The Effects of CoQ9 and CoQ10 Treatment on Muscle Cell Viability

Abstract

Ubiquinones (CoQ) are a quinone derivative occurring in nature with isoprene chain homologues of 1–12 units. CoQ 10, the most characterized of the ubiquinone homologues is a crucial component of the oxidative phosphorylation process in mitochondria. Further evidence suggests that CoQ 10 is an essential anti-oxidant and may stimulate cell growth and inhibit cell death. In fact, CoQ 10 as a dietary supplement has been previously suggested to provide several performance benefits. CoQ9, the 9 chain homologue of CoQ 10, is the major ubiquinone form in many animals. Though it has been shown to function in many of the same capacities as CoQ 10, little is known regarding its role in stimulating cell growth. PURPOSE: C2C12 myoblasts were used to determine the effectiveness of CoQ9 and CoQ 10 supplementation in altering cell viability in vitro. Determination of the cellular benefits of CoQ9 may be an important stage in ascertaining whether its supplementation may be effective in humans. METHODS: Mouse C2C12 myoblasts were seeded equally in a 96 well tissue culture plate. After 24 hours, cells were treated with 10, 20, or 30 uM of CoQ9, CoQ 10, or solvent. Mitochondrial function was assessed after 24 hours of treatment using a 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cells cultured with MTT were measured using the FLUOstar OPTIMA plate reader and the absorbance reading provided a quantification of cell viability. RESULTS: Cells treated with CoQ9 or CoQ 10 at 1 0uM absorbed at 1.093 ± 0.1060, and 1.063 ± 0.0437 respectively. Treated at 20uM, CoQ9 and CoQ 10 treated cells showed absorbance levels of 1.148 ± 0.0843 and 1.066 ± 0.0511 respectively. Cells treated with 30uM of CoQ9 or CoQ10 showed absorbance levels of 1.150 ± 0.0931 and 1.057 ± 0.0675 respectively. Control cells gave absorbance levels similar to those of the CoQ10 treated cells. These preliminary data indicate that CoQ9 treatment promotes cell viability compared to cells treated with CoQ 10 in a dose dependent manner. Experiments are currently being conducted to confirm these results. CONCLUSIONS: Although a mechanism for the enhanced viability of CoQ9 treated cells is not understood, these preliminary data suggest that further investigation of the effects of CoQ9 on muscle cells is warranted.