Coenzyme Q10 Levels Research Articles

Fetal coenzyme Q10 deficiency in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is considered a high-risk condition because it may have serious consequences for the fetus health. ICP is characterized by the accumulation of bile acids in maternal serum which contribute to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defenses increasing the oxidative stress experienced by the fetus. Previously, it was reported a significant decrease in plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in women with ICP. CoQ10 is a redox substance integrated in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and is recognized as a potent antioxidant playing an intrinsic role against oxidative damage. The objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of CoQ10 in umbilical cord blood during normal pregnancy and in those complicated with ICP, all of them compared to the maternal ones. CoQ10 levels and bile acid levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood levels during normal pregnancies (n=23) and in those complicated with ICP (n=13), were investigated. A significant decrease in neonate CoQ10 levels corrected by cholesterol (0.105±0.010 vs. 0.069±0.011, P<0.05, normal pregnancy vs. ICP, respectively), together with an increase of total serum bile acids (2.10±0.02 vs. 7.60±2.30, P<0.05, normal pregnancy vs. ICP, respectively) was observed. A fetus from an ICP mother is exposed to a greater risk derived from oxidative damage. The recognition of CoQ10 deficiency is important since it could be the starting point for a new and safe intervention strategy which can establish CoQ10 as a promising candidate to prevent the risk of oxidative stress.

Statin-Associated Cardiomyopathy Responds to Statin Withdrawal and Administration of Coenzyme Q10.

Heart failure (HF) is rapidly increasing in incidence and is often present in patients receiving long-term statin therapy. To test whether or not patients with HF on long-term statin therapy respond to discontinuation of statin therapy and initiation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation. We prospectively identified patients receiving long-term statin therapy in whom HF developed in the absence of any identifiable cause. Treatment consisted of simultaneous statin therapy discontinuation and CoQ10 supplementation (average dosage = 300 mg/d). Baseline and follow-up physical examination findings, symptom scores, echocardiograms, and plasma CoQ10 and cholesterol levels. Of 142 identified patients with HF, 94% presented with preserved ejection fraction (EF) and 6% presented with reduced EF (< 50%). After a mean follow-up of 2.8 years, New York Heart Association class 1 increased from 8% to 79% (p < 0.0001). In patients with preserved EF, 34% had normalization of diastolic function and 25% showed improvement (p < 0.0001). In patients with reduced EF at baseline, the EF improved from a mean of 35% to 47% (p = 0.02). Statin-attributable symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, myalgias, memory loss, and peripheral neuropathy improved (p < 0.01). The 1-year mortality was 0%, and the 3-year mortality was 3%. In patients receiving long-term statin therapy, statin-associated cardiomyopathy may develop that responds safely to statin treatment discontinuation and CoQ10 supplementation. Statin-associated cardiomyopathy may be a contributing factor to the current increasing prevalence of HF with preserved EF.

Abstract 595: Circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk

Abstract Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an ubiquitous molecule in living organisms that serves as a cofactor in energy production via the electron-transport chain (ETC). Research has previously shown that deficiencies in CoQ10 can result in a variety of detrimental outcomes including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. More recently, epidemiological studies have reported low CoQ10 levels being associated with increased risk of breast, ovarian, and skin cancers. However, studies exploring the link between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk are largely lacking. Methods: A nested case-control study including 201 lung cancer cases and 395 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) was conducted. Plasma CoQ10 levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A conditional logistic regression model was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between plasma CoQ10 concentrations and lung cancer risk. CoQ10 level was categorized by tertile distribution among controls. Results: Plasma CoQ10 concentration was inversely associated with risk of lung cancer. Compared to the first tertile, the ORs (95% CI) were 0.82 (0.52-1.31) and 0.57 (0.34-0.96) for the second and third tertile, respectively, (P for trend=0.038), after adjusting for age, smoking status and pack-years of smoking. Additional adjustment for alcohol consumption, education, income, history of COPD and BMI slightly attenuated the association (OR=0.60, 95% CI=0.34-1.08, comparing third to first tertile). No notable difference was found between African Americans and European Americans. Stratified analysis identified a significant association between CoQ10 and lung cancer in current smokers (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.26-0.87, third vs. first tertile), but not in former/never smokers (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.35-2.03). The significant associations between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk were more evident in cases who were diagnosed within one year of blood draw (OR=0.17, 95% CI=0.04-0.73, third vs. first tertile, P for trend=0.023) than in cases diagnosed after one year following blood draw (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.36-1.41). Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that Coenzyme Q10 may be a potential marker for lung cancer, although the stronger effect shortly after diagnosis indicates the association may be related to dietary or other changes associated with the cancer diagnosis rather than CoQ10 being a causal risk biomarker. Further studies exploring the link between CoQ10 and lung cancer risk are necessary to better understand the role of CoQ10 in lung carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Chris Shidal, Hyung-Suk Yoon, Wei Zheng, Jie Wu, Adrian A. Franke, William J. Blot, Xiao-Ou Shu, Qiuyin Cai. Circulating levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 595.

Oxidative stress before and after surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

The aim was to assess oxidative stress in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients and also to evaluate the effect of operation in late (60days) post-operative period. This study was conducted with 16 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 16 healthy subjects. Serum malondialdehyde, blood 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, serum total coenzyme Q10 and coenzyme Q10 levels were measured. Independent samples t test was used to analyse the differences between control group and patients, while paired t test was used to analyse the differences between pre-operative and post-operative periods. Malondialdehyde and total coenzyme Q10 levels were lower in patients, while 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine level was increased. However, superoxide dismutase activity and coenzyme Q10 levels did not differ. After 60days of operation, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine and superoxide dismutase activity decreased, while total coenzyme Q10 level increased. However, malondialdehyde and coenzyme Q10 levels were not affected. The international prostate symptom scores of the patients were also decreased after the operation. The results suggest that blood 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine level may reflect the oxidative stress better than the malondialdehyde level, and surgical operation attenuates the oxidative stress in late post-operative period in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

CoQ10 and Aging.

The aging process includes impairment in mitochondrial function, a reduction in anti-oxidant activity, and an increase in oxidative stress, marked by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Oxidative damage to macromolecules including DNA and electron transport proteins likely increases ROS production resulting in further damage. This oxidative theory of cell aging is supported by the fact that diseases associated with the aging process are marked by increased oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels fall with aging in the human but this is not seen in all species or all tissues. It is unknown whether lower CoQ10 levels have a part to play in aging and disease or whether it is an inconsequential cellular response to aging. Despite the current lay public interest in supplementing with CoQ10, there is currently not enough evidence to recommend CoQ10 supplementation as an anti-aging anti-oxidant therapy.

Aspalathin-Rich Green Rooibos Extract Lowers LDL-Cholesterol and Oxidative Status in High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Vervet Monkeys.

Type 2 diabetic patients possess a two to four-fold-increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress associated with endothelial dysfunction and dyslipidemia are regarded as pro-atherogenic mechanisms of CVD. In this study, high-fat diet-induced diabetic and non-diabetic vervet monkeys were treated with 90 mg/kg of aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract (Afriplex GRT) for 28 days, followed by a 1-month wash-out period. Supplementation showed improvements in both the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) glycemic area under curve (AUC) and total cholesterol (due to a decrease of the low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) values in diabetics, while non-diabetic monkeys benefited from an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. No variation of plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were found, suggesting that the LDL-lowering effect of Afriplex GRT could be related to its ability to modulate the mevalonate pathway differently from statins. Concerning the plasma oxidative status, a decrease in percentage of oxidized CoQ10 and circulating oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) levels after supplementation was observed in diabetics. Finally, the direct correlation between the amount of oxidized LDL and total LDL concentration, and the inverse correlation between ox-LDL and plasma CoQ10 levels, detected in the diabetic monkeys highlighted the potential cardiovascular protective role of green rooibos extract. Taken together, these findings suggest that Afriplex GRT could counteract hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia, thereby lowering fundamental cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes.

Investigation of coenzyme Q10 levels and predisposing factors in patients with striae gravidarum

Striae gravidarum (SG) can cause pregnant women severe psychological stress. This study aimed to compare primigravidas with and without SG concerning fasting blood coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), age, skin type, family history, gestational weight gain, pre- and post-pregnancy BMI, daily water consumption during pregnancy, gender and weight of baby, and the educational level. The study included 79 primigravidas in the gestational week of 36 or above. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of SG. The fasting blood CoQ10 levels and other associated parameters were compared between the groups. Of the 79 primigravidas, 35 (44.3%) had SG. There was no statistically significant relationship between striae and CoQ10 (P=0.144 and P=0.189, respectively). Predisposing factors for striae were young pregnancy, light skin color, family history, high pre- and post-pregnancy BMI, increased gestational weight gain, and increased newborn weight. There was no significant relationship between striae development and educational level or water consumption during pregnancy. This is the first study to show that CoQ10 did not significantly differ between women with and without SG. Further studies with a larger case series are needed to elucidate predisposing factors for striae and involvement of CoQ10 in this condition.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Level on Clinical Parameters in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Background: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary autosomal recessive genetic disorder that can affect many organs including the lungs and the digestive system. We aimed to assess the effects of coenzyme Q10 level on clinical parameters in cystic fibrosis patients. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 patients (13 females and 19 males) with cystic fibrosis who were admitted in Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran- Iran, in 2017. A researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among them, and then the height, weight and arm circumference of the patients were measured and also their serum Q10 levels were evaluated. Then, the pulmonary function was evaluated using a 6-minute respiration test and a spirometry test. Finally, their total scores were calculated based on Shwachman score. Results: The age range of participants was from 6 to 27 years old. Anthropometric indices such as weight (p=0.02, r=-0.408), age (p=0.016, r=-0.422), height (p=0.002, r=-0.520), birth weight (p=0.0113, R=-0.286), and height at birth (p=0.037, r=-0.37) had a significant negative relationship with coenzyme Q10. There was relationship between anthropometric indices and spirometry tests, including the association of FEV1 (act) with weight (p=0.00), and arm circumference (p=0.00) which were determined. Conclusion: According to the results, there was no direct relationship between muscle mass and Q10. Besides, the mean age of Q10 was greater than that of in age group of 9-16 years old, which can be considered for nutrition or childhood reserves for coenzyme Q10 production, which is decreased due to increasing age and lack of intake or loss of body power for the production of coenzyme Q10.

Miniaturized imprinted solid phase extraction to the selective analysis of Coenzyme Q10 in urine

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a potent endogenous antioxidant. CoQ10 deficiency is currently associated with numerous diseases like mitochondrial and neurodegenerative pathologies, in which the earliest diagnosis and treatment with CoQ10 supplementation becomes paramount for patient's treatment. Consequently, the determination of CoQ10 levels in different biological matrices positions as a fundamental tool. Urine is an attractive and non-invasive alternative source to tissue, blood or other biofluids for CoQ10 analysis. However, it poses an analytical challenge, as it generally requires a complex sample preparation, with multiple steps. In this work we developed and validated a molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction (MIP-SPE) followed by a HPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of CoQ10 in urine. The MIP-SPE method developed is simple and fast compared to previously traditional reported methods, with reduced processing time, improved sample cleaning and excellent recovery values, along with its inherent high selectivity. The developed chromatographic method was validated according to FDA guidelines, and demonstrated to be suitable for the analysis of CoQ10 in urine samples with LOQ and LOD values of 0.6 ng/mL and 0.2 ng/mL of CoQ10 in urine respectively. Recovery values at three concentration levels were higher than 90.0%.The proposed method is amenable to be applied in pediatric patients due to the low sample requirement and useful for diagnosis and post-treatment control.

The antioxidant status of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E in children with type 1 diabetes

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant status of plasma vitamin E and plasma and intracellular coenzyme Q10 in children with type 1 diabetes. MethodThis case–control study was conducted on 72 children with type 1 diabetes and compared to 48 healthy children, who were age, sex, and ethnicity‐matched. The diabetic children were divided according to their glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c %) into two groups: poor and good glycemic control groups. All children underwent full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory measurement of complete blood count, A1c %, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and vitamin E levels and coenzyme Q10 levels in plasma, erythrocytes, and platelets. ResultsChildren with poor glycemic control showed significantly higher plasma vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, triglycerides, low‐density lipoproteins, waist circumference/height ratio, cholesterol levels, and lower high‐density lipoproteins and platelet coenzyme Q10 redox status in comparison to those with good glycemic control and the control group (p<0.05). Plasma coenzyme Q10 showed a positive correlation with the duration of type 1 diabetes, triglycerides, cholesterol, vitamin E, and A1c %, and negative correlation with the age of the diabetic group (p<0.05). The platelet redox status showed a negative correlation with the A1c % levels (r=−0.31; p=0.022) and the duration of type 1 diabetes (r=−0.35, p=0.012). ConclusionPatients with type 1 diabetes, especially poorly controlled, had elevation of plasma vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 levels and decreased platelet redox status of coenzyme Q10, which may be an indicator of increased oxidative stress.

Coenzyme Q10 Alleviated Behavioral Dysfunction and Bioenergetic Function in an Animal Model of Depression.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural compound, is involved in the mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC) and plays an important pattern in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Amelioration of ATP is related to abnormalities in cognitive function and psychiatric diseases. Previous studies have shown that depression is accompanied by the induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways and amelioration of antioxidant status. In a recent study, we investigated the beneficial effects of CoQ10 on behavioral dysfunction and CoQ10 level in the rat brain. Therefore, intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 0.2mg/mouse) was used in adult male mice to induce depression. The behavioral data revealed a significant difference between the depression and control groups regarding the forced swim test (FST) and splash test results at 24h following STZ treatment. Also, the validated and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique showed decreased CoQ10 level in the brain samples of the STZ group, compared to the controls. Our findings revealed that behavioral abnormalities due to STZ target mitochondria and affect energy metabolism and hemostasis, resulting in the initiation of oxidative damage in the brain. Besides, 4-week administration of CoQ10 could reverse the depressive like behavior and bioenergetic effects of STZ in the treated groups.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 on rooster semen preservation in cooling condition

Oxidative stress has been known as a significant cause of the lower fertility rates correlated with liquid stored rooster semen. The effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as a powerful antioxidant, seems be beneficial on semen storage of broiler breeder roosters at the cooled condition. Therefore, two experiments were performed to assess the effect of CoQ10 supplemented semen extender on sperm quality parameters, fertility, hatchability and sperm penetration (SP) rates of rooster semen stored at 5 °C. In the first experiment, semen samples of 12 roosters were weekly pooled for four weeks (47–50 weeks of age). The pooled semen was diluted by modified Beltsville poultry semen extender and divided into three equivalent parts containing different levels of CoQ10 [0 (Q-0), 100 (Q-100) and 200 (Q-200) μM/mL) and then stored for 24 h at 5 °C. Sperm quality including progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality were evaluated after 0 and 24 h storage. The results showed that progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality were improved in Q-200 compared to Q-0 after 24 h storage at 5 °C (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). According to the results of the first experiment, Q-200 group was selected to be used to evaluate the fertility, hatchability and SP rate in the second experiment during next four weeks (51–54 weeks of age). The results of the second experiment showed that fertility rate was significantly increased in Q-200 compared to control group by approximately 10%, although no significant difference was observed in hatchability and SP rates between Q-200 and control groups. In conclusion, the results of the present research confirm that supplementation of rooster semen extender with CoQ10 might be potentially used to improve semen quality and fertility rates.

Ubiquinone Ameliorates Simvastatin Induced Respiratory Chain Complex Function Impairment in High‐Fat High‐Cholesterol Diet Fed Mice

Long‐term statins therapy is the primary treatment of hyperlipidemia. A ubiquinone (Co‐enzyme Q10, CoQ10) supplement ameliorates the statins side effects, including skeletal muscle and liver damage, whereas the mechanism involving respiratory chain complex function in a hyperlipidemia animal model remains unknown. Herein, it is reported that the administration of CoQ10 increases plasma CoQ10 level significantly without affecting the lipid lowering effects of statins in high‐fat high cholesterol diet fed mice. Compared with thr statins group, the combination therapy of CoQ10 and statin (Simva + CoQ10) reduces the activity enhancement of plasma CK, ALT, and AST, and restores the activity of complex I in skeletal muscle (2.7‐fold increased) and liver (42% increased). Moreover, the activities of complex II are increased in the muscle (29% increased) and liver (5.8‐folds increased) significantly. Statins decrease the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria, while Simva + CoQ10 restore the total CoQ10 concentration in mitochondria from muscle (41% increased) and liver (1.1‐folds increased), respectively. Therefore, administration of CoQ10 ameliorates the function loss of mitochondria respiratory chain complex induced by statins in muscle and liver are concluded.Practical Applications: Statins are widely used in clinical treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic diseases via inhibiting the synthesis of mevalonic acid to achieve the purpose of reducing endogenous cholesterol loading, to display anti‐inflammatory effects, and to stabilize the atherosclerotic plaques. However, the shortage of MVA may cause the low level of ubiquinone which subsequently leads to increasing various side effects, including muscle and liver damage. This study introduces a novel combined administration which could ameliorate the statins induced muscle and liver damage for hypercholesterolemia individuals. Moreover, the method shows a beneficial effect on mitochondrion integrity and functions in skeletal muscle and liver.Statin administration inhibits the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA‐R), which subsequently decreases the level of endogenous Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ). CoQ supplementation increases the level of CoQ in mitochondria, and ameliorates the function loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex induced by statins.

An investigation of oxidative stress and coenzyme Q10 levels in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

The purpose of this study was to determine the oxidative states of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients by measuring their plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), an indicator of protein oxidation, and the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an important antioxidant, and compare them with healthy individuals. The plasma MDA, 3-NT and CoQ10 levels of 35 patients and 20 healthy individuals were measured with the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. By comparing the patients' smoking habits, stage of the disease, size of the primary tumor and the presence of lymph nodes and the values of healthy individuals, the oxidative stress load of HNSCC patients was determined. The mean plasma MDA levels of carcinoma patients were two times higher than those of healthy individuals (p < 0.001). When the mean plasma 3-NT levels of patients and healthy individuals were compared, no significant difference was found (p > 0.05). The mean plasma CoQ10 level of patients was low when compared with healthy individuals; however, no significant difference was detected (p > 0.05). In addition, as the stage and tumor size increased in HNSCC patients, their non-enzymatic antioxidant levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In HNSCC patients, lipo-oxidative damage increased while nitrosative stress did not change; however, antioxidant activity decreased which in turn increased both lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. These findings support the contention that oxidative stress strongly reflects the health status of HNSCC patients.

Liver Antioxidants in Relation to Beak Morphology, Gizzard Size and Diet in the Common Eider Somateria mollissima.

Antioxidants in the liver are particularly abundant in capital breeders that rely on stored resources for egg production. Capital breeders like eider (hereafter common eider) Somateria mollissima have disproportionately large livers with low levels of coenzyme Q10 when compared to other bird species. Concentrations of total carotenoids and vitamin E in the livers of eiders were smaller than predicted for similarly sized bird species. Eiders with high body condition estimated as body mass relative to skeletal body size had high levels of total carotenoids and low levels of coenzyme Q10. The concentration of total carotenoids per gram of liver increased with age, and vitamin E and total carotenoids accumulated during the winter onwards from February to peak at the start of incubation in April. Total vitamin E, total carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10 per gram of liver decreased with increasing beak volume. The size of the empty gizzard increased with increasing liver mass but decreased with total carotenoids and coenzyme Q10. The main components of the diet were blue mussels Mytilus edulis (40%), draft whelk Nassarius reticulatus (27%), and periwinkle Littorina littorea (10%). The concentration of vitamin E increased with the number of razor clams Ensis sp. and draft whelks in the gizzard and the concentration of total carotenoids increased with the number of beach crabs Carcinus maenas. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that eiders are limited in their levels of antioxidants through food limitation. Furthermore, they imply that diet and morphological characters involved in food acquisition and processing are important determinants of the level of antioxidants in the liver.

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia

BackgroundDyslipidemia is one of the most frequently implicated risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of amla (Emblica officinalis) extract (composed of polyphenols, triterpenoids, oils etc. as found in the fresh wild amla fruit) in patients with dyslipidemia.MethodsA total of 98 dyslipidemic patients were enrolled and divided into amla and placebo groups. Amla extract (500 mg) or a matching placebo capsule was administered twice daily for 12 weeks to the respective group of patients. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks and efficacy of study medication was assessed by analyzing lipid profile. Other parameters evaluated were apolipoprotein B (Apo B), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), homocysteine and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).ResultsIn 12 weeks, the major lipids such as total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.0003), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.0003), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.0064) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p = 0.0001) were significantly lower in amla group as compared to placebo group. Additionally, a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of the plasma (AIP) (p = 0.0177) was also noted in amla group. The ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 was reduced more (p = 0.0866) in the amla group as compared to the placebo. There was no significant change in CoQ10 level of amla (p = 0.2942) or placebo groups (p = 0.6744). Although there was a general trend of FBS reduction, the numbers of participants who may be classified as pre-diabetes and diabetes groups (FBS > 100 mg/dl) in the amla group were only 8. These results show that the amla extract used in the study is potentially a hypoglycaemic as well. However, this needs reconfirmation in a larger study.ConclusionsThe Amla extract has shown significant potential in reducing TC and TG levels as well as lipid ratios, AIP and apoB/apo A-I in dyslipidemic persons and thus has scope to treat general as well as diabetic dyslipidemia. A single agent to reduce cholesterol as well as TG is rare. Cholesterol reduction is achieved without concomitant reduction of Co Q10, in contrast to what is observed with statins.Trial registrationRegistered with Clinical Trials Registry- India at www.ctri.nic.in (Registration number: CTRI/2015/04/005682) on 8 April 2015 (retrospectively registered).

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and coenzyme Q10 levels in blood of children with learning disorder

Background Learning disorder (LD) is manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of reasoning, reading, writing, or mathematical abilities, despite average intelligence and proper education. Its etiological factors were suggested to be related to neurodevelopmental alterations. Measurement of the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was targeted in children with LD in comparison with typically developing (TD) ones. Materials and methods This study included 82 Egyptian Arabic-speaking children matched for age and sex and socioeconomic status, comprising 42 with specific LD (group I) and 40 TD children (group II). All participants were subjected to clinical and full neurological examination after reporting a full medical history. Furthermore, LD group was subjected to Stanford–Binet intelligence scale, dyslexia assessment test, and phonological awareness test, which evaluates cognitive and learning aptitudes. The levels of BDNF and CoQ10 were determined in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results All children with LD obtained a score of 1 or more as at-risk quotient by the dyslexia assessment test, which indicated a specific reading disorder. The BDNF and CoQ10 levels in the LD group were significantly less than those in the TD group. No correlations were found between the measured markers and each other or between them and the measured factors of the used tests. Conclusion The detected low levels of BDNF and CoQ10 in children with specific LD with impairment in reading would be suspected to be related to etiological or exaggerating factors for the deficits in such children.

The Plasma Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10 Absorbed from the Gut and the Oral Mucosa.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a central role in the generation of cellular bioenergy and its regulation. The hydrophobicity exhibited by the CoQ10 molecule leads to reports of poor absorption profiles, therefore, the optimization of formulations and modes of delivery is an ever-evolving therapeutic goal. The aim of this study was to investigate different CoQ10 formulations. The article summarizes the findings from an Australian comparative study involving adults administered CoQ10 through different oral delivery platforms. A total of 11 participants (six males and five females) voluntarily participated in a comparative clinical study of three different CoQ10 formulations across a six-week period, completing 198 person-hours of cumulative contribution equivalent to n = 33 participation. All of the eligible participants (n = 11) administered the three formulations blinded from who the commercial supplier of the formulation was and from what the chemical form of the CoQ10 was that was being administered. The dosing between the CoQ10 preparations were dispensed sequentially and were administered following three-week washouts. Three commercial preparations were tested, which included the following: formulations with capsules each containing ubiquinol and ubiquinone (150 mg/capsule), and a liposome ubiquinone formulation (40 mg/mL at 2 actuations of the pump). A significant inter-subject variation in the plasma level of CoQ10 at baseline that was observed to increase with an increase in age. This trend persisted in the post administration of the different formulations. Furthermore, it was observed that the intestinal absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 varied significantly in the plasma between subjects, irrespective of whether the ubiquinol or ubiquinone forms were administered. The administration of CoQ10 as a liposome for preparation showed the poorest response in bioavailability. Although the ubiquinol capsule form of CoQ10 was observed to have increased in the plasma versus the ubiquinone capsules and the ubiquinol liposome at the two-hour interval, the inter-subject variation was such that the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). All of the CoQ10 formulations showed no further increases in their plasma levels over the remaining study period (i.e., four hours). This study further concluded that the intestinal absorption of CoQ10 is highly variable and is independent of the molecular form administered. Furthermore, it also concludes that liposomes are not an effective vehicle for the oral administration of CoQ10, and as such, did not improve the oral mucosal/sublingual absorption and bioavailability of the molecule. Of interest was the observation that with the increasing subject age, there was an observed increase in the baseline plasma CoQ10 levels in the participants prior to dosing. It was posited that the increase in the baseline plasma levels of CoQ10 with an increase in age could be due to the loss of skeletal muscle mass, a result that still needs to be verified.

Feed quantitative restriction and coenzyme Q10 level on performance, plasma lipoproteins and organ weights of broiler chicks

An experiment was conduct in order to investigate the effects of feed restriction level and duration and dietary coenzyme Q10 level on growth performance, organ characteristics and plasma lipoproteins. A factorial arangment based on a completely randomized design was performed using two levels of feed restriction (10 and 20% less than the standard Ross strain 308 guidelines), two levels of restriction duration (7 and 14 days) and three levels of coenzyme Q10 (0, 20 and 40 mg/kg feed). The results of the experiment showed that restriction intensity had significant effect on feed intake in first, second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), body weight gain in second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in first week of age (P&lt;0.05). Restriction duration had significant effect on feed intake in third week of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in third and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05). Coenzyme Q level had significant effect on feed intake in first and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), body weight gain in second, fifth and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05), and feed conversion ratio in second and sixth weeks of age (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, considering the positive effects of feed restriction and coenzyme Q10 on broiler yield, the simaltaneous use of feed restriction strategy and dietary coenzyme Q10 can be considered as a management program in order to improvement of broiler productivity.

Coenzyme Q10 Attenuates Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 Outside-in Signaling through Targeting cAMP/PKA Pathway and Inhibits Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Platelet integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling is crucial for platelet adhesion and aggregation, and contributes to atherogenesis. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been implicated as a protective factor against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly atherosclerosis. However, whether CoQ10 attenuates atherosclerosis through inhibiting platelet function and αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore whether CoQ10 affects platelet function and αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling and thus inhibiting the progress of atherosclerosis in vivo and the underlying mechanisms in vitro.Methods:In vitro study, The murine platelet rich plasma (PRP) from C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice or human PRP and gel-filtered platelets were incubated with different concentrations (1, 10 or 100 μM) of CoQ10 or the vehicle control for 50 min. Platelet aggregation, spreading on fibrinogen (Fg) and clot retraction were determined. In addition, the effects of CoQ10 on platelet integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out signalling (e.g., talin-1 and kindlin-3 binding to integrin β3) were determined by immunoprecipitation, and outside-in signalling (e.g., phosphorylation of sarcoma tyrosine-protein kinase (c-Src), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and β3 cytoplasmic tail, myosin light chain (MLC)) were determined by Western blotting. The levels of platelet ATP and cAMP were measured by ELISA assays. In vivo study, male homozygous apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice (C57BL/6 genetic background) were fed either a standard normal AIN-93G diet (NC group), a Western-type diet (HFD group) or a Western-type diet supplemented with CoQ10 (1800 mg/kg diet) (CoQ10 group) for 12 weeks. Platelet aggregation, granule secretion, platelet spreading, clot retraction, integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling, platelet-leukocyte interactions and carotid artery plaque area were also examined. In our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 101 hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomly administrated to 120 mg CoQ10 or placebo daily for 24 weeks. Platelet intracellular CoQ10 levels, platelet aggregation in PRP, platelet platelet factor 4 (PF-4) and C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) release, and platelet integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling were also evaluated before and after 24 weeks of intervention.Results: We found that CoQ10 inhibited human and WT mouse platelet aggregation, platelet spreading, granule secretion, and clot retraction in vitro and apoE-/- mice on a high fat diet. CoQ10 also reduced atherosclerosis and platelet-monocyte aggregation in apoE-/- mice. The inhibitory effects of CoQ10 is mediated by attenuated αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling pathway (e.g., attenuation of phosphorylation of c-Src, FAK, and β3 cytoplasmic tail, and MLC in thrombin-activated platelets or platelets exposed to immobilized Fg), which requires up-regulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway, where CoQ10 inhibited phosphodiesterase 3A activity and activated the A2A adenosine receptor. However, CoQ10 did not affect platelet integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out signalling pathway, platelet cellular ATP, or platelet apoptosis (the mitochondrial membrane potential and phosphatidylserine exposure). Moreover, our clinical trial in dyslipidemic patients demonstrated that CoQ10 supplementation attenuated platelet aggregation, which was positively correlated with the increased platelet CoQ10 concentrations, inhibited αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling and decreased platelet PF-4 and CCL5 secretion.Conclusions: We present new data to suggest that CoQ10 plays a novel role in attenuating platelet function and integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signalling though targeting cAMP/PKA signalling cascade and thus inhibiting the progress of atherosclerosis. CoQ10 is therefore a promising agent for the prevention and/or treatment for cardiovascular disease. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.