Total Coenzyme Q10 Research Articles

Associations between Long-Term Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Intake and New-Onset Hypertension in Adults: Insights from a Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation appears to be associated with a lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether food-sourced CoQ10 will affect new-onset hypertension in general adults. This study investigated the relationship between dietary CoQ10 intake and new-onset hypertension among the general population. Participants without hypertension at baseline from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) prospective cohort study were included (n = 11,428). Dietary CoQ10 intake was collected by validated dietary recalls and the food weighing method. Linear and non-linear relationships between dietary CoQ10 intake and new-onset hypertension were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines. During follow-up (median: 6 years), 4006 new-onset hypertension cases were documented. Compared with non-consumers, the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from quintile 2 to 4 total dietary CoQ10 were 0.83 (0.76, 0.91), 0.86 (0.78, 0.94) and 1.01 (0.92, 1.11); total plant-derived CoQ10 were 0.80 (0.73, 0.88), 1.00 (0.91, 1.09) and 1.10 (1.00, 1.20); and animal-derived CoQ10 were 0.65 (0.59, 0.71), 0.58 (0.53, 0.64) and 0.68 (0.62, 0.75). The lowest risk was found at moderate intake, with a non-linear relationship (P nonlinearity < 0.05). Furthermore, the overall inverse association was stronger among individuals without alcohol consumption or eating a low-fat diet. Moderate long-term dietary CoQ10 intake might be protective against new-onset hypertension. However, it follows a non-linear relationship and excessive intake may increase the risk of new-onset hypertension in the Chinese population.

Effect of a Two-Week Diet without Meat and Poultry on Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound for energy production in the mitochondria and the antioxidation of lipid-soluble substances in cells. As it can be biosynthesized in cells, CoQ10 is not an essential nutrient. However, its intake through meals contributes to the maintenance of CoQ10 levels in the body. Therefore, understanding the effects of daily diet on serum CoQ10 levels is crucial. This study investigated the effect of a two-week diet without meat or poultry, which are rich in CoQ10 content, on serum CoQ10 levels of 22 young women aged 20–21 years. Upon restricting the intake of meat and poultry, the participants’ average daily intake of CoQ10 from meals decreased from 2.1 ± 0.6 to 1.1 ± 0.5 mg/day. Simultaneously, the average serum reduced, oxidized, and total CoQ10 levels decreased by 14%, 31%, and 16%, respectively, after the two-week dietary intervention, whereas the reduced serum CoQ10 ratio increased significantly. These results suggest that meat and poultry are significant sources of CoQ10 in the diet. Dietary habits affect serum CoQ10 levels; however, further research is required to determine whether people who follow long-term diets with lower serum CoQ10 levels, such as a healthy reference diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission in addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, need CoQ10 supplementation to maintain health and achieve healthy longevity.

Rapid HPLC method reveals dynamic shifts in coenzyme Q redox state

Ubiquinol or coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a lipid-soluble electron carrier in the respiratory chain and an electron acceptor for various enzymes in metabolic pathways that intersect at this cofactor hub in the mitochondrial inner membrane. The reduced form of CoQ is an antioxidant, which protects against lipid peroxidation. In this study, we have optimized a UV-detected HPLC method for CoQ analysis from biological materials, which involves a rapid single-step extraction into n-propanol followed by direct sample injection onto a column. Using this method, we have measured the oxidized, reduced and total CoQ pools, and monitored shifts in the CoQ redox status in response to cell culture conditions and bioenergetic perturbations. We find that hypoxia or sulfide exposure induces a reductive shift in the intracellular CoQ pool. The effect of hypoxia is however, rapidly reversed by exposure to ambient air. Interventions at different loci in the electron transport chain can induce sizeable redox shifts in the oxidative or reductive direction, depending on whether they are up- or downstream of complex III. We have also used this method to confirm that CoQ levels are higher and more reduced in murine heart versus brain. In summary, the availability of a convenient HPLC-based method described herein, will facilitate studies on CoQ redox dynamics in response to environmental, nutritional and endogenous alterations.

The Cocrystal of Ubiquinol: Improved Stability and Bioavailability.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exists in two forms, an oxidized form and a reduced form. Ubiquinol is the fully reduced form of CoQ10. Compared to the oxidized form, ubiquinol has a much higher biological absorption and better therapeutic effect. However, ubiquinol has an important stability problem which hampers its storage and formulation. It can be easily transformed into its oxidized form-ubiquinone-even at low temperature. In this work, we designed, synthesized, and characterized a new cocrystal of ubiquinol with vitamin B3 nicotinamide (UQ-NC). Compared to the marketed ubiquinol form, the cocrystal exhibited an excellent stability, improved dissolution properties, and higher bioavailability. The cocrystal remained stable for a long period, even when stored under stressed conditions. In the dissolution experiments, the cocrystal generated 12.6 (in SIF) and 38.3 (in SGF) times greater maximum ubiquinol concentrations above that of the marketed form. In addition, in the PK studies, compared to the marketed form, the cocrystal exhibited a 2.2 times greater maximum total coenzyme Q10 concentration and a 4.5 times greater AUC than that of the marketed form.

Total and reduced/oxidized forms of coenzyme Q10 in fibroblasts of patients with mitochondrial disease

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is involved in ATP production through electron transfer in the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex. CoQ10 receives electrons from respiratory chain complex I and II to become the reduced form, and then transfers electrons at complex III to become the oxidized form. The redox state of CoQ10 has been reported to be a marker of the mitochondrial metabolic state, but to our knowledge, no reports have focused on the individual quantification of reduced and oxidized CoQ10 or the ratio of reduced to total CoQ10 (reduced/total CoQ10) in patients with mitochondrial diseases.We measured reduced and oxidized CoQ10 in skin fibroblasts from 24 mitochondrial disease patients, including 5 primary CoQ10 deficiency patients and 10 respiratory chain complex deficiency patients, and determined the reduced/total CoQ10 ratio.In primary CoQ10 deficiency patients, total CoQ10 levels were significantly decreased, however, the reduced/total CoQ10 ratio was not changed. On the other hand, in mitochondrial disease patients other than primary CoQ10 deficiency patients, total CoQ10 levels did not decrease. However, the reduced/total CoQ10 ratio in patients with respiratory chain complex IV and V deficiency was higher in comparison to those with respiratory chain complex I deficiency.Measurement of CoQ10 in fibroblasts proved useful for the diagnosis of primary CoQ10 deficiency. In addition, the reduced/total CoQ10 ratio may reflect the metabolic status of mitochondrial disease.

Benefit of mountain spa rehabilitation and ubiquinol treatment in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome

SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with inflammation, decrease in antioxidants and oxidative damage. We aimed to investigate whether ubiquinol, reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), with mountain spa rehabilitation (MR) will contribute to recovering of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The study included 36 patients on MR lasting 16-18 days. Twenty‑two patients were supplemented with ubiquinol 2x100 mg/day (MRQ), 14 underwent MR without supplementation. The control group consisted of 15 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of total CoQ10 (ubiquinone + ubiquinol), α- and γ-tocopherol were determined in platelets (PLT), in blood and plasma, also β-carotene was determined. Plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid‑reactive substances (TBARS) was used as the oxidative stress marker. Clinical symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire. MRQ group showed a significant increase in CoQ10, namely in PLT by 68 %, in blood by 194 %, and in plasma by 232 %. In MR group, CoQ10 stayed unchanged. In both groups, the initially increased concentrations of tocopherols in PLT returned nearly to the control values. β-carotene levels decreased in both groups while TBARS decreased slightly in the MRQ group. More clinical symptoms disappeared in the MRQ group. Accelerated recovery of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome was proven after mountain spa rehabilitation and ubiquinol supplementation. Increased systemic and cellular CoQ10 concentration alleviated clinical symptoms and improved antioxidant protection of the patients. We draw attention to the importance of monitoring and ensuring adequate levels of CoQ10 in post-COVID-19 syndrome (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 45). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, mountain spa rehabilitation, ubiquinol, coenzyme Q10, vitamins, TBARS.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a High Intraocular Pressure-Induced Retinal Ischemia Minipig Model.

Purpose: Retinal ischemia (RI) and progressive neuronal death are sight-threatening conditions. Mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction and fusion/fission processes have been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of RI. This study focuses on changes in the mt parameters of the neuroretina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid in a porcine high intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced RI minipig model. Methods: In one eye, an acute IOP elevation was induced in minipigs and compared to the other control eye. Activity and amount of respiratory chain complexes (RCC) were analyzed by spectrophotometry and Western blot, respectively. The coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) content was measured using HPLC, and the ultrastructure of the mt was studied via transmission electron microscopy. The expression of selected mt-pathway genes was determined by RT-PCR. Results: At a functional level, increased RCC I activity and decreased total CoQ10 content were found in RPE cells. At a protein level, CORE2, a subunit of RCC III, and DRP1, was significantly decreased in the neuroretina. Drp1 and Opa1, protein-encoding genes responsible for mt quality control, were decreased in most of the samples from the RPE and neuroretina. Conclusions: The eyes of the minipig can be considered a potential RI model to study mt dysfunction in this disease. Strategies targeting mt protection may provide a promising way to delay the acute damage and onset of RI.

Bioavailability of Reduced Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol-10) in Burn Patients.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction in major trauma, including burn injury. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a metabolite of the mevalonate pathway and an essential cofactor for the electron transport in the mitochondria. In addition, its reduced form (ubiquinol) functions as an antioxidant. Little is known as to whether oral CoQ10 supplementation effectively increases intracellular CoQ10 levels in humans. To study the bioavailability of CoQ10 supplementation, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of reduced CoQ10 (ubiquinol-10) (1800 mg/day, t.i.d.) in burn patients at a single, tertiary-care hospital. Baseline plasma CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in burn patients than in healthy volunteers, although plasma CoQ10/cholesterol ratio did not differ between the groups. CoQ10 supplementation increased plasma concentrations of total and reduced CoQ10 and total CoQ10 content in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in burn patients compared with the placebo group. CoQ10 supplementation did not significantly change circulating levels of mitochondrial DNA, inflammatory markers (e.g., interleukins, TNF-α, IFN-γ), or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores compared with the placebo group. This study showed that a relatively high dose of reduced CoQ10 supplementation increased the intracellular CoQ10 content in PBMCs as well as plasma concentrations in burn patients.

The effect of 8 weeks of physical training on muscle performance and maximal fat oxidation rates in patients treated with simvastatin and coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

Statins are prescribed for the treatment of elevated cholesterol, but they may negatively affect metabolism, muscle performance, and the response to training. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation may alleviate these effects. Combined simvastatin and CoQ10 treatment during physical training has never been tested. We studied the response to 8weeks training (maximal oxygen uptake ( ), fat oxidation (MFO), the workload at which MFO occurred, and muscle strength) in statin naive dyslipidaemic patients who received simvastatin (40mg/day) with (S+Q, n=9) or without (S+Pl, n=10) CoQ10 supplementation (2×200mg/day) or placebo (Pl+Pl, n=7) in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. and maximal workload increased with training (main effect of time, P<0.05). MFO increased from 0.29±0.10, 0.26±0.10, and 0.38±0.09 to 0.42±0.09, 0.38±0.10 and 0.48±0.16g/min in S+Q, S+Pl, and Pl+Pl, respectively (main effect of time, P=0.0013). The workload at MFO increased from 75±25, 56±23, and 72±17 to 106±25, 84±13 and 102±31W in S+Q, S+Pl, and Pl+Pl, respectively (main effect of time, P<0.0001). Maximal voluntary contraction and rate of force development were unchanged. Exercise improved aerobic physical capacity and simvastatin with or without CoQ10 supplementation did not inhibit this adaptation. The similar increases in MFO and in the workload at which MFO occurred in response to training shows that the ability to adapt substrate selection and oxidation rates is preserved with simvastatin treatment, despite the potential negative impact of simvastatin at the mitochondrial level. CoQ10 supplementation does not augment this adaptation. KEY POINTS: Simvastatins are prescribed for treatment of elevated cholesterol, but they may negatively affect metabolism, muscle performance and the response to training. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation may alleviate some of these effects. We found that simvastatin treatment does not negatively affect training-induced adaptations of substrate oxidation during exercise. Likewise, maximal oxygen uptake increases with physical training also in patients in treatment with simvastatin. CoQ10 supplementation in simvastatin-treated patients presents no advantage in the adaptations to physical training Simvastatin treatment decreases plasma concentrations of total CoQ10, but this can be alleviated by simultaneous supplementation with CoQ10.

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of high doses of ubiquinol in healthy adults

AbstractBackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is an intractable neurodegenerative disease. Higher frequencies of carriers of the V393A variant in COQ2 and lower levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in body tissues have been reported in patients with MSA than in healthy controls. On the basis of the hypothesis that CoQ10 supplementation may slow the progression of MSA, we have been developing CoQ10 as an investigational drug for MSA.MethodsA single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 1 study of ubiquinol in healthy adult male volunteers was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to groups that orally receive 900, 1200, and 1500 mg of ubiquinol or placebo daily for 14 days. Safety was assessed by examining the frequency and severity of adverse events. The levels of ubiquinol in plasma and total CoQ10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cerebrospinal fluid were investigated.ResultsThirty‐two participants provided informed consent to participate in this study. No clinically relevant changes in standard laboratory tests, physical examination, vital signs, or electrocardiogram attributable to ubiquinol administration were observed in any groups. The trough of plasma ubiquinol levels after repeated administration for 14 days reached a steady state, and the plasma ubiquinol levels in the 1500 mg/day‐administered group tended to be the highest.ConclusionsHigh‐dose ubiquinol supplementation was shown to be safe and tolerated when administered orally to healthy adult males at a maximum dosage of 1500 mg/day for 14 days (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry number, UMIN000016695).

Extraction of oil rich in coenzyme Q10 from chicken by-products using supercritical CO2

Supercritical CO2 extraction of oil rich in coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) from chicken by-products (livers and hearts) was investigated. The effects of pressure, temperature, ethanol concentration and CO2 flow rate on the extraction kinetics of oil and CoQ10 concentration in the oils obtained during the constant extraction rate (CER) and falling extraction rate (FER) periods were evaluated. Chicken liver was a richer source of CoQ10 than hearts. CoQ10 recoveries between 79.3% and 96.1% were achieved. Higher CoQ10 concentrations were obtained during the FER period (7.77 mg/g oil at 15 MPa, 40 °C), but most of the CoQ10 was recovered during the CER period. CoQ10 concentration was low and relatively stable during the first part of the extraction and sharply increased as the FER period approached. Fractional extraction resulted in two oil fractions with lower (1.02 mg/g and recovery of 23.5% of total CoQ10 extracted) and higher CoQ10 (4.20 mg/g with 76.5% recovery) contents.

Stability of Reduced and Oxidized Coenzyme Q10 in Finished Products.

The efficiency of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements is closely associated with its content and stability in finished products. This study aimed to provide evidence-based information on the quality and stability of CoQ10 in dietary supplements and medicines. Therefore, ubiquinol, ubiquinone, and total CoQ10 contents were determined by a validated HPLC-UV method in 11 commercial products with defined or undefined CoQ10 form. Both forms were detected in almost all tested products, resulting in a total of CoQ10 content between 82% and 166% of the declared. Ubiquinol, ubiquinone, and total CoQ10 stability in these products were evaluated within three months of accelerated stability testing. Ubiquinol, which is recognized as the less stable form, was properly stabilized. Contrarily, ubiquinone degradation and/or reduction were observed during storage in almost all tested products. These reactions were also detected at ambient temperature within the products’ shelf-lives and confirmed in ubiquinone standard solutions. Ubiquinol, generated by ubiquinone reduction with vitamin C during soft-shell capsules’ storage, may lead to higher bioavailability and health outcomes. However, such conversion and inappropriate content in products, which specify ubiquinone, are unacceptable in terms of regulation. Therefore, proper CoQ10 stabilization through final formulations regardless of the used CoQ10 form is needed.

Ubiquinol (reduced coenzyme Q10) as a metabolic resuscitator in post-cardiac arrest: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

IntroductionUbiquinol (reduced coenzyme Q10) is essential for adequate aerobic metabolism. The objective of this trial was to determine whether ubiquinol administration in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest could increase physiological coenzyme Q10 levels, improve oxygen consumption, and reduce neurological biomarkers of injury. Materials and methodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest. Patients were randomized to receive enteral ubiquinol (300 mg) or placebo every 12 h for up to 7 days. The primary endpoint was total coenzyme Q10 plasma levels at 24 h after enrollment. Secondary endpoints included neuron specific enolase, S100B, lactate, cellular and global oxygen consumption, neurological status, and in-hospital mortality. ResultsForty-three patients were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Median coenzyme Q10 levels were significantly higher in the ubiquinol group as compared to the placebo group at 24 h (441 [IQR, 215–510] ηg/mL vs. 113 [IQR, 94–208] ηg/mL, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed at 48 and 72 h. There were no differences between the two groups in any of the secondary endpoints. Median neuron specific enolase levels were not different between the two groups at 24 h (16.8 [IQR, 9.5–19.8] ηg/mL vs. 8.2 [IQR, 4.3–19.1] ηg/mL, P = 0.61). ConclusionsAdministration of enteral ubiquinol increased plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in post-cardiac arrest patients as compared to placebo. There were no differences in neurological biomarkers and oxygen consumption between the two groups.

Співвідношення редокс-форм убіхінону в мітохондріях печінки щурів за умов різної забезпеченості раціону нутрієнтами

The relationship between the quantitative ratio of redox forms of ubiquinone and the degree of free radical damage to mitochondrial proteins in rat liver against the background of nutritional imbalance was investigated. The animals were divided into the following experimental groups: I – animals receiving full-value semi-synthetic ration (control group); II – animals receiving high-sucrose diet; III – animals receiving low-protein high-sucrose diet. The content of total and oxidized ubiquinone was determined spectrophotometrically at 275 nm, the content of reduced ubiquinone was determined by the difference between the content of total and oxidized ubiquinone. The intensity of the oxidative modification of proteins was assessed by the accumulation of carbonyl derivatives in the reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH), the content of free SH-groups was assessed by using the Elman reagent. It was found that the most pronounced decrease in the content of total ubiquinone (almost twice) and the redistribution of its redox forms (reduction of the content of reduced ubiquinone by 7.2 times against the background of an increase in the level of oxidized ubiquinone by 2 times) in rat liver mitochondria is observed in animals that received a diet high in sucrose against the background of alimentary protein deprivation. In addition, the animals of this group showed the most pronounced free radical oxidation of mitochondrial proteins, as evidenced by a 3.5-fold increase in the content of carbonyl derivatives and a 2.6-fold decrease in the content of free protein SH- groups. It was shown that nutritional protein deficiency is a critical factor affecting the intensity of free radical processes in mitochondria. The established changes in the ratio of the redox forms of ubiquinone and the degree of oxidative modification of mitochondrial proteins in rat liver could be considered as prerequisites for deepening the energy imbalance and violation of the functional activity of mitochondria under conditions of nutritional imbalance.

Impact of traditional and mild oven cooking treatments on antioxidant compounds levels and oxidative status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets

Atlantic salmon is widely consumed in the diet. When salmon fillets are submitted to cooking treatments, the high temperature could promote lipid peroxidation with a consequent reduction in product nutritional quality. For this purpose, the impact of traditional (convection) and mild (steam- and sous-vide) oven cooking treatments were assessed on the level of some selected antioxidant and oxidative status of salmon. Fatty acid profile, tocopherols (α and γ), astaxanthin and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels, as well as markers for oxidative status [peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), percentage of oxidized CoQ10 on total CoQ10 amount] were determined in raw and cooked whole salmon fillets. As a result, the PV did not change as consequence of all treatments while TBARS level in raw sample (0.93 ± 0.16 μmol/g) was significantly higher than those found in all cooked ones, ranging from 0.43 ± 0.10 to 0.69 ± 0.17 μmol/g. Moreover, all oven treatments preserved ω3 PUFA and tocopherol fractions and led to a significant increase of CoQ10 availability, while solely the steam oven enhanced the availability of astaxanthin while reducing CoQ10 oxidative status in fillets.

Resveratrol Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in CoQ Synthesis in Liver in Mice Fed with High Fat Diet.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a bioactive natural molecule that induces antioxidant activity and increases protection against oxidative damage. RSV could be used to mitigate damages associated to metabolic diseases and aging. Particularly, RSV regulates different aspects of mitochondrial metabolism. However, no information is available about the effects of RSV on Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a central component in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Here, we report for the first time that RSV modulates COQ genes and parameters associated to metabolic syndrome in mice. Mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) presented a higher weight gain, triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol levels while RSV reverted TGs to control level but not weight or cholesterol. HFD induced a decrease of COQs gene mRNA level, whereas RSV reversed this decrease in most of the COQs genes. However, RSV did not show effect on CoQ9, CoQ10 and total CoQ levels, neither in CoQ-dependent antioxidant enzymes. HFD influenced mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy markers. RSV modulated the levels of PINK1 and PARKIN and their ratio, indicating modulation of mitophagy. In summary, we report that RSV influences some of the metabolic adaptations of HFD affecting mitochondrial physiology while also regulates COQs gene expression levels in a process that can be associated with mitochondrial dynamics and turnover.

Comparative Bioavailability of Different Coenzyme Q10 Formulations in Healthy Elderly Individuals

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a central role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of dietary CoQ10 supplementation, particularly in relation to cardiovascular health. CoQ10 biosynthesis decreases in the elderly, and consequently, the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation in this population are of greater significance. However, most pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted on younger populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the single-dose bioavailability of different formulations of CoQ10 in a healthy geriatric population. A randomized, three-period, crossover bioavailability study was conducted on 21 healthy older adults (aged 65–74). The treatment was a single dose with a one-week washout period. Three different formulations containing the equivalent of 100 mg of CoQ10 were used: Q10Vital® water-soluble CoQ10 syrup (the investigational product—IP); ubiquinol capsules (the comparative product—CP); and ubiquinone capsules (the standard product—SP). Ubiquinone/ubiquinol was followed in the plasma for 48 h. An analysis of the ratio of the area under the baseline-corrected concentration curve (ΔAUC48) for total CoQ10 and a comparison to SP yielded the following: The bioavailability of CoQ10 in the IP was 2.4-fold higher (95% CI: 1.3–4.5; p = 0.002), while the bioavailability of ubiquinol (CP) was not significantly increased (1.7-fold; 95% CI: 0.9–3.1, p = 0.129). No differences in the redox status of the absorbed coenzyme Q10 were observed between formulations, showing that CoQ10 appeared in the blood mostly as ubiquinol, even if consumed as ubiquinone.

Evaluation of Coenzyme Q10 Redox Status as a Biomarker of Oxidative Stress

The article examines the role of ubiquinone as a redox molecule whose functions consist in electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and regeneration of endogenous antioxidants. Changes in electron redox pathways cause uncontrolled release of reactive oxygen species, which leads to oxidative stress and development of pathologies. The objective of the study was to determine the content of coenzyme Q10 and its redox status in the human body as a biomarker of oxidative stress in various pathologies. This was achieved by assessing and consolidating data on changes in concentrations of the oxidized, reduced ubiquinone forms and total ubiquinone in various pathologies. Total serum ubiquinone was reduced in patients with chronic heart failure (0.68 μmol/L) compared with the control group (0.97 μmol/L). The redox status, expressed as the [ubiquinol]/ [ubiquinone] concentration ratio, decreased in patients with coronary heart disease (0.49 ± 0.34), diabetes (0.26 ± 0.16) compared with the healthy subjects (1.23–1.41). A negative correlation with malonic dialdehyde was observed. The authors analysed the possibility of assessing the efficacy of statin therapy by plasma ubiquinone concentration in patients. Patients with hyperlipidemia who received statins showed a statistically significant reduction in ubiquinol concentration after taking the drug (from 0.81 to 0.46 μg/mL) and the [ubiquinone]/[total ubiquinone] ratio (from 11 to 10 %), which confirms the potential mechanism of statinassociated muscle injury development. Thus, coenzyme Q10 redox status, as well as the concentrations of oxidized, reduced and total ubiquinone can be effective biomarkers of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, as well as an important indicator in evaluating the efficacy of hyperlipidemia treatment.

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.

Plasma coenzyme Q10 status is impaired in selected genetic conditions

Identifying diseases displaying chronic low plasma Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) values may be important to prevent possible cardiovascular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate plasma CoQ concentrations in a large cohort of pediatric and young adult patients. We evaluated plasma CoQ values in 597 individuals (age range 1 month to 43 years, average 11 years), studied during the period 2005–2016. Patients were classified into 6 different groups: control group of healthy participants, phenylketonuric patients (PKU), patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), patients with other inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), patients with neurogenetic diseases, and individuals with neurological diseases with no genetic diagnosis. Plasma total CoQ was measured by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and ultraviolet detection at 275 nm. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction showed that plasma CoQ values were significantly lower in the PKU and MPS groups than in controls and neurological patients. The IEM group showed intermediate values that were not significantly different from those of the controls. In PKU patients, the Chi-Square test showed a significant association between having low plasma CoQ values and being classic PKU patients. The percentage of neurogenetic and other neurological patients with low CoQ values was low (below 8%). In conclusión, plasma CoQ monitoring in selected groups of patients with different IEM (especially in PKU and MPS patients, but also in IEM under protein-restricted diets) seems advisable to prevent the possibility of a chronic blood CoQ suboptimal status in such groups of patients.