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cq10

cq10

coq10

Also known as Coenzyme Q10, and as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q, and also sometimes as the abbreviation CoQ1.

An oil-soluble, vitamin-like composition and consistency is present in most ubiquinol). Its capacity (this molecule) to exist in a totally oxidized form and in an absolutely reduced form enables it to perform its functions in the electron transport chain and also as an antioxidant respectively.

Contents

Discovery and history

Discovered by Professor Fredrick L. Crane and his colleagues.  A role as an antioxidant, this molecule, as a free radical scavenger,  was greatly studied by Lars Ernster. Quite a few scientists around the world began studies on this molecule since and in relation to various diseases, to include diseases of the heart and cancer.

Biochemical role

Antioxidant function of CoQ10

Derives from its energy carrier function. A carrier of energy, this molecule is constantly going through an oxidation-reduction cycle. As it accepts electrons, it becomes reduced. As it gives up electrons, it becomes oxidized. In its reduced form, it holds electrons  loosely, so it will quite readily give up one-two electrons and, thereby, function as an antioxidant.  In comparison to other antioxidants, this combination inhibits both the initiation and the propagation of lipid and protein oxidation. It also reconstructs other antioxidants such as vitamin E. The circulating CoQ10 in LDL prevents oxidation of LDL, which may provide benefit in cardiovascular diseases.

Absorption and metabolism

Absorption

This is a crystalline form and powder and it is insoluble in water. To absorb this you would follow the same process as that of lipids.

CoQ10 deficiency and toxicity

Increased use by the body and reduced biosynthesis are the major factors to deficiency of CoQ10.  The major source of CoQ10 is biogenesis.  Biogenesis, a process in cells of living organisms by which substrates are converted to more complex products, requires at least 12 genes, and mutations in many of them results in CoQ deficiency. CoQ10 levels can also be affected by other genetic defects (such as mutations of mitochondrial RNA, ETFDH, APTX and BRAF, genes that are not directly related to the CoQ10 biogenetic process) while also a role of statins is controversial.

Supplementation benefits

Unbalanced scales.svg
The dispute is resolved. (January 2011)

Heart health

Coenzyme Q10 helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There is evidence of CoQ10 deficiency in heart failure. Recently, CoQ10 plasma concentrations have been demonstrated as an independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure, CoQ10 deficiency being detrimental to the long-term prognosis of chronic heart failure.

Migraine headaches

Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers. Dosages were 150 to 300 mg/day.

It has been used effectively in the prophylaxis of migraines, especially in combination with a daily supplement.

Cancer

CoQ10 is also being investigated as a treatment.

Cardiac arrest

Another recent study shows a survival benefit after cardiac arrest if coenzyme Q10 is administered in addition to commencing active cooling of the body to 90–93 degrees Fahrenheit (32–34 degrees Celsius).

Blood pressure

There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure in human studies.

A recent (2007) meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ10 for hypertension reviewed all published trials of coenzyme Q10.

Periodontal disease

A review study has shown that there is no clinical benefit to the use of CoQ10 in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Dr. Bruno Loos, head of the periodontology department at Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA).

Lifespan

One study demonstrated that low dosages of coenzyme Q10.

Radiation injury

In 2002, a study reported that, in rat experiments, coenzyme Q10 taken as dietary supplement reduced radiation damage to the animals' blood.

Parkinson's disease

A 2002 study in 80

Cosmetics

Coenzyme Q10 may be of benefit as an ingredient for topical cosmetic products.

Coenzyme Q10 concentrations in foods and dietary intake

See also coq10 weight loss.

See also

References

Wikipedia

External links


This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Mitochondrion, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.