Coenzyme Q10

Absorption

Ubidecarenone is absorbed from the small intestine into the lymphatics and then it can enter the blood. The hydrophobicity and large molecular weight limit its absorption making it very poor and variable depending on the food intake and the number of lipids presented in the food. The absorption is lower in the presence of an empty stomach and greater in presence of high lipid food diet. The daily dosage of ubidecarenone presents the reach of maximal serum concentration by reaching a plateau after three weeks. The pharmacokinetic properties may vary between different brands but studies have reported an AUC of 11.51 mcg h/ml and a Cmax of 0.32 mcg/ml at a time of 7.9 h.

Toxicity

There have not been reports of adverse events of diet supplementation with ubidecarenone. The normal side effects reported in humans are related to the gastrointestinal tract.

Description

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a quinone that is found throughout the human body in cell membranes, primarily in mitochondrial membranes, with the highest levels in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It exists in three redox states: fully oxidized (CoQ₁₀/ubiquinone), partially reduced (semiquinone or ubisemiquinone), and fully reduced (ubiquinol; ). CoQ₁₀ acts as an electron shuttle in the electron transport chain via its reduction to ubiquinol between mitochondrial complexes I and II, also known as NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase, respectively, and mitochondrial complex III, also known as cytochrome bc₁ complex. CoQ₁₀ is also reduced to ubiquinol by ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) with NADPH as a cofactor, and ubiquinol traps lipid peroxyl radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation helping to prevent ferroptosis. Mutations in genes encoding enzymes involved in CoQ₁₀ biosynthesis lead to primary CoQ₁₀ deficiency, which is characterized by encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, infantile multisystemic form, nephropathy, and isolated myopathy. Secondary CoQ₁₀ deficiency, induced by non-genetic impaired CoQ₁₀ biosynthesis, insufficient CoQ₁₀ intake, or excessive CoQ₁₀ utilization, has been observed in a variety of conditions, including ataxia-oculomotor-apraxia 1 (AOA1), mitochondrial diseases, and hypercholesteremia with statin therapy. Formulations containing CoQ₁₀ have been used in the treatment of CoQ₁₀ deficiency.

Description

The naturally occurring ubiquinones are benzoquinone derivatives with 6–10?trans-isoprene units. They are more commonly referred to as the Q coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is present in the mitochondria of most eukaryotic cells and is involved in electron transport and cell respiration. Cholesterol-reducing statins deplete the body’s CoQ10, and many statin users take 100 mg or more CoQ10 per day as a nutritional supplement. Some physicians recommend taking the reduced form, ubiquinol, because it may be absorbed by the body better than ubiquinone.

The Uses of Coenzyme Q10

Ubidecarenone is also known as coenzyme Q10 it is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in the cells. It acts as a free radical neutraliser.

Indications

The diet supplements containing ubidecarenone are indicated, as stated in the product label, to assist individuals with cardiovascular complaints including congestive heart failure and systolic hypertension. In the product, ubidecarenone is used to increase the cardiac input as well as for the prevention of several other diseases like Parkinson, fibromyalgia, migraine, periodontal disease and diabetes, based on preclinical studies. It is important to highlight that these products are not FDA approved and it is recommended to use under discretion.

Background

Ubidecarenone, also called coenzyme Q10, is a 1,4-benzoquinone. From its name (Q10), the Q refers to the constitutive quinone group, and 10 is related to the number of isoprenyl subunits in its tail. It is a powerful antioxidant, a lipid-soluble and essential cofactor in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The ubidecarenone is the coenzyme destined for mitochondrial enzyme complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in the production of ATP. It is fundamental for cells that have a high metabolic demand. Ubidecarenone is sold as a dietary supplement and is not FDA approved as a drug - it is not meant to treat, cure or prevent any disease. FDA does not approve this dietary supplements before sold nor regulate the manufacturing process.

What are the applications of Application

Coenzyme Q10 is a mitochondrial transporter chain component

Pharmacokinetics

Ubidecarenon has roles in many prysiological process including sulfide oxidation, regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and translocation of protons and calcium ions accross biological membranes. Studies have shown its benefitial effect in treating cancer, statin myopathy, congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Metabolism

Studies indicate that there is no saturation process during the metabolism of ubidecarenone. It is metabolized in all tissues by the phosphorylation in the cells and transportation to the kidneys for further excretion by the urine. After exerting its action, ubidecarenone is reduced and forms hydroquinone which is capable of recycling and regenerates other antioxidants such as tocopherol and ascorbate. The later metabolism of hydroquinone generates the formation of Q acid I and Q acid II in free and conjugated forms.