Rheumatoid Arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. This review summarizes the effects of CoQ₁₀ and its analogs in modulating processes involved in autoimmune disorders, highlighting the potential of these therapeutic approaches for patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Coenzyme Q homeostasis in aging: Response to non-genetic interventions

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a key component for many essential metabolic and antioxidant activities in cells in mitochondria and cell membranes. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging and age-related diseases. Deprivation of CoQ during aging can be the cause or the consequence of this mitochondrial dysfunction. In any case, it seems clear that aging-associated CoQ deprivation accelerates mitochondrial dysfunction in these diseases. Non-genetic prolongevity interventions, including CoQ dietary supplementation, can increase CoQ levels in mitochondria and cell membranes improving mitochondrial activity and delaying cell and tissue deterioration by oxidative damage. In this review, we discuss the importance of CoQ deprivation in aging and age-related diseases and the effect of prolongevity interventions on CoQ levels and synthesis and CoQ-dependent antioxidant activities.

Coenzyme Q10: Novel Formulations and Medical Trends

The aim of this review is to shed light over the most recent advances in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) applications as well as to provide detailed information about the functions of this versatile molecule, which have proven to be of great interest in the medical field. Traditionally, CoQ10 clinical use was based on its antioxidant properties; however, a wide range of highly interesting alternative functions have recently been discovered. In this line, CoQ10 has shown pain-alleviating properties in fibromyalgia patients, a membrane-stabilizing function, immune system enhancing ability, or a fundamental role for insulin sensitivity, apart from potentially beneficial properties for familial hypercholesterolemia patients. In brief, it shows a remarkable amount of functions in addition to those yet to be discovered. Despite its multiple therapeutic applications, CoQ10 is not commonly prescribed as a drug because of its low oral bioavailability, which compromises its efficacy. Hence, several formulations have been developed to face such inconvenience. These were initially designed as lipid nanoparticles for CoQ10 encapsulation and distribution through biological membranes and eventually evolved towards chemical modifications of the molecule to decrease its hydrophobicity. Some of the most promising formulations will also be discussed in this review.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for the Reduction of Oxidative Stress: Clinical Implications in the Treatment of Chronic Diseases

Apart from its main function in the mitochondria as a key element in electron transport, Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) has been described as having multiple functions, such as oxidant action in the generation of signals and the control of membrane structure and phospholipid and cellular redox status. Among these, the most relevant and most frequently studied function is the potent antioxidant capability of its coexistent redox forms. Different clinical trials have investigated the effect of CoQ₁₀ supplementation and its ability to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we focused on recent advances in CoQ₁₀ supplementation, its role as an antioxidant, and the clinical implications that this entails in the treatment of chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. As an antioxidant, CoQ₁₀ has proved to be of potential use as a treatment in diseases in which oxidative stress is a hallmark, and beneficial effects of CoQ₁₀ have been reported in the treatment of chronic diseases. However, it is crucial to reach a consensus on the optimal dose and the use of different formulations, which vary from ubiquinol or ubiquinone Ubisol-Q₁₀ or Qter^®, to new analogues such as MitoQ, before we can draw a clear conclusion about its clinical use. In addition, a major effort must be made to demonstrate its beneficial effects in clinical trials, with a view to making the implementation of CoQ₁₀ possible in clinical practice.

Ionizing radiation and natural constituents of living cells: Low-energy electron interaction with coenzyme Q analogs

Resonance electron attachment to short-tail analogs of coenzyme Q₁₀ is investigated in the electron energy range 0 eV-14 eV under gas-phase conditions by means of dissociative electron attachment spectroscopy. Formation of long-lived (milliseconds) molecular negative ions is detected at 1.2 eV, but not at thermal energy. A huge increase in the electron detachment time as compared with the reference para-benzoquinone (40 µs) is ascribed to the presence of the isoprene side chains. Elimination of a neutral CH₃ radical is found to be the most intense decay detected on the microsecond time scale. The results give some insight into the timescale of electron-driven processes stimulated in living tissues by high-energy radiation and are of importance in prospective fields of radiobiology and medicine.

Neuroprotective Methodologies of Co-Enzyme Q10 Mediated Brain Hemorrhagic Treatment: Clinical and Pre-Clinical Findings

Cerebral brain hemorrhage is associated with the highest mortality and morbidity despite only constituting approximately 10-15% of all strokes classified into intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage where most of the patients suffer from impairment in memory, weakness or paralysis in arms or legs, headache, fatigue, gait abnormality and cognitive dysfunctions. Understanding molecular pathology and finding the worsening cause of hemorrhage will lead to explore the therapeutic interventions that could prevent and cure the disease. Mitochondrial ETC-complexes dysfunction has been found to increase neuroinflammatory cytokines, oxidative free radicals, excitotoxicity, neurotransmitter and energy imbalance that are the key neuropathological hallmarks of cerebral hemorrhage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as a part of the mitochondrial respiratory chain can effectively restore these neuronal dysfunctions by preventing the opening of mitochondrial membrane transition pore, thereby counteracting cell death events as well as exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by influencing the expression of NF-kB1 dependent genes thus preventing the neuroinflammation and energy restoration. Due to behavior and biochemical heterogeneity in post cerebral brain hemorrhagic pattern different preclinical autologous blood injection models are required to precisely investigate the forthcoming therapeutic strategies. Despite emerging pre-clinical research and resultant large clinical trials for promising symptomatic treatments, there are very less pharmacological interventions demonstrated to improve post operative condition of patients where intensive care is required. Therefore, in current review, we explore the disease pattern, clinical and pre-clinical interventions under investigation and neuroprotective methodologies of CoQ10 precursors to ameliorate post brain hemorrhagic conditions.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular disease: Current status of translational research/clinical and therapeutic implications

Mitochondria provide energy to the cell during aerobic respiration by supplying ~95% of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules via oxidative phosphorylation. These organelles have various other functions, all carried out by numerous proteins, with the majority of them being encoded by nuclear DNA (nDNA). Mitochondria occupy ~1/3 of the volume of myocardial cells in adults, and function at levels of high-efficiency to promptly meet the energy requirements of the myocardial contractile units. Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA), which contains 37 genes and is maternally inherited. Over the last several years, a variety of functions of these organelles have been discovered and this has led to a growing interest in their involvement in various diseases, including cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction relates to the status where mitochondria cannot meet the demands of a cell for ATP and there is an enhanced formation of reactive-oxygen species. This dysfunction may occur as a result of mtDNA and/or nDNA mutations, but also as a response to aging and various disease and environmental stresses, leading to the development of cardiomyopathies and other CV diseases. Designing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies aiming to maintain or restore mitochondrial function has been a great challenge as a result of variable responses according to the etiology of the disorder. There have been several preclinical data on such therapies, but clinical studies are scarce. A major challenge relates to the techniques needed to eclectically deliver the therapeutic agents to cardiac tissues and to damaged mitochondria for successful clinical outcomes. All these issues and progress made over the last several years are herein reviewed.

Intrastriatal administration of coenzyme Q10 enhances neuroprotection in a Parkinson's disease rat model

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and no treatment has been yet established to prevent disease progression. Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant, has been considered a promising neuroprotective agent; however, conventional oral administration provides limited efficacy due to its very low bioavailability. In this study, we hypothesised that continuous, intrastriatal administration of a low dose of Coenzyme Q10 could effectively prevent dopaminergic neuron degeneration. To this end, a Parkinson's disease rat model induced by 6-hydroxydopamine was established, and the treatment was applied a week before the full establishment of this disease model. Behavioural tests showed a dramatically decreased number of asymmetric rotations in the intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 group compared with the no treatment group. Rats with intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 exposure also exhibited a larger number of dopaminergic neurons, higher expression of neurogenetic and angiogenetic factors, and less inflammation, and the effects were more prominent than those of orally administered Coenzyme Q10, although the dose of intrastriatal Coenzyme Q10 was 17,000-times lower than that of orally-administered Coenzyme Q10. Therefore, continuous, intrastriatal delivery of Coenzyme Q10, especially when combined with implantable devices for convection-enhanced delivery or deep brain stimulation, can be an effective strategy to prevent neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Topical Delivery of Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Microemulsion for Skin Regeneration

The aim of this study was to develop a coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) microemulsion system with improved solubility, penetration, and wound healing efficacy. Based on the pseudo-ternary diagram, microemulsions containing isopropyl myristate (IPM), Cremophor EL^®, and Transcutol^® HP were selected and confirmed to be nanosized (<20 nm) and thermodynamically stable based on the dilution and thermodynamic stability tests. The CoQ10-loaded microemulsion with a surfactant/co-surfactant (S/CoS) ratio of 2:1 (w/w %) demonstrated a higher permeation efficacy compared to microemulsions with S/CoS ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 (w/w %). Additionally, the CoQ10-loaded microemulsion with an S/CoS ratio of 2:1 demonstrated a relatively rapid wound healing effect in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Overall, these data suggest that a microemulsion based on IPM, Cremophor EL^®, and Transcutol^® HP could be an effective vehicle for the topical administration of CoQ10 and could be utilized for the application of other therapeutic agents that have difficulty in penetrating the skin.

Combination of Omega 3 and Coenzyme Q10 Exerts Neuroprotective Potential Against Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Alzheimer's-Like Disease in Rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that progressively disrupts neurocognitive function, which has neither cure nor effective treatment. Hypercholesterolemia might be involved in brain alterations that could evolve into AD. The present study aims to evaluate the potential of omega-3, Co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10), as well as their combination in ameliorating hypercholesterolemia-initiated AD-like disease. We adapted a hypercholesterolemic (HC) rat model, a model of oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration, to study AD-like pathology. Hypercholesterolemia resulted in increased lipid peroxidation coupled with declined nitric oxide production, reduced glutathione levels, and decreased antioxidant activities of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the brain. Moreover, hypercholesterolemia resulted in decreased acetylcholine (ACh) levels and increased acetylcholine-esterase (AChE) activity, along with an increment of tumor necrosis factor and amyloid-β 42. Behaviorally, HC-rats demonstrated depressive-like behavior and declined memory. Treatment of HC-rats with omega-3 and Co-Q10 (alone or in combination) alleviated the brain oxidative stress and inflammation, regulated cholinergic functioning, and enhanced the functional outcome. These findings were verified by the histopathological investigation of brain tissues. This neuroprotective potential of omega-3 and Co-Q10 was achieved through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, pro-cholinergic, and memory-enhancing activities against HC-induced AD-like disease; suggesting that they may be useful as prophylactic and therapeutic agents against the neurotoxic effects of hypercholesterolemia.

Neutrophil membrane-enveloped nanoparticles for the amelioration of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury initiates and exacerbates a series of oxidative and inflammatory events, and causes high morbidity and mortality. Despite the progress made with recent clinical use of anti-malarial drugs, the response rate of I/R injury treatment remains unsatisfactory. Here, we showed a neutrophil membrane-enveloped Coenzyme Q (N-NP_CoQ10) nanoparticle strategy for I/R injury treatment. We validated the physicochemical and biological reproducibility of the nanoparticles and tested the protective effects of N-NP_CoQ10 in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion model and renal I/R injury mouse model. N-NP_CoQ10 nanoparticles administration exhibited synergistic protective effect against I/R injury, which significantly reduced oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo, inhibited renal cell apoptosis, attenuated inflammatory response in renal I/R injury model, and finally improved renal function of I/R injury mice. The N-NP_CoQ10 nanoparticles administration provides an efficient way to deliver anti-oxidant that suppresses oxidative damages and neutralize proinflammatory cytokines during renal I/R injury, which might be a potential strategy for renal acute kidney injury treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The neutrophil membrane-enveloped Coenzyme Q nanoparticles (N-NP_CoQ10) provides an efficient way to protect oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic reaction in renal I/R injury, which might be a potential strategy for renal acute kidney injury treatment.

Assembly and Characterization of Biocompatible Coenzyme Q10 -Enriched Lipid Nanoparticles

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀ ) is a strongly hydrophobic lipid that functions in the electron transport chain and as an antioxidant. CoQ₁₀ was conferred with aqueous solubility by incorporation into nanoparticles containing phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. These particles, termed CoQ₁₀ nanodisks (ND), contain 1.0 mg CoQ₁₀ /5 mg PtdCho/2 mg apoA-I (97% CoQ₁₀ solubilization efficiency). UV/Vis absorbance spectroscopy of CoQ₁₀ ND revealed a characteristic absorbance peak centered at 275 nm. Incorporation of CoQ₁₀ into ND resulted in quenching of apoA-I tryptophan fluorescence emission. Gel filtration chromatography of CoQ₁₀ ND gave rise to a single major absorbance peak and HPLC of material extracted from this peak confirmed the presence of CoQ₁₀ . Incubation of cultured cells with CoQ₁₀ ND, but not empty ND, resulted in a significant increase in the CoQ₁₀ content of mitochondria as well as enhanced oxidative phosphorylation, as observed by a ~24% increase in maximal oxygen consumption rate. Collectively, a facile method to solubilize significant quantities of CoQ₁₀ in lipid nanoparticles has been developed. The availability of CoQ₁₀ ND provides a novel means to investigate biochemical aspects of CoQ₁₀ uptake by cells and/or administer it to subjects deficient in this key lipid as a result of inborn errors of metabolism, statin therapy, or otherwise.

Coenzyme Q10 administration has no effect on sICAM-1 and metabolic parameters of pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a key role in the development and progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications in pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutraceutical with a known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential effect of CoQ10 on ED and various metabolic parameters. Methods: This prospective randomized open-label pilot study was conducted on 49 T1DM pediatric patients. Seven healthy non-diabetic pediatric subjects who didn't receive treatment were included as a control group. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into either group I (n = 25); received 100 mg of CoQ10 in addition to standard treatment or group II (n = 24); received standard treatment only. The levels of; soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, serum creatinine and liver function tests were assessed for both groups at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Results: At baseline, compared to an age-matched healthy control group sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in group II diabetic patients (276.5 (231.6-320.66) vs 221.8 (177.9-267.1 ng/ml), p = 0.042. After 3 months of treatment no significant difference was observed in sICAM-1, HbA1c, FBG, lipid profile, serum creatinine and liver function tests between the two study groups. A positive correlation was found between sICAM-1 and HbA1c throughout the study (r = 0.308, p = 0.0054). Conclusion: Administration of CoQ10 for 3 months in T1DM pediatric patients was well tolerated but had no favorable effect on ED or metabolic parameters.

Enhanced mitochondrial inhibition by 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetaldehyde (DOPAL)-oligomerized α-synuclein

Oligomeric forms of α-synuclein are believed to cause mitochondrial injury, which may contribute to neurotoxicity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here oligomers of α-synuclein were prepared using the dopamine metabolite, DOPAL (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetaldehyde), in the presence of guanidinium hydrochloride. Electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and Western blotting studies revealed enhanced and stable oligomerization with DOPAL compared with dopamine or CuCl₂ /H₂ O₂ . Using isolated mouse brain mitochondria, DOPAL-oligomerized α-synuclein (DOS) significantly inhibited oxygen consumption rates compared with untreated, control-fibrillated, and dopamine-fibrillated synuclein, or with monomeric α-synuclein. Inhibition was greater in the presence of malate plus pyruvate than with succinate, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial complex I. Mitochondrial membrane potential studies using fluorescent probes, JC-1, and Safranin O also detected enhanced inhibition by DOS compared with the other aggregated forms of α-synuclein. Testing a small customized chemical library, four compounds were identified that rescued membrane potential from DOS injury. While diverse in chemical structure and mechanism, each compound has been reported to interact with mitochondrial complex I. Western blotting studies revealed that none of the four compounds disrupted the oligomeric banding pattern of DOS, suggesting their protection involved direct mitochondrial interaction. The remaining set of chemicals also did not disrupt oligomeric banding, attesting to the high structural stability of this α-synuclein proteoform. DOPAL and α-synuclein are both found in dopaminergic neurons, where their levels are elevated in PD and in animal models exposed to chemical toxicants, including agricultural pesticides. The current study provides further evidence of α-synuclein-induced mitochondrial injury and a likely role in PD neuropathology.

Vitamin K2 cannot substitute Coenzyme Q10 as electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain of mammalian cells

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) deficiencies are a group of heterogeneous conditions that respond to ubiquinone administration if treated soon after the onset of symptoms. However, this treatment is only partially effective due to its poor bioavailability. We tested whether vitamin K2, which was reported to act as a mitochondrial electron carrier in D. melanogaster, could mimic ubiquinone function in human CoQ₁₀ deficient cell lines, and in yeast carrying mutations in genes required for coenzyme Q₆ (CoQ₆) biosynthesis. We found that vitamin K2, despite entering into mitochondria, restored neither electron flow in the respiratory chain, nor ATP synthesis. Conversely, coenzyme Q₄ (CoQ₄), an analog of CoQ₁₀ with a shorter isoprenoid side chain, could efficiently substitute its function. Given its better solubility, CoQ₄ could represent an alternative to CoQ₁₀ in patients with both primary and secondary CoQ₁₀ deficiencies.

TMEM16A in Cystic Fibrosis: Activating or Inhibiting?

The inflammatory airway disease cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by airway obstruction due to mucus hypersecretion, airway plugging, and bronchoconstriction. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel is dysfunctional in CF, leading to defects in epithelial transport. Although CF pathogenesis is still disputed, activation of alternative Cl- channels is assumed to improve lung function in CF. Two suitable non-CFTR Cl- channels are present in the airway epithelium, the Ca2+ activated channel TMEM16A and SLC26A9. Activation of these channels is thought to be feasible to improve hydration of the airway mucus and to increase mucociliary clearance. Interestingly, both channels are upregulated during inflammatory lung disease. They are assumed to support fluid secretion, necessary to hydrate excess mucus and to maintain mucus clearance. During inflammation, however, TMEM16A is upregulated particularly in mucus producing cells, with only little expression in ciliated cells. Recently it was shown that knockout of TMEM16A in ciliated cells strongly compromises Cl- conductance and attenuated mucus secretion, but does not lead to a CF-like lung disease and airway plugging. Along this line, activation of TMEM16A by denufosol, a stable purinergic ligand, failed to demonstrate any benefit to CF patients in earlier studies. It rather induced adverse effects such as cough. A number of studies suggest that TMEM16A is essential for mucus secretion and possibly also for mucus production. Evidence is now provided for a crucial role of TMEM16A in fusion of mucus-filled granules with the apical plasma membrane and cellular exocytosis. This is probably due to local Ca2+ signals facilitated by TMEM16A. Taken together, TMEM16A supports fluid secretion by ciliated airway epithelial cells, but also maintains excessive mucus secretion during inflammatory airway disease. Because TMEM16A also supports airway smooth muscle contraction, inhibition rather than activation of TMEM16A might be the appropriate treatment for CF lung disease, asthma and COPD. As a number of FDA-approved and well-tolerated drugs have been shown to inhibit TMEM16A, evaluation in clinical trials appears timely.

Sex-dependent co-occurrence of hypoxia and β-amyloid plaques in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex is reversed by long-term treatment with ubiquinol and ascorbic acid in the 3 × Tg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Structural and functional abnormalities in the cerebral microvasculature have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and animal models. One cause of hypoperfusion is the thickening of the cerebrovascular basement membrane (CVBM) due to increased collagen-IV deposition around capillaries. This study investigated whether these and other alterations in the cerebrovascular system associated with AD can be prevented by long-term dietary supplementation with the antioxidant ubiquinol (Ub) stabilized with Kaneka QH P30 powder containing ascorbic acid (ASC) in a mouse model of advanced AD (3 × Tg-AD mice, 12 months old). Animals were treated from prodromal stages of disease (3 months of age) with standard chow without or with Ub + ASC or ASC-containing vehicle and compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The number of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex was higher in female than in male 3 × Tg-AD mice. Extensive regions of hypoxia were characterized by a higher plaque burden in females only. This was abolished by Ub + ASC and, to a lesser extent, by ASC treatment. Irrespective of Aβ burden, increased collagen-IV deposition in the CVBM was observed in both male and female 3 × Tg-AD mice relative to WT animals; this was also abrogated in Ub + ASC- and ASC-treated mice. The chronic inflammation in the hippocampus and oxidative stress in peripheral leukocytes of 3 × Tg-AD mice were likewise reversed by antioxidant treatment. These results provide strong evidence that long-term antioxidant treatment can mitigate plasma oxidative stress, amyloid burden, and hypoxia in the AD brain parenchyma.

Mitochondria and Reactive Oxygen Species in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Aging has been linked to several degenerative processes that, through the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage, can progressively lead to cell dysfunction and organ failure. Human aging is linked with a higher risk for individuals to develop cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. The understanding of the molecular basis of aging and associated diseases has been one major challenge of scientific research over the last decades. Mitochondria, the center of oxidative metabolism and principal site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, are crucial both in health and in pathogenesis of many diseases. Redox signaling is important for the modulation of cell functions and several studies indicate a dual role for ROS in cell physiology. In fact, high concentrations of ROS are pathogenic and can cause severe damage to cell and organelle membranes, DNA, and proteins. On the other hand, moderate amounts of ROS are essential for the maintenance of several biological processes, including gene expression. In this review, we provide an update regarding the key roles of ROS-mitochondria cross talk in different fundamental physiological or pathological situations accompanying aging and highlighting that mitochondrial ROS may be a decisive target in clinical practice.

Kaempferol increases levels of coenzyme Q in kidney cells and serves as a biosynthetic ring precursor

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant essential in cellular physiology. Patients with Q deficiencies, with few exceptions, seldom respond to treatment. Current therapies rely on dietary supplementation with Q₁₀, but due to its highly lipophilic nature, Q₁₀ is difficult to absorb by tissues and cells. Plant polyphenols, present in the human diet, are redox active and modulate numerous cellular pathways. In the present study, we tested whether treatment with polyphenols affected the content or biosynthesis of Q. Mouse kidney proximal tubule epithelial (Tkpts) cells and human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK 293) were treated with several types of polyphenols, and kaempferol produced the largest increase in Q levels. Experiments with stable isotope ¹³C-labeled kaempferol demonstrated a previously unrecognized role of kaempferol as an aromatic ring precursor in Q biosynthesis. Investigations of the structure-function relationship of related flavonols showed the importance of two hydroxyl groups, located at C3 of the C ring and C4' of the B ring, both present in kaempferol, as important determinants of kaempferol as a Q biosynthetic precursor. Concurrently, through a mechanism not related to the enhancement of Q biosynthesis, kaempferol also augmented mitochondrial localization of Sirt3. The role of kaempferol as a precursor that increases Q levels, combined with its ability to upregulate Sirt3, identify kaempferol as a potential candidate in the design of interventions aimed on increasing endogenous Q biosynthesis, particularly in kidney.

Ubiquinol Effects on Antiphospholipid Syndrome Prothrombotic Profile: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) leukocytes exhibit an oxidative perturbation, directly linked to alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism. This disturbance is related to the patients' prothrombotic status and can be prevented by in vitro treatment with coenzyme Q10. Our aim was to investigate short-term effects of in vivo ubiquinol (reduced coenzyme Q₁₀ [Q_red]) supplementation on markers related to inflammation and thrombosis in APS through a prospective, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with APS were randomized to receive Q_red (200 mg/d) or placebo for 1 month. Thirty-three patients with APS completed the intervention, which increased plasma coenzyme Q₁₀. Q_red improved endothelial function and decreased monocyte expression of prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators, inhibited phosphorylation of thrombosis-related protein kinases, and decreased peroxides and percentage of monocytes with depolarized mitochondria; mitochondrial size was increased, and mitochondrial biogenesis-related genes were upregulated. Q_red ameliorated extruded neutrophil extracellular traps in neutrophils and downregulated peroxides, intracellular elastase, and myeloperoxidase. Nanostring microRNA profiling revealed 20 microRNAs reduced in APS monocytes, and 16 of them, with a preponderance of cardiovascular disease-related target mRNAs, were upregulated. Monocytes gene profiling showed differential expression of 29 atherosclerosis-related genes, 23 of them changed by Q_red. Interaction networks of genes and microRNAs were identified. Correlation studies demonstrated co-ordinated effects of Q_red on thrombosis and endothelial function-associated molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the potential of Q_red to modulate the overexpression of inflammatory and thrombotic risk markers in APS. Because of the absence of clinically significant side effects and its potential therapeutic benefits, Q_red might act as safe adjunct to standard therapies in APS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02218476.

Amelioratory effect of coenzyme Q10 on potential human carcinogen Microcystin-LR induced toxicity in mice

Microcystins are a group of cyclic heptapeptide toxins produced by cyanobacteria. More than 100 microcystin analogues have been detected, among which microcystin-LR is the most abundant and toxic variant. Present study was designed to reveal whether potential human carcinogen microcystin-LR could imbalance the glycolytic-oxidative-nitrosative status of heart, kidney and spleen of mice and also to explore the amelioratory effect of coenzyme Q10 on microcystin-LR induced toxicity. Microcystin-LR was administered at a dose of 10 μg/kg bw/day, ip for 14 days in male mice. In microcystin-LR treated mice as compared to control, significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, lactate dehydrogenase, nitric oxide with a concomitant decrease in the level of glutathione was observed, suggesting microcystin-LR induced toxicity via induction of oxidative-nitrosative-glycolytic pathway. Although several studies have evaluated numerous antioxidants but still there is no effective chemoprotectant against microcystin-LR induced toxicity. When microcystin-LR treated mice were co-administered coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg bw/day, im) for 14 days, it was observed that coenzyme Q10 ameliorates microcystin-LR induced toxicity via modulation of glycolytic-oxidative-nitrosative stress pathway. Thus, the results suggest that coenzyme Q10 has a potential to be developed as preventive agent against microcystin-LR induced toxicity.

Coenzyme Q and Its Role in the Dietary Therapy against Aging

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a naturally occurring molecule located in the hydrophobic domain of the phospholipid bilayer of all biological membranes. Shortly after being discovered, it was recognized as an essential electron transport chain component in mitochondria where it is particularly abundant. Since then, more additional roles in cell physiology have been reported, including antioxidant, signaling, death prevention, and others. It is known that all cells are able to synthesize functionally sufficient amounts of CoQ under normal physiological conditions. However, CoQ is a molecule found in different dietary sources, which can be taken up and incorporated into biological membranes. It is known that mitochondria have a close relationship with the aging process. Additionally, delaying the aging process through diet has aroused the interest of scientists for many years. These observations have stimulated investigation of the anti-aging potential of CoQ and its possible use in dietary therapies to alleviate the effects of aging. In this context, the present review focus on the current knowledge and evidence the roles of CoQ cells, its relationship with aging, and possible implications of dietary CoQ in relation to aging, lifespan or age-related diseases.

Preparation and quality evaluation of coenzyme Q10 long-circulating liposomes

The aim of this work was to prepare coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) long-circulating liposomes, and establish the quality standard to determine the content and entrapment efficiency. CoQ10 long-circulating liposomes were prepared by the film dispersion method, HPLC assay for the determination of CoQ10 was developed. Free drugs and liposomes were separated using the protamine aggregation method and entrapment efficiency was determined. The liposomes were homogeneous and the mean diameter was 166.0 nm, Zeta potential was -22.2 mV. The content and entrapment efficiency of CoQ10 were 98.2% and 93.2% for three batches of liposomes, respectively. The lyophilized form of liposomes prepared by freeze-drying showed stable quality characteristics during storage. The formulation and preparative method can be used to prepare CoQ10 long-circulating liposomes with high entrapment efficiency and high quality, the determination method of drug content and entrapment efficiency were effective and rapid and can be used for quality evaluation of liposomes.