The ability of the benzoquinone head group of coenzyme Q 10 to accept and donate electrons is a critical feature to its function. Biological ActivitiesĬoenzyme Q 10 is soluble in lipids (fats) and is found in virtually all cell membranes, including mitochondrial membranes. The ubiquinone found in humans, ubidecaquinone or coenzyme Q 10, has a "tail" of 10 isoprene units (a total of 50 carbon atoms) attached to its benzoquinone "head" ( Figure 1) (1). Ubiquinones are fat-soluble molecules with anywhere from 1 to 12 isoprene (5-carbon) units. The name ubiquinone refers to the ubiquitous presence of these compounds in living organisms and their chemical structure, which contains a functional group known as a benzoquinone. All animals, including humans, can synthesize ubiquinones, hence, coenzyme Q 10 is not considered a vitamin (1). (More information)Ĭoenzyme Q 10 is a member of the ubiquinone family of compounds. However, there is no evidence that this causes any adverse side effects in statin-treated patients. The use of cholesterol-lowering medications called statins can decrease circulating coenzyme Q 10 concentrations. (More information)Īlthough coenzyme Q 10 supplements are relatively safe, they may decrease the anticoagulant efficacy of warfarin. (More information)Ĭoenzyme Q 10 supplementation does not appear to improve athletic performance. There are currently no proven therapeutic benefits of coenzyme Q 10 supplementation in diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, inherited ataxias, or breast cancer. There is some evidence to suggest that coenzyme Q 10 supplementation may be a useful adjunct to conventional medical therapy for congestive heart failure and in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Oral high-dose coenzyme Q 10 is usually effective to treat mitochondrial disorders that are caused by mutations in coenzyme Q 10 biosynthetic genes. Oral supplementation of coenzyme Q 10 increases coenzyme Q 10 concentrations in plasma and lipoproteins, but it is unclear whether concentrations in peripheral tissues are increased, especially in healthy individuals. Endogenous synthesis and dietary intake provide sufficient coenzyme Q 10 to prevent deficiency in healthy people, although coenzyme Q 10 concentrations in tissues decline with age.It also functions as an antioxidant in cell membranes and lipoproteins. (More information)Ĭoenzyme Q 10 plays a central role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the production of adenosine triphosphate ( ATP). Coenzyme Q 10 is a fat-soluble compound that is synthesized by the body and can be obtained from the diet.
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