Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor of the electron transport chain and a potent antioxidant agent.
Coenzyme Q10 is an obligatory member of the respiratory chain in the mitochondria of all cells. Therefore, it is an essential ingredient in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy in most cellular processes. Coenzyme Q10 is located in the mitochondria, lysosomes, and Golgi and plasma membranes, and provides an antioxidant action either by direct reaction with free radicals or by regeneration of tocopherol and ascorbate from their oxidised state[1]. Coenzyme Q10 is a popular dietary supplement because of its recognition by the public as an important nutrient in supporting human health. The rationale for the use of Coenzyme Q10 as a therapeutic agent in several cardiovascular and degenerative neurologic and neuromuscular diseases is based upon its fundamental role in mitochondrial function and cellular bioenergetics[2].
Because of its hydrophobicity and large molecular weight, absorption of dietary Coenzyme Q10 is slow and limited. In the case of dietary supplements, solubilized Coenzyme Q10 formulations show enhanced bioavailability. The Tmax is around 6 h, with an elimination half-life of about 33 h. The reference intervals for plasma Coenzyme Q10 range from 0.40 to 1.91 mM in healthy subjects. With Coenzyme Q10 supplements there is reasonable correlation between increase in plasma Coenzyme Q10 and ingested dose up to a certain point. Animal data show that Coenzyme Q10 in large doses is taken up by all tissues including heart and brain mitochondria[2]. In 12-month-old rats administration of coenzyme Q10 results in significant increases in cerebral cortex mitochondrial concentrations of coenzyme Q10. Oral administration of coenzyme Q10 markedly attenuates striatal lesions produced by systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid and significantly increases life span in a transgenic mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis[3].
References:
[1]. Yang YK, et al. Coenzyme Q10 treatment of cardiovascular disorders of ageing including heart failure, hypertension and endothelial dysfunction. Clin Chim Acta. 2015 Oct 23;450:83-9.
[2]. Bhagavan HN, et al. Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic Res. 2006 May;40(5):445-53.
[3]. Matthews RT, et al. Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Jul 21;95(15):8892-7.