Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 or Ubiquinone) is a large molecular weight (863.63 grams) lipid compound that is produced in the liver and perhaps other body organs. The total body content is estimated to be 1.4 to 1.8 grams, depending on the age and the physical fitness of the individual. Coenzyme Q gives reference to a series of quinones which are widely distributed in animals, plants and microorganisms. These quinones have been shown to function in biological electron transport systems which are responsible for energy conversion within living cells. In structure, the coenzyme Q group closely resembles the members of the vitamin K group and the tocopherylquinones, which are derived from tocopherols (vitamin E). Since each isoprenoid unit in the chain contains five carbon atoms, the number of isoprenoid units in the side chain varies from 6 to 10. The different numbers of the groups have been designated by a subscript following the Q to denote the number of isoprenoid units in the side chain, as in Q10. The members of the group known to occur naturally are Q6 through Q10. Coenzyme Q functions as an agent for carrying out oxidation and reduction within cells. Its primary site of function is in the terminal electron transport system where it acts as an electron or hydrogen carrier between the flavoproteins (which catalyze the oxidation of succinate and reduced pyridine nucleotides) and the cytochromes. Coenzyme Q10, is a ubiquinone which is a class of lipid soluble benzoquinones that are involved in mitochondrial electron transport and are essential electron and proton carriers that function in the production of biochemical energy in all cells of aerobic organisms; participating in the transport of electrons from organic substrates to oxygen in the respiratory chain of mitochondria. In addition, coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties that serve to prevent cellular damage resulting from normal metabolic processes. It plays an important role as an antioxidant to neutralize potentially damaging free radicals created in part by the energy-generating process.Coenzyme Q10 is present in blood and all body tissues in both reduced and oxidized forms. CoQ10 has an important function in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) as an electron acceptor and as an electron donor. It is believed that the ETC is comprised of five multi-subunit enzyme complexes, in which CoQ 10 and cytochrome c act as shuttles between complex I and III and II and III. Oxidized coenzyme Q10 is also called vitamin Q because of its vitamin-like function and is an ingredient acting as a nutrient in restoring the cell activity that has been weakened to its healthy condition and rejuvenating the body. On the other hand, reduced coenzyme Q10, which is derived from oxidized coenzyme Q.sub.10 by two-electron reduction, is as white crystals as compared with oxidized coenzyme Q10 being as orange-colored crystals. An important role of coenzyme Q can be in reduction of radicals of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate formed when these antioxidants are oxidized by oxygen or carboxyl radicals. There are no enzymes for direct reduction of tocopheryl radical or external ascorbate radical, but there are enzymes in all membranes which can reduce coenzyme Q and the reduced coenzyme Q can reduce the tocopheryl or ascorbate radicals to restore tocopherol or ascorbate. Without the support of enzymes to reduce coenzyme Q, the reduced coenzyme Q would not be a very effective antioxidant because the semiquinone formed by interaction with lipid or oxygen radicals is readily autooxidized with formation of a superoxide radical. Coenzyme Q.sub.10 acts directly as an electron carrier in the oxidative phosphorylation reactions, through metabolic pathways, particularly aerobic pathways, to produce ATP and hence energy. In coenzyme Q10's reduced form (ubiquinol), the coenzyme Q 10 molecule holds electrons loosely and will quite easily give up one or two electrons to neutralize free radicals. In its electron rich reduced form, coenzyme Q10 is as potent an antioxidant as vitamin E. Coenzyme Q10's main role as an antioxidant is in the mitochondria where it first participates in the process by which free radicals are generated and then helps to quench the extra free radicals that threaten cellular components such as DNA, RNA, and cell membranes.
Coenzyme Q10 is used extensively as a nutritional supplement as well as a pharmacological active agent. Coenzyme Q 10 is also known for its metabolic activity and for its important role in the transport and utilisation of mitochondrial oxygen necessary for energy transformation for the production of ATP. Beneficial activity in the treatment of various different forms of vascular disease has also been demonstrated for coenzyme Q 10. Coenzyme Q10 has been used in the treatment of slow muscle degeneration (dystrophy or atrophy) and the accompanying cardiac complications typically found in these patients. Coenzyme Q is used to treat congestive heart failure and other cardiac problems, including heart ailments and diseases such as congestive heart failure, as well as a number of other conditions including high blood pressure, mitochochondrial disorders, including mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, anoxia, lactic acidosis, strokelike symptoms, neurodegenerative diseases, Kearns-Sayre syndrome and Alper's disease, among others. It has wide use and acceptance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease in traditional as well as alternative medicine. It is used successfully in treating ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, toxin induced cardiomyopathy, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Coenzyme Q10 also acts as free radical scavenger. Endogenous coenzyme Q10 functions as an essential cofactor in many metabolic pathways. Its action as an additional pharmacological agent in treatment of such cardiovascular disease processes may be to improve function of the involved tissues that are ischemic or pathologicaily altered by providing an increased energy source, by acting as a free radical scavenger and/or membrane stabilizer. It is also used for treating degenerative disorders. In addition, coenzyme Q10 improves the release of energy in the body. This property is utilized by the dietary supplement industry in the manufacture of products for sportsmen and for slimming. Coenzyme Q10 is moreover the active component in various cosmetic formulations.
Related products