Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Concentration Research Articles

Effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation during gestation on the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of high-parity sows

BackgroundFertility declines in high-parity sows. This study investigated whether parity-dependent declines in embryonic survival and reproductive performance could be restored by dietary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation.MethodsTwo experiments were performed. In Exp. 1, 30 young sows that had completed their 2nd parity and 30 high-parity sows that had completed their 10th parity, were fed either a control diet (CON) or a CON diet supplemented with 1 g/kg CoQ10 (+ CoQ10) from mating until slaughter at day 28 of gestation. In Exp. 2, a total of 314 post-weaning sows with two to nine parities were fed the CON or + CoQ10 diets from mating throughout gestation.ResultsIn Exp. 1, both young and high-parity sows had a similar number of corpora lutea, but high-parity sows had lower plasma CoQ10 concentrations, down-regulated genes involved with de novo CoQ10 synthesis in the endometrium tissues, and greater levels of oxidative stress markers in plasma and endometrium tissues. High-parity sows had fewer total embryos and alive embryos, lower embryonic survival, and greater embryo mortality than young sows. Dietary CoQ10 supplementation increased the number of live embryos and the embryonic survival rate to levels similar to those of young sows, as well as lowering the levels of oxidative stress markers. In Exp. 2, sows showed a parity-dependent decline in plasma CoQ10 levels, and sows with more than four parities showed a progressive decline in the number of total births, live births, and piglets born effective. Dietary supplementation with CoQ10 increased the number of total births, live births, and born effective, and decreased the intra-litter covariation coefficients and the percentage of sows requiring farrowing assistance during parturition.ConclusionsDietary CoQ10 supplementation can improve the embryonic survival and reproductive performance of gestating sows with high parity, probably by improving the development of uterine function.

Major evidence of clinical studies on the triad gut microbiota, ubiquinone and physical exercise: a systematic review

Introduction: In the scenario of sports practices, the human gut microbiota is currently the focus of convergent interest in many diseases and sports performance. Sports performance studies have also shown interesting and promising results. Supplementation with certain antioxidants such as ubiquinone [Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)] is important for physically active individuals to speed recovery from fatigue and prevent exercise damage. Objective: It was to demonstrate the influence of the gut microbiota and ubiquinone on the performance of athletes. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The research was carried out from September to November 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: 104 articles were found. A total of 54 articles were evaluated and 27 were included in this systematic review. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 13 studies with a high risk of bias and 27 studies that did not meet GRADE. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X 2 =97.2% >50%. The composition and activity of the gut microbiota are influenced by many different factors, such as diet and physical activity. Cumulative data indicate that gut bacteria are sensitive to modulation by physical activity, as demonstrated by studies using models of training and hypoactivity. Supplementation with the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 is important for physically active individuals to accelerate recovery from fatigue and prevent damage caused by exercise, in addition to optimizing training and improving sports performance. Clinical studies have shown that in physical fatigue concerning physical exercise, patients have low plasma concentrations of Coenzyme Q10.

Nutrological and metabolic approaches to the action of the some special micronutrients in heart failure and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review

Introduction: In the heart disease scenario, heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations in the United States in patients over 65 years of age, and there is evidence that this pathology affects 26 million people worldwide. Dietary guidance for patients with HF has focused on sodium restriction and fluid intake, but diet quality is often poor in HF patients and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. Restrictive diets can lead to inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients by patients with HF, highlighting deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, zinc, iron, thiamine, vitamins D, E, and K, and folate. Objective: Through a systematic literature review, the main nutrological approaches to the action of the micronutrients magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin D in heart failure and metabolic syndrome were evidenced. Methods: The present study followed a concise systematic review model (PRISMA). The literary search process was carried out from August 2022 to September 2022 and was developed based on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar, using scientific articles from 1998 to 2022. The low quality of evidence was attributed to reports of cases, editorials, and brief communications, according to the GRADE instrument. The risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: The total of 136 studies were found for eligibility analysis, and then 75 of the 84 total studies were selected for this systematic review. According to the GRADE instrument, most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with I2 =98.7% >50%. The Funnel Plot showed a symmetrical behavior, not suggesting a significant risk of bias in studies with smaller sample sizes. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency or changes in its metabolism are related to the pathophysiology of heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, preeclampsia, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Vitamin D plays an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses, cell cycle, and metabolic processes, evidenced by the reported relationship between its deficiency and the prevalence of immunity-mediated disorders, cancer, and cardiometabolic diseases. The VDR results in β cells, endothelium, cardiac myocytes, and renin production suggesting a role for vitamin D in these diseases. Coenzyme Q10 is part of the electron transport chain and is found in large concentrations in the mitochondrial, especially in the muscles, brain, and heart. Clinical studies have shown that pathologies such as acute myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and myopathies induced by statins, physical fatigue inherent in physical exercise, male infertility, preeclampsia, Parkinson's disease, periodontal disease, and migraine had low plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10.

Plasma CoQ10 Status in Patients with Propionic Acidaemia and Possible Benefit of Treatment with Ubiquinol.

Propionic acidaemia (PA) is an innate error of metabolism involving a deficiency in the enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase. Better control of acute decompensation episodes together with better treatment and monitoring have improved the prognosis of patients with this problem. However, long-term complications can arise in those in whom good metabolic control is achieved, the result of mitochondrial dysfunction caused by deficient anaplerosis, increased oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidative capacity. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutritional supplement that has a notable antioxidative effect and has been shown to improve mitochondrial function. The present prospective, interventional study examines the plasma concentration of CoQ10 in patients with PA, their tolerance of such supplementation with ubiquinol, and its benefits. Seven patients with PA (aged 2.5 to 20 years, 4 males) received supplements of CoQ10 in the form of ubiquinol (10 mg/kg/day for 6 months). A total of 6/7 patients showed reduced plasma CoQ10 concentrations that normalized after supplementation with ubiquinol (p-value < 0.001), which was well tolerated. Urinary citrate levels markedly increased during the study (p-value: 0.001), together with elevation of citrate/methlycitrate ratio (p-value: 0.03). No other significant changes were seen in plasma or urine biomarkers of PA. PA patients showed a deficiency of plasma CoQ10, which supplementation with ubiquinol corrected. The urinary excretion of Krebs cycle intermediate citrate and the citrate/methylcitrate ratio significantly increased compared to the baseline, suggesting improvement in anaplerosis. This treatment was well tolerated and should be further investigated as a means of preventing the chronic complications associated with likely multifactorial mitochondrial dysfunction in PA.

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

To determine the dose of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) needed to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). 18 dogs with CHF due to MMVD and 12 healthy dogs. In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, dogs with MMVD were given 50 or 100 mg of water-soluble CoQ10 (ubiquinone; total daily dose, 100 mg [n = 5] or 200 mg [6]) or a placebo (7), PO, twice a day for 2 weeks in addition to regular cardiac treatment. Plasma CoQ10 concentration was measured in dogs with MMVD before (baseline) and at various time points after supplementation began and in healthy dogs once. Concentrations were compared among and within groups. No significant difference in median baseline plasma CoQ10 concentration was detected between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD. Fold increases in plasma CoQ10 concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 4.7 and 3.2 to 6.8 for individual dogs in the 100-mg and 200-mg groups, respectively. The change in plasma CoQ10 concentration after supplementation began was significantly higher than in the placebo group at 4 hours and 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 200-mg group and at 1 and 2 weeks for dogs in the 100-mg group. A daily CoQ10 dose of 200 mg was sufficient to achieve at least a 3-fold increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration and may be used in CoQ10 supplementation studies involving dogs with CHF due to MMVD.

Is plasma concentration of coenzyme Q10 a predictive marker for left ventricular remodelling after revascularization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction?

Left ventricular remodelling that frequently occurs after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. Although several risk factors have been identified, there is still no marker in clinical use to predict left ventricular remodelling. Plasma concentration of coenzyme Q10, which plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production and as an antioxidant, seems to be negatively correlated with left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction. The goal of our study was to determine whether the plasma coenzyme Q10 baseline concentrations at time of the ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) could predict left ventricular remodelling at six months' follow-up. Sixty-eight patients who were admitted to hospital for STEMI and successfully revascularized with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were recruited. All patients underwent a 3D-echocardiography examination within the first four days after percutaneous coronary intervention and six months later then divided into two groups based on the presence or not of left ventricular remodelling. Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. While we found similar plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations compared with other studies, no association was evidenced between coenzyme Q10 concentrations and left ventricular remodelling (P = 0.89). We found no evidence for using plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration as an early prediction marker of left ventricular remodelling after STEMI.

Prospective study of plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 and lung cancer risk in a low-income population in the Southeastern United States.

BackgroundCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a ubiquitous molecule in living organisms serving as a cofactor in energy production. Epidemiological studies have reported low CoQ10 levels being associated with an increased risk of various cancers. We conducted the first study to evaluate the association of CoQ10 concentrations with lung cancer risk.MethodsA nested case‐control study including 201 lung cancer cases and 395 matched controls from the Southern Community Cohort Study was conducted. Plasma CoQ10 levels were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography with photo‐diode array detection. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk.ResultsPlasma CoQ10 concentration was inversely associated with the risk of lung cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, the OR (95% CI) comparing the third to first tertile was 0.57 (0.36–0.91, P for trend = 0.02). Further adjustments for smoking, alcohol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and body mass index attenuated the point estimate slightly (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.34–1.08, P for trend = 0.11), comparing third to first tertiles. Stratified analyses identified a significant inverse association between plasma CoQ10 levels and lung cancer risk in current smokers, but not in former/never smokers. The association was more evident in cases who were diagnosed within 1 year of blood draw than in cases diagnosed after 1 year.ConclusionsLow plasma CoQ10 was significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk, particularly among current smokers. The stronger association seen shortly following the blood draw suggests that CoQ10 may be related to disease progression.

Effects of Feeding Coenzyme Q10-Ubiquinol on Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Concentrations and Semen Quality in Stallions

Although coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) serves as an antioxidant and energy source for spermatozoa when added to stallion semen before cooling or freezing, the effects of feeding CoQ10 on semen quality have not been studied. We assessed the effects of daily oral ingestion of CoQ10-ubiquinol by stallions on their plasma CoQ10 concentrations and semen quality. Seven mature Andalusian stallions ate 1g ubiquinol/day for 4 weeks followed by a 4-week washout period. Four horses initially completed an additional 4-week control period without ubiquinol. Blood was sampled weekly for determination of plasma CoQ10 concentrations. Ejaculates were collected every two weeks and assessed for total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), and viability (V) after cooling for 24hours (T1), immediate cryopreservation (T2), and cryopreservation after 24hours cooling (T3). Ingesting ubiquinol resulted in an increase in plasma CoQ10 concentration (P < .001). Two weeks of CoQ10-ubiquinol resulted in improved V with all treatments (T1: P = .007; T2: P = .05; T3: P = .01) and PM with T3 (P = .04). In five stallions, TM and PM were also improved for T1 (P = .01 and P = .02, respectively) and TM increased with T2 (P = .03). Overall, semen quality parameters increased within the first 2 weeks of supplementation, plateaued at the end of the 4-week supplementation period and persisted after discontinuing ubiquinol until the end of the sampling period (8 weeks). Feeding 1 g CoQ10-ubiquinol for 4 weeks to breeding stallions improved semen quality after cooling and freezing in 5 of 7 stallions. This could be important for improving reproductive efficiency in stallions.

Transport via Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 contributes to the intestinal absorption of ubiquinone

Ubiquinone, which is a component in the electron-transport systems of mitochondria, is essential for various activities related to energy metabolism, but the detailed absorption mechanism of ubiquinone is not clear. On the other hand, Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1) is involved in the intestinal absorption of fat-soluble components such as cholesterol. In this study, we investigated whether the intestinal absorption of ubiquinone was transported by NPC1L1 as is cholesterol. In this study, coenzyme q10 (CoQ10) and coenzyme q9 (CoQ9) were used as models of ubiquinone. The transport activity of ubiquinone was increased significantly in NPC1L1-overexpressed Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells compared with that in pMAM2-BSD vector-transfected MDCK cells and the uptake of ubiquinone was decreased in the presence of ezetimibe, an inhibitor of NPC1L1. These results indicate that NPC1L1 mediates the transport of ubiquinone. Furthermore, to clarify the effect of NPC1L1 on the intestinal absorption of CoQ10, emulsified CoQ10 was orally administered to Wistar rats, and the plasma concentration was measured. The plasma concentration of CoQ10 was significantly decreased by coadministration of ezetimibe and CoQ10 compared to that with administration of only CoQ10. This result indicates that the intestinal absorption of CoQ10 is mediated by NPC1L1.

Prolonged oral coenzyme Q10-β-cyclodextrin supplementation increases skeletal muscle complex I+III activity in young Thoroughbreds

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Decreased skeletal muscle CoQ10 content may result in decreased ETC activity and energy production. This study tested the hypotheses that supplementation with oral CoQ10 will increase plasma CoQ10 concentrations and that prolonged supplementation will increase skeletal muscle CoQ10 content in young, healthy untrained Thoroughbreds. Nineteen Thoroughbreds (27.5±9.7 months old; 11 males, eight females) from one farm and maintained on a grass pasture with one grain meal per day were supplemented daily with 1.5 mg/kg body weight of an oral CoQ10-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. Whole-blood and skeletal muscle biopsies were collected before (T0) and after (T1) nine weeks of supplementation. Plasma CoQ10 concentrations were determinedvia high-performance liquid chromatography. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial ETC combined complex I+III enzyme activity (indirect measurement of CoQ10 content) was assessed spectrophotometrically and normalised to mitochondrial abundance. Horses accepted supplementation with no adverse effects. Plasma CoQ10 concentration increased in all horses following supplementation, with mean plasma CoQ10 concentration significantly increasing from T0 to T1 (0.13±0.02 vs 0.25±0.03 μg/ml; mean difference 0.12±0.03;P=0.004). However, variability in absorbance resulted in a 58% response rate (i.e. doubling of T1 above T0 values). The mean skeletal muscle complex I+III activity significantly increased from T0 to T1 (0.36±0.04 vs 0.59±0.05 pmol/min/mg of muscle, mean difference 0.23±0.05;P=0.0004), although T1 values for three out of 19 horses decreased on average by 23% below T0 values. In conclusion, oral supplementation with CoQ10 in the diet of young, healthy untrained Thoroughbreds increased mean plasma CoQ10 concentration by 99% with prolonged daily supplementation increasing mean skeletal muscle complex I+III activity by 65%. Additional research is warranted investigating training and exercise effects on skeletal muscle CoQ10 content in CoQ10 supplemented and un-supplemented Thoroughbreds.

The therapeutic efficacy of water-soluble coenzyme Q10 in an experimental model of tacrolimus-induced diabetes mellitus.

Background/AimsCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has antioxidant effects and is commercially available and marketed extensively. However, due to its low bioavailability, its effects are still controversial. We developed a water-soluble CoQ10-based micelle formulation (CoQ10-W) and tested it in an experimental model of tacrolimus (TAC)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsWe developed CoQ10-W from a glycyrrhizic-carnitine mixed layer CoQ10 micelle preparation based on acyltransferases. TAC-induced DM rats were treated with either lipid-soluble CoQ10 (CoQ10-L) or CoQ10-W for 4 weeks. Their plasma and pancreatic CoQ10 concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry. The therapeutic efficacies of CoQ10-W and CoQ10-L on TAC-induced DM were compared using functional and morphological parameters and their effects on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were also evaluated in cultured rat insulinoma cells.ResultsThe plasma CoQ10 level was significantly increased in the CoQ10-W group compared to that in the CoQ10-L group. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion revealed that CoQ10-W controlled hyperglycemia and restored insulin secretion significantly better than CoQ10-L. The TAC-mediated decrease in pancreatic islet size was significantly attenuated by CoQ10-W but not by CoQ10-L. TAC-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly more reduced by CoQ10-W than CoQ10-L. Electron microscopy revealed that CoQ10-W restored TAC-induced attenuation in the number of insulin granules and the average mitochondrial area, unlike CoQ10-L. In vitro studies showed that CoQ10-L and CoQ10-W both improved cell viability and reduced ROS production in TAC-treated islet cells to a similar extent.ConclusionsCoQ10-W has better therapeutic efficacy than CoQ10-L in TAC-induced DM.

Short-term ubiquinol-10 supplementation alleviates tissue damage in muscle and fatigue caused by strenuous exercise in male distance runners.

Background: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is the electron transporter in oxidative phosphorylation and an endogenous antioxidant. Recent researches have indicated that doses of 200-300mg/day are needed to recognize effects to prevent oxidative damage in athletes, and the reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol-10, is more bioavailable than its oxidized form. Therefore, we hypothesized that higher doses of ubiquinol-10 could elevate plasma CoQ10 levels rapidly and exert physiological benefits in athletes. Therefore, a placebo controlled, double blinded test was carried out to determine the effects of ubiquinol-10 on the extravasate enzymes and fatigue levels of distance runners. Methods: Sixteen male collegiate distance runners were allocated to two groups receiving 300mg/day of ubiquinol-10 (19.8±1.7 years) or a placebo (20.1±1.6years) for 12 days during summer training that comprised 25- and 40-km runs on days 7 and 9, respectively. Results: Ubiquinol-10 elevated plasma CoQ10 concentration to 5.62μg/mL and significantly decreased activities of the serum extravasate enzymes, CK, ALT, LDH (P<0.01), and AST (P<0.05) on day 6. Subjective fatigue status was significantly elevated on day 10 (the day after the 45-km run) in the placebo group (P<0.001), but did not significantly change in the group given ubiquinol-10. Therefore, ubiquinol-10 could mitigate tissue damage and alleviate fatigue status in distance runners during summer training. Conclusions: Ubiquinol-10 (300mg/day) supplementation elevated plasma CoQ10 concentrations almost to plateau levels, decreased extravasate enzymes within six days, and suppressed the subjective fatigue in male distance runners.

Enhancement of intestinal absorption of coenzyme Q10 using emulsions containing oleyl polyethylene acetic acids

Emulsions have often been prepared to improve absorption of lipophilic compounds that have poor solubility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipophilic compound that has been used as an anti-aging supplement. We focused on oleyl polyethyleneoxy acetic acid, an oxa acid derivative, to prepare emulsions of CoQ10 with the expectation of application to oral pharmaceutics. Oxa acids were purified and classified into four groups based on the average length of the ethylene oxide chain. The emulsion that were prepared using the four oxa acid groups were administered to rats and the plasma concentration profiles of CoQ10 were analyzed. The absorption of CoQ10 was improved in all emulsion groups compared with that in the powder group. The emulsion using oxa acid (n = 9.0) greatly increased the plasma concentration of CoQ10. Absorption was also improved by using emulsions containing larger percentage of oxa acids (6%, 15% and 23%) to compared with the same oxa acid (n = 9.0). The effects of oxa acids on cell viability were almost the same as those of conventional surfactants such as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). The results showed that oxa acids are useful to prepare emulsions for oral administration and that the absorption of CoQ10 using oxa acids is significantly improved by using our formulations.

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.

THE IMPACT OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND BRONCHOPULMONARY DISEASES ON COENZYME Q10 PLASMA CONCENTRATION

Introduction. Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the human body. Its main function is not only the transfer of electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain for the ATP synthesis, but it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.The aim of research is to monitor the relationship between cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in the blood plasma.Materials and methods. Coenzyme Q10 was determined using high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection.Results and discussion. During the study, it was found that the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in plasma is affected not only by the main diseases, but also by comorbidities, as well as by the therapy. A sharp decrease in plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration was noted in patients with cardiovascular pathologies, especially in those with concomitant endocrine diseases. Also, it was recorded a decrease in the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in the plasma of patients with pneumonia. Conclusion. During the experiment, the coenzyme Q10 concentration was found to be dependent on cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Study of Formulation Development Based on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of Functional Food Components

Preventive medicine and anti-aging medicine have received much attention recently due to an increase in the proportion of elderly people in the population, and to an increase in patients with lifestyle diseases. Oxidative stress is involved in the onset of lifestyle diseases, and various antioxidant supplements and antioxidant-fortified functional foods have recently become available. Many epidemiological studies have shown relationships between the consumption of polyphenol and carotenoid-rich foods and the prevention of lifestyle diseases. We have focused on the absorption mechanism of these food components that show low bioavailability, and have made efforts to improve their poor absorption based on their pharmacokinetic properties. In this report, as examples, we describe the enhancement of the absorption of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and lutein. To improve the absorption of CoQ10, we focused on the component of emulsion. We found that a higher plasma concentration of CoQ10 could be obtained by creating an emulsion containing a surfactant with a higher hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value. For the improvement of lutein absorption, we prepared a solid dispersion and self-emulsifying drug delivery system. It was shown that the plasma concentrations of lutein in these two formulation groups were increased compared with that in the powder group. The absorption of lutein was also evaluated by its cumulative amount in the lymph system. Our data showed that lutein is transferred from the small intestine into the lymph stream, rather than into the blood stream. Further investigations to improve the absorption of these components are in progress.

Coenzyme Q10 as Treatment for Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms-A Good Idea, but….

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are extremely well tolerated but are associated with a range of mild-to-moderate statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Estimates of SAMS incidence vary from <1% in industry-funded clinical trials to 10-25% in nonindustry-funded clinical trials and ∼60% in some observational studies. SAMS are important because they result in dose reduction or discontinuation of these life-saving medications, accompanied by higher healthcare costs and cardiac events. The mechanisms that produce SAMS are not clearly defined. Statins block the production of farnesyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway, which is responsible for the production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). This knowledge has prompted the hypothesis that reductions in plasma CoQ10 concentrations contribute to SAMS. Consequently, CoQ10 is popular as a form of adjuvant therapy for the treatment of SAMS. However, the data evaluating the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation has been equivocal, with some, but not all, studies suggesting that CoQ10 supplementation mitigates muscular complaints. This review discusses the rationale for using CoQ10 in SAMS, the results of CoQ10 clinical trials, the suggested management of SAMS, and the lessons learned about CoQ10 treatment of this problem.

Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration, antioxidant status, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration in dogs with various cardiovascular diseases and the effect of cardiac treatment on measured variables.

OBJECTIVE To determine the plasma total antioxidant capacity, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, whole blood glutathione peroxidase activity, and plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) concentration in dogs with various stages of cardiovascular diseases and in healthy dogs; assess the influence of cardiac treatment on the levels of antioxidant variables, plasma CoQ10 concentration, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration, and determine any correlation between the disease severity (NT-proBNP concentration) and antioxidant variables or CoQ10 concentration. ANIMALS 43 dogs with various types and stages of cardiovascular diseases (congenital and acquired) and 29 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected from all dogs for spectrophotometric assessment of antioxidant variables. Plasma CoQ10 concentration was determined with a high-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry method. Serum NT-proBNP concentration was measured with an ELISA. RESULTS Values for antioxidant variables did not differ among groups of dogs with cardiovascular diseases, regardless of disease stage or treatment. Plasma CoQ10 concentration was significantly increased in treated dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), compared with untreated patients. However, plasma CoQ10 concentration did not differ among heart failure classes. A significant, negative correlation between serum NT-proBNP and plasma CoQ10 concentrations was identified in treated CHF-affected dogs, suggesting that low plasma CoQ10 concentration may be associated with increased severity of CHF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The antioxidant variables evaluated were not altered in dogs with CHF, regardless of cardiac disease stage or treatment. Further investigation into the possible effects of CoQ10 supplementation in dogs with advanced stages of CHF is warranted.

High plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration is correlated with good left ventricular performance after primary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Exogenous administration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been shown in experimental models to have a protective effect against ischemia–reperfusion injury. However, it is unclear whether follow-up plasma CoQ10 concentration is prognostic of left ventricular (LV) performance after primary balloon angioplasty in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).We prospectively recruited 55 patients with STEMI who were treated with primary coronary balloon angioplasty. Plasma CoQ10 concentrations were measured before primary angioplasty (baseline) and 3 days, 7 days, and 1 month after STEMI using high-performance liquid chromatography. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The control group comprised 54 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers.Serial circulating CoQ10 concentrations significantly decreased with time in the STEMI group. The LV ejection fraction at 6-month follow-up positively correlated with the 1-month plasma CoQ10 tertile. Higher plasma CoQ10 concentrations at 1 month were associated with favorable LV remodeling and systolic function 6 months after STEMI. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that changes in CoQ10 concentrations at 1-month follow-up were predictive of LV systolic function 6 months after STEMI. Changes in CoQ10 concentrations correlated negatively with baseline oxidized low-density lipoprotein and fibrinogen concentrations and correlated positively with leukocyte mitochondrial copy number at baseline.Patients with STEMI who had higher plasma CoQ10 concentrations 1 month after primary angioplasty had better LV performance at 6-month follow-up. In addition, higher plasma CoQ10 concentration was associated with lower grade inflammatory and oxidative stress status. Therefore, plasma CoQ10 concentration may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker of LV systolic function after revascularization therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

Statin therapy and plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations—A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials

Statin therapy may lower plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) concentrations, but the evidence as to the significance of this effect is unclear. We assessed the impact of statin therapy on plasma CoQ10 concentrations through the meta-analysis of available RCTs. The literature search included selected databases up to April 30, 2015. The meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I2 statistic. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The data from 8 placebo-controlled treatment arms suggested a significant reduction in plasma CoQ10 concentrations following treatment with statins (WMD: −0.44μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.52, −0.37, p<0.001). The pooled effect size was robust and remained significant in the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis. Subgroup analysis suggested that the impact of statins on plasma CoQ10 concentrations is significant for all 4 types of statins studied i.e. atorvastatin (WMD: −0.41μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.53, −0.29, p<0.001), simvastatin (WMD: −0.47μmol/L, 95% CI: −0.61, −0.33, p<0.001), rosuvastatin (WMD: −0.49μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.67, −0.31, p<0.001) and pravastatin (WMD: −0.43μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.69, −0.16, p=0.001). Likewise, there was no differential effect of lipophilic (WMD: −0.43μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.53, −0.34, p<0.001) and hydrophilic statins (WMD: −0.47μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.62, −0.32, p<0.001). With respect to treatment duration, a significant effect was observed in both subsets of trials lasting <12 weeks (WMD: −0.51μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.64, −0.39, p<0.001) and ≥12 weeks (WMD: −0.40μmol/L, 95%CI: −0.50, −0.30, p<0.001). The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in plasma CoQ10 concentrations following treatment with statins. Further well-designed trials are required to confirm our findings and elucidate their clinical relevance.