Stimulation of serum-free cell proliferation by coenzyme Q

Coenzyme Q and Its Role in the Dietary Therapy against Aging

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a naturally occurring molecule located in the hydrophobic domain of the phospholipid bilayer of all biological membranes. Shortly after being discovered, it was recognized as an essential electron transport chain component in mitochondria where it is particularly abundant. Since then, more additional roles in cell physiology have been reported, including antioxidant, signaling, death prevention, and others. It is known that all cells are able to synthesize functionally sufficient amounts of CoQ under normal physiological conditions. However, CoQ is a molecule found in different dietary sources, which can be taken up and incorporated into biological membranes. It is known that mitochondria have a close relationship with the aging process. Additionally, delaying the aging process through diet has aroused the interest of scientists for many years. These observations have stimulated investigation of the anti-aging potential of CoQ and its possible use in dietary therapies to alleviate the effects of aging. In this context, the present review focus on the current knowledge and evidence the roles of CoQ cells, its relationship with aging, and possible implications of dietary CoQ in relation to aging, lifespan or age-related diseases.

Enhancement of antibody production by the addition of Coenzyme-Q(10)

Recently, there has been a growing demand for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) on the global market. Because therapeutic MAbs are more expensive than low-molecular-weight drugs, there have been strong demands to lower their production costs. Therefore, efficient methods to minimize the cost of goods are currently active areas of research. We have screened several enhancers of specific MAb production rate (SPR) using a YB2/0 cell line and found that coenzyme-Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is a promising enhancer candidate. CoQ(10) is well known as a strong antioxidant in the respiratory chain and is used for healthcare and other applications. Because CoQ(10) is negligibly water soluble, most studies are limited by low concentrations. We added CoQ(10) to a culture medium as dispersed nanoparticles at several concentrations (Q-Media) and conducted a fed-batch culture. Although the Q-Media had no effect on cumulative viable cell density, it enhanced SPR by 29%. In addition, the Q-Media had no effect on the binding or cytotoxic activity of MAbs. Q-Media also enhanced SPR with CHO and NS0 cell lines by 30%. These observations suggest that CoQ(10) serves as a powerful aid in the production of MAbs by enhancing SPR without changing the characteristics of cell growth, or adversely affecting the quality or biological activity of MAbs.

Is coenzyme Q a key factor in aging?

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key component for bioenergetics and antioxidant protection in the cell. During the last years, research on diseases linked to Q-deficiency has highlighted the essential role of this lipid in cell physiology. Q levels are also affected during aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, therapies based on dietary supplementation with Q must be considered in cases of Q deficiency such as in aging. However, the low bioavailability of dietary Q for muscle and brain obligates to design new mechanisms to increase the uptake of this compound in these tissues. In the present review we show a complete picture of the different functions of Q in cell physiology and their relationship to age and age-related diseases. Furthermore, we describe the problems associated with dietary Q uptake and the mechanisms currently used to increase its uptake or even its biosynthesis in cells. Strategies to increase Q levels in tissues are indicated.

Effect of analogs with modified prenyl side chains on growth of serum deficient HL60 cells

This study was organized by Professor Karl Folkers with the objective of finding derivatives of coenzyme Q which could be more effectively absorbed and would give better biomedical effects. In this series all the compounds are 2,3 dimethoxy, 5 methyl p benzoquinone with modified side chains in the 6 position. The modifications are primarily changes in chain length, unsaturation, methyl groups and addition of terminal phenyl groups. The test system evaluates the growth of serum deficient HL60, 3T3 and HeLa cells in the presence of coenzyme Q10 or coenzyme Q analogs. Short chain coenzyme Q homologues such as coenzyme Q2 give poor growth but compounds with saturated short aliphatic side chains from C10 to C18 produce good growth. Introduction of a single double bond at the 2' or 8' position in the aliphatic chain retains growth stimulation at low concentration but introduces inhibition at higher concentration. Introduction of a 3' methyl group in addition to the 2' enyl site in the side chain decreases the growth response and maintains inhibition. Addition of a terminal phenyl group to the side chain from C5 to C10 can produce analogs which give strong stimulation or strong inhibition of growth. The action of the analogs is in addition to the natural coenzyme Q in the cell and is not based on restoration of activity after depletion of normal coenzyme Q. The effects may be based on any of the sites in the cell where coenzyme Q functions. For example, coenzyme Q2 is known to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential whereas the analog with a 10C aliphatic side chain increases potential. Both of these compounds stimulate plasma membrane electron transport. Inhibition of apoptosis by coenzyme Q may also increase net cell proliferation and the 10C analog inhibits the permeability transition pore.

Effect of iron chelators on proliferation and iron uptake in hepatoma cells

BACKGROUND

The siderophore desferrioxamine mesylate (DFO) is used routinely in clinical practice to treat diseases of iron (Fe) overload. Recent studies suggest that DFO and other chelators may have potential in the treatment of cancer. The current study reports the findings obtained when a number of chelators with varying membrane permeability, Fe-binding affinity, and preference for either Fe(3+) or Fe(2+) were assessed for their antineoplastic potential in vitro against hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) because to the authors' knowledge there are few effective treatment methods for this aggressive neoplasm.

METHODS

A number of criteria were investigated, including the effects of the chelators on cell proliferation, selectivity, Fe uptake, toxicity, and cell cycle progression.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that Fe binding affinity did appear to influence Fe chelator activity but was not an absolute factor, and that certain ferric and ferrous, membrane-permeable and membrane-impermeable Fe chelators demonstrated antiproliferative activity and selectivity against HCC. All effective chelators inhibited Fe uptake from Tf-(59)Fe in both hepatoma cells and normal hepatocytes. However, these chelators all had much lower effects on the survival of normal proliferating and nonproliferating cells. The effects on cell cycle were more varied between chelators, as were levels of toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicate that a number of different Fe chelators have the potential to treat HCC, and that further investigation into their mechanisms of action is warranted.

Coenzyme Q10 can in some circumstances block apoptosis, and this effect is mediated through mitochondria

The mitochondrial component coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been used for many years as a dietary supplement intended to promote good health by trapping free radicals, thus preventing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. We have tested its use as a generic anti-apoptotic compound and have found that its ability to protect against apoptosis varies depending on both cell type and mode of cell death induction. We have further established that this protection may be mediated by its effect on mitochondrial function and viability. We provide additional evidence that CoQ10's protective effect on mitochondrial membrane potential does not always result in altered mitochondrial enzyme activity and neither does it guarantee survival. These observations open the way for further investigations into the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial control of apoptosis.

Cell membrane redox systems and transformation

Cell membrane redox systems carry electrons from intracellular donors and transport them to extracellular acceptors. This phenomenon appears to be universal. Numerous reviews have emphasized not only the bioenergetic mechanisms of redox systems but also the antioxidant defense mechanisms in which they participate. Moreover, significant progress has been made in the modulation of the membrane redox systems on cell proliferation. Because membrane redox systems play a key role in the regulation of cell growth, they need to be somehow linked into the signaling pathways resulting in either controlled or unregulated growth by both internal and external signals. Ultimately, these sequential events lead to either normal cell proliferation or cancer cell formation. However, much less is known about the involvement of membrane redox in transformation or tumorgenesis. In this review, the facts and ideas are summarized concerning the redox systems and tumorgenesis in several aspects, such as the regulation of cell growth and the effect on cell differentiation and on signaling pathways. In addition, information on a unique tumor-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase (tNOX) protein is reviewed.

Coenzyme Q(10) in submicron-sized dispersion improves development, hatching, cell proliferation, and adenosine triphosphate content of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is an essential component of the plasma membrane ion transporter (PMIT) system and of the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Because of its intrinsic functions in cell growth and energy metabolism (ATP synthesis), and its protective effects against oxidative stress, CoQ(10) is a good candidate for supporting growth of cells in culture. However, because of its quinone structure, CoQ(10) is extremely lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. We used a specific technology to prepare a submicron-sized dispersion of CoQ(10), inhibiting re-crystallization by a stabilizer. This dispersion, which exhibits a very large specific surface area for drug dissolution, was tested as a supplement for the in vitro culture of bovine embryos in a chemically defined system. The rate of early cleavage of embryos (5- to 8-cell stages) was evaluated 66 h postinsemination (hpi) and was highest in medium supplemented with 30 or 100 microM CoQ(10) (66.5 +/- 0.8% and 68.7 +/- 1.1%, respectively) and lowest in 10 microM CoQ(10) (55.3 +/- 0.8%). The proportions of oocytes developing to blastocysts by 186 hpi were 19.0 +/- 0.6% and 25.2 +/- 0.3% in medium supplemented with 10 microM and 30 microM CoQ(10), respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those obtained with the equivalent amounts of stabilizer (9.9 +/- 0.4% and 11.3 +/- 0.4%). In the presence of 30 microM CoQ(10), significantly (p < 0.001) more blastocysts hatched by 210 hpi than in the equivalent amount of stabilizer (31.8 +/- 1.3 vs. 8.4 +/- 2.2). Expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of 30 microM CoQ(10) had significantly (p < 0.01) more inner cell mass cells and trophectoderm cells, and a significantly (p < 0.001) increased ATP content as compared to expanded blastocysts produced in the presence of the corresponding amount of stabilizer. Our results show that noncrystalline CoQ(10) in submicron-sized dispersion supports the development and viability of bovine embryos produced in a chemically defined culture system.

Carcinogenesis and the plasma membrane

Presented is a two-stage hypothesis of carcinogenesis based on: (1) plasma membrane defects that produce abnormal electron and proton efflux; and (2) electrical uncoupling of cells through loss of intercellular communication. These changes can be induced by a wide variety of stimuli including chemical carcinogens, oncoviruses, inherited and/or acquired genetic defects, and epigenetic abnormalities. The resulting loss of electron/proton homeostasis leads to decreased transmembrane potential, electrical microenvironment alterations, decreased extracellular pH, and increased intracellular pH. This produces a positive feedback loop to enhance and sustain the proton/electron efflux and loss of intercellular communication. Low transmembrane potential is functionally related to rapid cell cycling, changes in membrane structure, and malignancy. Intracellular alkalinization affects a variety of pH-sensitive systems including glycolysis, DNA synthesis, DNA transcription and DNA repair, and promotes genetic instability, accounting for the accumulation of genetic defects seen in malignancy. The abnormal microenvironment results in the selective survival and proliferation of malignant cells at the expense of contiguous normal cell populations.

Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with coenzyme Q10

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is manifested by severe thickening of the left ventricle with significant diastolic dysfunction. Previous observations on the improvement in diastolic function and left ventricular wall thickness through the therapeutic administration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with hypertensive heart disease prompted the investigation of its utility in HCM. Seven patients with HCM, six non-obstructive and one obstructive, were treated with an average of 200 mg/day of CoQ10 with mean treatment whole blood CoQ10 level of 2.9 micrograms/ml. Echocardiograms were obtained in all seven patients at baseline and again 3 or more months post-treatment. All patients noted improvement in symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea with no side effects noted. The mean interventricular septal thickness improved significantly from 1.51 +/- 0.17 cm to 1.14 +/- 0.13 cm, a 24% reduction (P < 0.002). The mean posterior wall thickness improved significantly from 1.37 +/- 0.13 cm to 1.01 +/- 0.15 cm, a 26% reduction (P < 0.005). Mitral valve inflow slope by pulsed wave Doppler (EF slope) showed a non-significant trend towards improvement, 1.55 +/- 0.49 m/sec2 to 2.58 +/- 1.18 m/sec2 (P < 0.08). The one patient with subaortic obstruction showed an improvement in resting pressure gradient after CoQ10 treatment (70 mmHg to 30 mmHg).

Effectors of the mammalian plasma membrane NADH-oxidoreductase system. Short-chain ubiquinone analogues as potent stimulators

In the presence of effectors variations in the two recognized activities of the plasma membrane NADH-oxidoreductase system were studied in separate, specific in vitro assays. We report here that ubiquinone analogues that contain a short, less hydrophobic side chain than coenzyme Q-10 dramatically stimulate the NADH-oxidase activity of isolated rat liver plasma membranes whereas they show no effect on the reductase activity of isolated membranes. If measured in assays of the NADH:ferricyanide reductase of living cultured cells these compounds have only a limited effect; the oxidase activity of whole cells is not measurable in our hands. We have furthermore identified selective inhibitors of both enzyme activities. In particular, the NADH-oxidase activity can be significantly inhibited by structural analogues of ubiquinone, such as capsaicin and resiniferatoxin. The NADH:ferricyanide reductase, on the other hand, is particularly sensitive to pCMBS, indicating the presence of a sulfhydryl group of groups at its active site. The identification of these specific effectors of the different enzyme activities of the PMOR yields further insights into the function of this system.

Extracellular ascorbate stabilization as a result of transplasma electron transfer in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The presence of yeast cells in the incubation medium prevents the oxidation of ascrobate catalyzed by copper ions. Ethanol increases ascorbate retention. Pyrazole, an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor, prevents ascorbate stabilization by cells. Chelation of copper ions does not account for stabilization, since oxidation rates with broken or boiled cells or conditioned media are similar to control rates in the absence of cells. Protoplast integrity is needed to reach optimal values of stabilization. Chloroquine, a known inhibitor of plasma membrane redox systems, inhibits the ascorbate stabilization, the inhibition being partially reversed by coenzyme Q6. Chloroquine does not inhibit ferricyanide reduction. Growth of yeast in iron-deficient media to increase ferric ion reductase activity also increases the stabilization. In conclusion, extracellular ascorbate stabilization by yeast cells can reflect a coenzyme Q dependent transplasmalemma electron transfer which uses NADH as electron donor. Iron deficiency increases the ascorbate stabilization but the transmembrane ferricyanide reduction system can act independently of ascorbate stabilization.

Iron reverses impermeable chelator inhibition of DNA synthesis in CCl 39 cells

Treatment of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCl 39 cells) with the impermeable iron(II) chelator bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPS) inhibits DNA synthesis when cell growth is initiated with growth factors including epidermal growth factor plus insulin, thrombin, or ceruloplasmin, but not with 10% fetal calf serum. The BPS treatment inhibits transplasma membrane electron transport. The treatment leads to release of iron from the cells as determined by BPS iron(II) complex formation over 90 min. Growth factor stimulation of DNA synthesis and electron transport are restored by addition of di- or trivalent iron to the cells in the form of ferric ammonium citrate, ferrous ammonium sulfate, or diferric transferrin. The effect with BPS differs from the inhibition of growth by hydroxyurea, which acts on the ribonucleotide reductase, or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, which is another impermeable chelating agent, in that these agents inhibit growth in 10% fetal calf serum. The BPS effect is consistent with removal of iron from a site on the cell surface that controls DNA synthesis.

Coenzyme Q10, plasma membrane oxidase and growth control

The plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells contains an NADH oxidase which can transfer electrons across the membrane. This oxidase is controlled by hormones, growth factors and other ligands which bind to receptors in the plasma membrane. Oncogenes also affect activity of the oxidase. Natural serum components such as diferric transferrin and ceruloplasmin which stimulate proliferation also stimulate membrane oxidase activity. Additional growth factors can be required to complement the proliferative effect. Electron transport across the plasma membrane can be measured by the reduction of impermeable electron acceptors, such as ferricyanide, which also stimulate cell growth. The oxidants activate growth-related signals such as cytosolic alkalinization and calcium mobilization. Antiproliferative agents such as adriamycin and retinoic acid inhibit the plasma membrane electron transport. Flavin, Coenzyme Q and an iron chelate on the cell surface are apparent electron carriers for the transmembrane electron transport. Coenzyme Q10 stimulates cell growth, and Coenzyme Q analogs such as capsaicin and chloroquine reversibly inhibit both growth and transmembrane electron transport. Addition of iron salts to the depleted cells restores activity and growth. The ligand-activated oxidase in the plasma membrane introduces a new basis for control of signal transduction in cells. The redox state of the quinone in the oxidase is proposed to control tyrosine kinase either by generation of H2O2 or redox-induced conformational change.