Although the functional ingredient has been evaluated by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) based on scientific evidence, the levels of scientific evidence and consistency of the results might vary according to emerging data. Therefore, periodic re-evaluation may be needed for some functional ingredients. In this study, we re-evaluated scientific evidence for the antioxidant activity of coenzyme Q10 as a functional ingredient in health functional food. Literature searches were conducted using the Medline and Cochrane, KISS, and IBIDS databases for the years 1955-2010 with the search term of coenzyme Q10 in combination with antioxidant. The search was limited to human studies published in Korean, English, and Japanese. Using the KFDA's evidence based evaluation system for scientific evaluation of health claims, 33 human studies were identified and reviewed in order to evaluate the strength of the evidence supporting a relation between coenzyme Q10 and antioxidant activity. Among 33 studies, significant effects for antioxidant activities were reported in 22 studies and their daily intake amount was 60 to 300 mg. Based on this systematic review, we concluded that there was possible evidence to support a relation between coenzyme Q10 intake and antioxidant activities. However, because inconsistent results have recently been reported, future studies should be monitored.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Functional Food ; Humans ; Korea ; Ubiquinone ; United States Food and Drug Administration

OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and β-galactosyl transferase specific chaperone 1 (C1GALT1C1) in brain of rats with ischemic injury at different time points and to explore the protective mechanism of ultrashort wave (USW) on ischemic brain injury. METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (=10 per group): a sham group (control group) and 4 experimental group (ischemia for 2 h). The 4 experimental groups were set as a model 1 d group, a USW 1 d group, a model 3 d group and a USW 3 d group, respectively. Five rats were randomly selected for 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) staining in each experimental group, and the remaining 5 rats were subjected to Western blotting and real-time PCR. The percentage of cerebral infarction volume and the relative expression level of CoQ10 and C1GALT1C1 in the brain were examined and compared. RESULTS: The infarct volume percentage after TTC staining was zero in the sham group. With the progress of disease and USW therapy, the infarct volume percentage was decreased in the experimental groups (all <0.05); Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the relative expression level of CoQ10 in the sham group was the highest, while in the experimental groups, the content of CoQ10 showed a upward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all <0.05). The relative expression level of C1GALT1C1 in the sham group was the lowest, but in the experimental groups, they showed a downward trend with the extension of disease and USW therapy, with significant difference (all <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Non-caloric USW therapy may upregulate the expression of CoQ10 to suppress the expression of C1GALT1C1 in rats, leading to alleviating cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain Ischemia ; Molecular Chaperones ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives

Coenzyme Q is concentrated in Golgi apparatus membranes and mitochondria, but not in other membranes. Although it is difficult to prove the metabolic action of coenzyme Q administered exogenously in clinical cases, the effect of this substance can be evaluated by criteria based on clinical findings. In an attempt to evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q for the treatment of 67 patients(male 26 cases, female 41 cases) of congestive heart failure, we administered Coenzyme Q1030mg daily for 4 to 8 weeks. Most of them were valvular heart disease(74.6%) and hypertension (14.9%). Clinical effects were evaluated at least 4 weeks later by the criteria using a scoring method of severity of congestive heart failure which was devised by Ishiyama, etc. In summary, a definite effect was found in 13 cases(19%) and a mild effect was observed in 46 cases(69%). During treatment there were no significant side effects, and also no significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
Blood Pressure ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)* ; Female ; Golgi Apparatus ; Heart ; Heart Failure* ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Membranes ; Mitochondria ; Research Design ; Ubiquinone

AIMTo investigate the inclusion of coenzyme Q10 with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD).

METHODSThe inclusion of the electroactive guest molecule coenzyme Q10 with the host molecule beta-CD was studied by the polarography. The change of the reduction peak current of the inclusion complex with time and the change of the peak potential of the inclusion complex with beta-CD concentration were examined. In order to study the photostability, the change of the reduction peak current of both coenzyme Q10 and coenzyme Q10-beta-CD inclusion complex with time were also examined under light, separately.

RESULTSIn 0.1 mol x L(-1) HAc/NaAc (pH 4.7) buffer-ethanol/water (60:40) medium, coenzyme Q10 was included with p-CD to form an 1:1 inclusion complex. The formation constant Kf was 1.26 x 10(4) L x mol(-1) the apparent formation rate constant was 6.64 x 10(-2) min(-1). The photodegradation apparent rate constant of coenzyme Q10 as 7.77 x 10(-3) min(-1) and that of the coenzyme Q10-beta-CD inclusion complex was 3.38 x 10(-3) min(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe inclusion of coenzyme Q10 with beta-CD took place. The stability of coenzyme Q10 to lights was improved in a certain degree due to the formation of the inclusion complex.

Coenzymes ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Light ; Oxidation-Reduction ; radiation effects ; Polarography ; methods ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of tamoxifen (TMX) combined with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

METHODSA total of 183 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia were randomly divided into a TMX + CoQ10 group (n = 63), a TMX group (n = 61) and a CoQ10 group (n = 59). At the end of 3 and 6 months of treatment, semen analyses and hormone tests were performed, and the results were compared with those obtained before the treatment.

RESULTSCompared with the pre-treatment results, the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) and sperm concentration were significantly elevated in the TMX + CoQ10 and TMX groups (P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference in the CoQ10 group (P > 0.05); sperm motility and morphologically normal sperm were increased significantly in the TMX + CoQ10 and CoQ10 groups (P < 0.05), and slightly in the TMX group but with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTamoxifen combined with CoQ10 can significantly improve sperm concentration, motility and morphology in patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; drug therapy ; Tamoxifen ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

AIMTo investigate the effects of CoQlo supplementation on liver mitochondrial function and aerobic capacity in adolescent athletes.

METHODSBased on a single blinded study design, 18 male adolescent swimming athletes were randomized into two groups, supplement CoQ10 100 mg/d (Q group), or placebo (P group) for 28 days respectively.

RESULTS(1) After supplementation, the plasma CoQ10 concentration in Q group was significantly elevated and significantly higher compared to P group. (2) After supplementation, the rest plasma MDA level in Q group remained unchanged and was significantly lower compared to P group. (3) The plasma CoQ10 concentration of the 18 athletes was significantly decreased during the first constant endurance exercise. (4) The baseline plasma CoQ10 of the 18 subjects showed significantly positive correlation with VO2max measured in the first incremental exercise. (5) No significant difference of increased level of AKBR between Q group and P group. (6) No significant difference of increase level of VO2max, individual lactate threshold and exercise economy between Q and P group.

CONCLUSIONAlthough there is an increased demand for plasma CoQ10 during endurance exercise and CoQ10 supplement can depress lipid peroxidation, there is no effect of CoQ10 supplementation on liver mitochondrial function and aerobic capacity in adolescent athletes.

Adolescent ; Exercise ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Mitochondria, Liver ; metabolism ; physiology ; Physical Endurance ; Swimming ; Ubiquinone ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

Oxidative damage is one of the important factors inducing the regression of sperm quality. CoQ10 is a liposoluble antioxidant that exists in mitochondria and its levels in semen and spermatozoa have an important role in the oxidation resistance of the male genital system. Exogenous administration of CoQ10 can improve the sperm quality and reproductive ability of infertile patients as well as exert the effects of an adjunctive therapy on male infertility. This review describes the biological function of CoQ10 and its effect on the quality of spermatozoa and its effect as an adjunctive therapy on male infertility.
Coenzymes ; physiology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; therapy ; Male ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Ubiquinone ; analogs & derivatives ; physiology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether cortisol and oxidative stress levels and DNA damage differ between individuals who developed PTSD or not following a sexual trauma. METHODS: The study included 61 children aged between 5 and 17 years who sustained sexual abuse (M/F: 18/43). The patients were divided into two groups: patients with PTSD and patients without PTSD based, based on the results of a structured psychiatric interview (K-SADS-PL and CAPS-CA). Cortisol, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q, 8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were all evaluated by the ELISA method. RESULTS: Our evaluation revealed a diagnosis of PTSD in 51% (n=31) of victims. There was no significant difference between the groups with or without PTSD in terms of cortisol, GPx, SOD, coenzyme Q, and 8-OHdG levels. There was no correlation between CAPS scores and GPx, SOD, coenzyme Q, and 8-OHdG levels between patients with or without PTSD. In patients with PTSD, both cortisol and 8-OHdG levels decreased with increasing time after trauma, and there was no significant correlation with cortisol and 8-OHdG levels in patients without PTSD. CONCLUSION: Although the present study did not find any difference between the groups in terms of 8-OHdG concentrations, the decreases in both cortisol and 8-OHdG levels with increasing time after trauma is considered to indicate a relationship between cortisol and DNA damage.
Adolescent* ; Child* ; Diagnosis ; DNA Damage* ; DNA* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone* ; Methods ; Oxidative Stress* ; Sex Offenses* ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Ubiquinone

BACKGROUND: In smokers, smoking causes many disease entities including cancers, chronic pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Passive smoking is also accepted as a carcinogen and its adverse health effects are emphasized. We measured blood vitamin A, C, E (alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol), coenzyme Q10 and urine cotinine concentrations in nonsmokers and smokers. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy nonsmokers and 24 healthy smokers were included in this study. Smoking status was assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Plasma was analyzed for coenzyme Q10 and serum for vitamin A, C, E using HPLC (Agilent Technologies Inc., USA) and random urine for cotinine using LC/tandem mass spectrometry (Applied Biosystems Inc., Canada). RESULTS: Smokers had significantly lower serum concentrations of vitamin C than nonsmokers (P=0.0005). No significant differences in concentrations of serum vitamin A, E, and plasma coenzyme Q10 were observed. Smokers had highly elevated urine cotinine levels (1,454+/-903 ng/mL). In 16 (76.2%) of 21 nonsmokers, urine cotinine was detected (3.25+/-4.08 ng/mL). The correlations between urine cotinine and blood antioxidants levels were not found. Neither, the correlation between smoking status and blood antioxidants & urine cotinine was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that smokers had significantly lower vitamin C levels among nonenzymatic antioxidants, namely, vitamin A, C, E and coenzyme Q10. High detection rate of urine cotinine in nonsmokers show the seriousness of passive smoking exposure, therefore more social efforts should be directed to reduce passive smoking exposure.
Adult ; Ascorbic Acid/*blood ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cotinine/*urine ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Smoking ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Tocopherols/*blood ; Ubiquinone/*blood ; Vitamin A/*blood

OBJECTIVES: The present subacute study was designed to evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) in the 28 days aroclor 1254 exposure induced oxidative stress in mice brain. METHODS: Biochemical estimations of brain lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), and histopathological investigations of brain tissue were carried out. RESULTS: Oral exposure of aroclor 1254 (5 mg/kg) led to significant decrease in levels of GSH, and activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and AChE, and increase in LPO. These aberrations were restored by CoQ10 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection [IP]). This protection offered was comparable to that of L-deprenyl (1 mg/kg, IP) which served as a reference standard. CONCLUSIONS: Aroclor 1254 exposure hampers the activities of various antioxidant enzymes and induces oxidative stress in the brains of Swiss albino mice. Supplementation of CoQ10 abrogates these deleterious effects of aroclor 1254. CoQ10 also apparently enhanced acetyl cholinesterase activity which reflects its influence on the cholinergic system.
Animals ; Aroclors* ; Brain* ; Catalase ; Cats ; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine)* ; Cholinesterases ; Glutathione ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Methods ; Mice* ; Oxidative Stress ; Selegiline ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Ubiquinone