Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Difference between revisions

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    '''Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)''', also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring nutrient found within every cell of the body. It is named for its ubiquitous presence in living organisms and its role as a coenzyme vital to various biochemical reactions. CoQ10 is chiefly recognized for its function in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main source of cellular energy, and its antioxidant properties. Given its roles, CoQ10 is considered a significant compound in the context of longevity and age-related diseases.
    '''Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)''', a lipophilic substituted benzoquinone, is a naturally occurring nutrient found within every cell of both animal and plant cells. It is endogenously synthesized and plays a critical role in a variety of cellular processes. CoQ10 is an obligatory component of the respiratory chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is also the only endogenous lipid antioxidant, highlighting its singular importance in cellular health and function. Its presence is not limited to the mitochondria but extends to all cellular membranes and is detectable in the blood.


    == Biochemical Function ==
    == Biochemical Function ==
    CoQ10 is involved in the electron transport chain on the inner membrane of mitochondria, where it assists in the conversion of electrons from food intake into ATP. This process is essential for sustaining life and health. In addition to its pivotal role in energy production, CoQ10 serves as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, which are associated with aging and various chronic diseases.
    CoQ10 is integral to the electron transport chain on the inner membrane of mitochondria, facilitating the conversion of electrons from food into ATP. Its roles, however, extend beyond energy production. It is essential for uncoupling proteins and controls the permeability transition pore in mitochondria. Additionally, CoQ10 is involved in extramitochondrial electron transport and affects membrane physicochemical properties. It impacts gene expression, which can alter overall metabolism. The primary alterations in energetic and antioxidant functions are believed to underpin its therapeutic effects {{pmid|35199552}}.


    == CoQ10 and Longevity ==
    == CoQ10 and Longevity ==
    === Antioxidant Role ===
    === Cellular and Molecular Roles ===
    As an antioxidant, CoQ10 helps to neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise lead to DNA damage, cellular dysfunction, and contribute to the aging process. By maintaining cellular integrity, CoQ10 is theorized to slow the progression of aging and prolong the lifespan of cells.
    As the only endogenous lipid antioxidant, CoQ10 is critical in neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting against DNA damage and cellular dysfunction that are symptomatic of aging. By preserving cellular integrity, CoQ10's antioxidant action is proposed to impede aging and potentially extend cellular lifespan.


    === Mitochondrial Function ===
    It also contributes to the regulation of mitochondrial function, such as influencing uncoupling proteins and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which are crucial for cell survival and apoptosis, respectively. Such regulation is particularly important as mitochondrial dysfunction is a noted characteristic of aging {{pmid|35199552}}.
    The decline in mitochondrial function is a hallmark of aging. Since CoQ10 is crucial for mitochondrial ATP production, adequate levels of this coenzyme are associated with improved mitochondrial function, which may contribute to better health and potentially increased lifespan.


    === Clinical Studies ===
    === Therapeutic Potential ===
    Some clinical studies have suggested that CoQ10 supplementation may have beneficial effects on conditions such as [[heart failure]], [[hypertension]], and [[Parkinson's disease]], all of which are more prevalent in the elderly population. However, its direct impact on human longevity is still a subject of ongoing research.
    Clinical and experimental studies indicate that CoQ10 supplementation may exert beneficial effects on neurological diseases such as [[migraine]], [[Parkinson's disease]], [[Huntington's disease]], [[Alzheimer's disease]], [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]], [[Friedreich’s ataxia]], and [[multiple sclerosis]]. It is also of interest in the context of central mechanisms controlling blood pressure due to its effects on the brainstem rostral ventrolateral medulla and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which are related to [[cardiovascular hypertension]] {{pmid|35199552}}.


    == Dietary Sources and Supplementation ==
    == Dietary Sources and Supplementation ==
    Natural dietary sources of CoQ10 include meats, particularly organ meats like liver and kidney, fatty fish, and whole grains. For those looking to increase their CoQ10 intake, supplements are widely available. The dosage of CoQ10 supplementation can vary, but it is typically recommended to start with a low dose and consult with a healthcare provider, particularly for those on medications or with pre-existing health conditions.
    CoQ10 is found naturally in meats, including organ meats such as liver and kidney, fatty fish, and whole grains. Supplementation of CoQ10 has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, and does not cause serious adverse effects in humans or experimental animals. Newer formulations of CoQ10 and structural derivatives like idebenone and MitoQ are in development to improve absorption and tissue distribution {{pmid|35199552}}.


    == Safety and Side Effects ==
    == Safety and Side Effects ==
    CoQ10 is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects reported in some individuals, including stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches. It may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs. Thus, it is critical to discuss supplementation with a healthcare professional.
    The safety profile of CoQ10 is notably benign, with it being well-tolerated even at high doses. It does not induce serious adverse effects in either humans or experimental animals. Minor side effects may include stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches. CoQ10's interaction with various medications, such as blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs, necessitates a consultation with a healthcare professional before beginning supplementation {{pmid|35199552}}.


    == Current Research and Perspectives ==
    == Current Research and Perspectives ==
    Ongoing research is exploring the potential for CoQ10 to contribute to longevity and its effectiveness in treating or preventing age-related diseases. The prospect of CoQ10 as a nutraceutical component of a longevity-promoting regimen is an exciting avenue for further study.
    The latest research aims to summarize the clinical and experimental effects of CoQ10 supplementation, particularly in neurological diseases. Although CoQ10 supplementation has shown promise in animal models, its efficacy in human diseases such as Parkinson’s disease can be inconsistent, and its effectiveness in conditions like Friedreich’s ataxia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains unclear. Nevertheless, recommending CoQ10 as an adjunct to conventional therapy may be reasonable in certain cases {{pmid|35199552}}.


    == References ==
    == References ==
    <references/>
    <references/>
    [[Category:Orally Consumable Longevity Molecules]]
    [[Category:Orally Consumable Longevity Molecules]]

    Revision as of 13:02, 4 November 2023

    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipophilic substituted benzoquinone, is a naturally occurring nutrient found within every cell of both animal and plant cells. It is endogenously synthesized and plays a critical role in a variety of cellular processes. CoQ10 is an obligatory component of the respiratory chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is also the only endogenous lipid antioxidant, highlighting its singular importance in cellular health and function. Its presence is not limited to the mitochondria but extends to all cellular membranes and is detectable in the blood.

    Biochemical Function

    CoQ10 is integral to the electron transport chain on the inner membrane of mitochondria, facilitating the conversion of electrons from food into ATP. Its roles, however, extend beyond energy production. It is essential for uncoupling proteins and controls the permeability transition pore in mitochondria. Additionally, CoQ10 is involved in extramitochondrial electron transport and affects membrane physicochemical properties. It impacts gene expression, which can alter overall metabolism. The primary alterations in energetic and antioxidant functions are believed to underpin its therapeutic effects [1].

    CoQ10 and Longevity

    Cellular and Molecular Roles

    As the only endogenous lipid antioxidant, CoQ10 is critical in neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting against DNA damage and cellular dysfunction that are symptomatic of aging. By preserving cellular integrity, CoQ10's antioxidant action is proposed to impede aging and potentially extend cellular lifespan.

    It also contributes to the regulation of mitochondrial function, such as influencing uncoupling proteins and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which are crucial for cell survival and apoptosis, respectively. Such regulation is particularly important as mitochondrial dysfunction is a noted characteristic of aging [1].

    Therapeutic Potential

    Clinical and experimental studies indicate that CoQ10 supplementation may exert beneficial effects on neurological diseases such as migraine, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich’s ataxia, and multiple sclerosis. It is also of interest in the context of central mechanisms controlling blood pressure due to its effects on the brainstem rostral ventrolateral medulla and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which are related to cardiovascular hypertension [1].

    Dietary Sources and Supplementation

    CoQ10 is found naturally in meats, including organ meats such as liver and kidney, fatty fish, and whole grains. Supplementation of CoQ10 has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, and does not cause serious adverse effects in humans or experimental animals. Newer formulations of CoQ10 and structural derivatives like idebenone and MitoQ are in development to improve absorption and tissue distribution [1].

    Safety and Side Effects

    The safety profile of CoQ10 is notably benign, with it being well-tolerated even at high doses. It does not induce serious adverse effects in either humans or experimental animals. Minor side effects may include stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches. CoQ10's interaction with various medications, such as blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs, necessitates a consultation with a healthcare professional before beginning supplementation [1].

    Current Research and Perspectives

    The latest research aims to summarize the clinical and experimental effects of CoQ10 supplementation, particularly in neurological diseases. Although CoQ10 supplementation has shown promise in animal models, its efficacy in human diseases such as Parkinson’s disease can be inconsistent, and its effectiveness in conditions like Friedreich’s ataxia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains unclear. Nevertheless, recommending CoQ10 as an adjunct to conventional therapy may be reasonable in certain cases [1].

    References

    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Rauchová H: Coenzyme Q10 effects in neurological diseases. Physiol Res 2021. (PMID 35199552) [PubMed] [DOI] [Full text] Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipophilic substituted benzoquinone, is present in animal and plant cells. It is endogenously synthetized in every cell and involved in a variety of cellular processes. CoQ10 is an obligatory component of the respiratory chain in inner mitochondrial membrane. In addition, the presence of CoQ10 in all cellular membranes and in blood. It is the only endogenous lipid antioxidant. Moreover, it is an essential factor for uncoupling protein and controls the permeability transition pore in mitochondria. It also participates in extramitochondrial electron transport and controls membrane physicochemical properties. CoQ10 effects on gene expression might affect the overall metabolism. Primary changes in the energetic and antioxidant functions can explain its remedial effects. CoQ10 supplementation is safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses. CoQ10 does not cause any serious adverse effects in humans or experimental animals. New preparations of CoQ10 that are less hydrophobic and structural derivatives, like idebenone and MitoQ, are being developed to increase absorption and tissue distribution. The review aims to summarize clinical and experimental effects of CoQ10 supplementations in some neurological diseases such as migraine, Parkinson´s disease, Huntington´s disease, Alzheimer´s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich´s ataxia or multiple sclerosis. Cardiovascular hypertension was included because of its central mechanisms controlling blood pressure in the brainstem rostral ventrolateral medulla and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. In conclusion, it seems reasonable to recommend CoQ10 as adjunct to conventional therapy in some cases. However, sometimes CoQ10 supplementations are more efficient in animal models of diseases than in human patients (e.g. Parkinson´s disease) or rather vague (e.g. Friedreich´s ataxia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).