Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress in Patients with Pre-Eclampsia

Objective: To determine the effect of CoQ10 supplementation in reduction of oxidative stress by index marker, Malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxidase dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in patients with pre-eclampsia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry LUMHS, Jamshoro. During the period of January 2018 to June 2018. Total 200 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups. 50 females were normotensive pregnant women as a control group, 150 were pre-eclamptic patients as case group. Obstetric history, clinical data was gathered and then 5ml of blood sample was collected from each patient. The blood samples were taken before and after a 3 months’ supplementation to analyse Malondialdehyde (MDA). The CoQ10 was evaluated by High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx were performed on UV- spectrophotometer. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 22. Student t­test was used for analysed of continuous variables. Results: The pre-eclamptic women treated with CoQ10 supplementation the plasma CoQ10 levels and MDA, SOD and CAT levels increased marked after 3 months(p<0.001). But the Glutathione Peroxidase was insignificant results as compared with controls (p=0.057). Conclusion: The present study reflects that supplementation of CoQ10 decreased the oxidative stress and also helpful in improving the health of mother as well of her foetus by increase antioxidant activity.

Does Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Improve Human Oocyte Quality?

Acquiring oocyte competence requires optimal mitochondrial function and adequate ATP levels. In this context, CoQ10 supplementation may improve human oocyte quality and subsequent reproductive performance given its role in ATP synthesis and mitochondrial protection from ROS oxidative damage. In infertility treatments, CoQ10 therapy can be orally supplied to promote a more favorable environment for oocyte development in vivo or by its addition to culture media in an attempt to improve its quality in vitro. Human clinical studies evaluating the impact of CoQ10 on reproductive performance are summarized in this review, although the available data do not clearly prove its ability to improve human oocyte quality. The main objective is to provide readers with a complete overview of this topic’s current status as well as the keys for potential future research lines that may help to take this therapy to clinical practice. Indeed, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results along with molecular studies to evaluate the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress status and mitochondrial function in human gametes.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Coenzyme Q10 on the Expression of Hepatic IRS-2 and SREBP1 Proteins in Obese Male Rats

Background: Obesity contributes to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance (IR). In contrast, exercise and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been recommended to assist glucose control and IR. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and COQ10 supplementation on hepatic IRS-2 and SREBP1 proteins in obese male rats. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats after an obesity induction period were randomly assigned to six groups, including non-obese control (NOC), baseline obese control (BOC), CoQ10, HIIT, HIIT + CoQ10, and control. NOC and BOC groups were sacrificed at the beginning of the study period. After 12 weeks of intervention consisting of HIIT program (2 min running at 85% - 90% speed max interspersed with 2 min running at 45% - 50% speed max, 5 sessions per week) and/or CoQ10 supplementation (gavage-fed 500 mg.kg-1) protein content of hepatic SREBP1 and IRS-2 were measured by western blot analysis. Data were analyzed using independent t-test and two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. Results: Comparison between non-obese and obese control groups indicated a significant difference in weight and Lee index (P < 0.001). Obesity induction elevated hepatic SREBP1c, while reduced IRS-2 protein content (P = 0.0001). Moreover, HIIT decreased hepatic SREBP1 level (P = 0.007), whereas increased IRS-2 content (P = 0.0001). However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant effect on SREBP1 and IRS-2 (P > 0.05), and no interaction between treatments (HIIT×CoQ10) was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: HIIT positively regulates hepatic proteins involved in hepatic IR. However, CoQ10 has no effect on proteins involved in hepatic IR implication that its effect on glucose regulation and IR does not seem to be mediated by SREBP1 and IRS-2 proteins.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation as an Adjuvant Therapy Potentially Increase Serum Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Acne Vulgaris Patients

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disease in the pilosebaceous unit. Recent research has begun to focus on the essential relationship between oxidative stress and the pathogenesis of AV. The use of antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) that has various advantages as adjuvant therapy is expected to be beneficial for AV. AIM: The study was aimed to analyze the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on serum SOD levels and the severity of AV patients. METHODS: A double blind-randomized controlled trial was carried out on 36 patients with AV and classified according to severity degree of AV. These patients were randomly divided into two groups (treatment group with tretinoin 0.025% cream and once-daily supplementation of CoQ10 100 mg tablet; and placebo group with tretinoin 0.025% cream and once-daily placebo tablet). Response to treatment was based on serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and AV severity degree. RESULTS: Administration of CoQ10 to AV patients significantly increase serum SOD level (p = 0.008) and improves the severity of AV after 8 weeks (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: CoQ10 supplementation can increase serum SOD levels and improve the severity of AV.

Coenzyme Q10 and Cardiovascular Diseases

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which plays a key role in the electron transport chain by providing an adequate, efficient supply of energy, has another relevant function as an antioxidant, acting in mitochondria, other cell compartments, and plasma lipoproteins. CoQ10 deficiency is present in chronic and age-related diseases. In particular, in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there is a reduced bioavailability of CoQ10 since statins, one of the most common lipid-lowering drugs, inhibit the common pathway shared by CoQ10 endogenous biosynthesis and cholesterol biosynthesis. Different clinical trials have analyzed the effect of CoQ10 supplementation as a treatment to ameliorate these deficiencies in the context of CVDs. In this review, we focus on recent advances in CoQ10 supplementation and the clinical implications in the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors (such as lipid and lipoprotein levels, blood pressure, or endothelial function) as well as in a therapeutic approach for the reduction of the clinical complications of CVD.

Coenzyme Q10 and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review

Infertility affects 15% of couples worldwide. A male factor is involved in 50% of cases. The etiology of male infertility is poorly understood, but there is evidence for a strong association between oxidative stress (OS) and poor seminal fluid quality. For this reason, therapy with antioxidants is one of the cornerstones of empirical treatment of male infertility. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)—an essential cofactor for energy production with major antioxidant properties—is commonly used to support spermatogenesis in idiopathic male infertility. This systematic review aims to elucidate the usefulness of CoQ10 supplementation in the treatment of male infertility, particularly with regard to semen quality assessed by conventional and advanced methods, and pregnancy rates. All studies report a beneficial effect of CoQ10 supplementation on semen parameters, although randomized controlled trials are a minority. Moreover, the optimal dosage of CoQ10 or how it can be combined with other antioxidant molecules to maximize its effect is unknown. However, CoQ10 is still one of the most promising molecules to treat idiopathic male infertility and warrants further investigation.

Coenzyme Q10 and Immune Function: An Overview

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a number of important roles in the cell that are required for optimal functioning of the immune system. These include its essential role as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, enabling the process of oxidative phosphorylation to occur with the concomitant production of ATP, together with its role as a potential lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting the cell against free radical-induced oxidation. Furthermore, CoQ10 has also been reported to have an anti-inflammatory role via its ability to repress inflammatory gene expression. Recently, CoQ10 has also been reported to play an important function within the lysosome, an organelle central to the immune response. In view of the differing roles CoQ10 plays in the immune system, together with the reported ability of CoQ10 supplementation to improve the functioning of this system, the aim of this article is to review the current literature available on both the role of CoQ10 in human immune function and the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on this system.

The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases

CoQ10 is an endogenous antioxidant produced in all cells that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. CoQ10 distribution is not uniform among different organs, and the highest concentration is observed in the heart, though its levels decrease with age. Advanced age is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxidative stress that impairs mitochondrial bioenergetic and reduces NO bioavailability, thus affecting vasodilatation. The rationale of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular diseases is that the loss of contractile function due to an energy depletion status in the mitochondria and reduced levels of NO for vasodilatation has been associated with low endogenous CoQ10 levels. Clinical evidence shows that CoQ10 supplementation for prolonged periods is safe, well-tolerated and significantly increases the concentration of CoQ10 in plasma up to 3–5 µg/mL. CoQ10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and mortality from cardiovascular causes and improves clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, prevents the accumulation of oxLDL in arteries, decreases vascular stiffness and hypertension, improves endothelial dysfunction by reducing the source of ROS in the vascular system and increases the NO levels for vasodilation.

CYP7A1, NPC1L1, ABCB1, and CD36 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Increased Serum Coenzyme Q10 after Long-Term Supplementation in Women

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an essential component for energy production that exhibits antioxidant activity, is considered a health-supporting and antiaging supplement. However, intervention-controlled studies have provided variable results on CoQ10 supplementation benefits, which may be attributed to individual CoQ10 bioavailability differences. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and CoQ10 serum levels after long-term supplementation. CoQ10 levels at baseline and after one year of supplementation (150 mg) were determined, and eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cholesterol metabolism and CoQ10 absorption, efflux, and cellular uptake related genes were assessed. Rs2032582 (ABCB1) and rs1761667 (CD36) were significantly associated with a higher increase in CoQ10 levels in women. In addition, in women, rs3808607 (CYP7A1) and rs2072183 (NPC1L1) were significantly associated with a higher increase in CoQ10 per total cholesterol levels. Subgroup analyses showed that these four SNPs were useful for classifying high- or low-responder to CoQ10 bioavailability after long-term supplementation among women, but not in men. On the other hand, in men, no SNP was found to be significantly associated with increased serum CoQ10. These results collectively provide novel evidence on the relationship between genetics and CoQ10 bioavailability after long-term supplementation, which may help understand and assess CoQ10 supplementation effects, at least in women.

Myeloid bodies caused by COQ2 mutation: a case with the coincidence of COQ2 nephropathy and IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) combined with myeloid bodies have been reported in Fabry disease (FD). However, we excluded the diagnosis of FD by no mutation in GLA gene. And she denied the use of cationic amphiphilic drugs. Interestingly, we identified a novel missense mutation for COQ2, which can cause COQ2 mutation associated nephropathy. The patient we reported also had heteromorphic mitochondria, and a good curative effect after CoQ10 supplementation. Combined these, this patient was diagnosed with COQ2 nephropathy and IgAN. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that COQ2 nephropathy with pathologic manifestations of myeloid body in podocytes.