Effect of topical application of coenzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis

Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration?

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disorder of the tooth supporting structures, associated with microbial dysbiosis, and linked to a number if systemic conditions. Untreated it can result in an irreversible damage to the periodontal structures and eventually teeth loss. Regeneration of the lost periodontium requires an orchestration of a number of biological events on cellular and molecular level. In this context, a set of vitamins have been advocated, relying their beneficial physiological effects, to endorse the biological regenerative events of the periodontium on cellular and molecular levels. The aim of the present article is to elaborate on the question whether or not vitamins improve wound healing/regeneration, summarizing the current evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies, thereby shedding light on the knowledge gap in this field and highlighting future research needs. Although the present review demonstrates the current heterogeneity in the available evidence and knowledge gaps, findings suggest that vitamins, especially A, B, E, and CoQ10, as well as vitamin combinations, could exert positive attributes on the periodontal outcomes in adjunct to surgical or nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Systematic Review on Protocols of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Non-Surgical Periodontitis Therapy

This systematic review focuses on the different study protocols on CoQ10 as an adjunct in non-surgical periodontitis therapy. The study protocol was developed following PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021156887). A sensitive search up to January 2022 considered MEDLINE via PubMed and Web of Science, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection via Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL, WHO (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, and grey literature. Randomized controlled (SRP with/without placebo) clinical trials (RCTs) on all types of CoQ10 administration were included. The primary outcome was probing pocket depth (PPD). Secondary outcomes were bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss, and gingival and plaque indices. Twelve RCTs with local and five with systemic CoQ10 administration were included. The study protocols were heterogeneous. Local CoQ10 administration was performed once or several times in a period up to 15 days. Systemic CoQ10 was applied twice or three times daily for six weeks up to four months. The reporting quality was low, including missing information about CoQ10 doses. Risk of bias was high or unclear. About half of the studies reported significant group differences for PPD. Until now, no statement on the effectiveness of CoQ10 in non-surgical periodontitis therapy is possible. Further high-quality RCTs are necessary and should consider the protocol recommendations of this review.

Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: A Review of Unresolved Issues

The variable success in the outcome of randomised controlled trials supplementing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may in turn be associated with a number of currently unresolved issues relating to CoQ10 metabolism. In this article, we have reviewed what is currently known about these factors and where gaps in knowledge exist that need to be further elucidated. Issues addressed include (i) whether the bioavailability of CoQ10 could be improved; (ii) whether CoQ10 could be administered intravenously; (iii) whether CoQ10 could be administered via alternative routes; (iv) whether CoQ10 can cross the blood-brain barrier; (v) how CoQ10 is transported into and within target cells; (vi) why some clinical trials supplementing CoQ10 may have been unsuccessful; and (vii) which is the most appropriate tissue for the clinical assessment of CoQ10 status.

Adjunctive role of Q10 with Ligilactobacillus salivarius, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum probiotic Bacteria on the HEp-2 cells viability and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans

Objective

Various studies have indicated the application of Coenzyme Q10 and probiotic bacteria such as Ligilactobacillus salivarius (L. salivarius) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) in combating periodontal disease. Considering the positive effect of these two on oral health, and the destructive effect of S. mutans, in this study, we investigate the outcomes of the administration of probiotics and Q10 on infected HEp-2 cell viability and S. mutans adhesion in different settings.

Methods

A 3-week-old human epidermoid laryngeal (HEp-2) cell line was cultured and exposed to two different probiotics and 3 different doses of Q10 doses. Samples were contaminated by S. mutans immediately (therapeutic setting) and after 3 hours (preventive setting). Eventually, the viability of HEp-2 cells was investigated by MTT. Also, the number of adhered S. mutans was explored by direct and indirect adhesion assays.

Results

L. plantarum and L. salivarius protect epithelial cells against S. mutans in both therapeutic and preventive settings, albeit not fully. In contrast, Q10 completely preserves the viability of infected Her HEp-2 cells at all concentrations. The effects of the coexistence of Q10 and probiotics were not quite equal, among which L. salivarius and 5 μg of Q10 form the best results. The microscopic adherence assay of S. mutans revealed that samples containing Q10 had significantly lower adhesion of probiotics and S. mutans to HEp-2 cells. Similarly, plates containing L. salivarius with 5μg or L. plantarum with 1μg Q10 or sole presence of L. salivarius had the lowest S. mutans adherence among others. Also, L. salivarius with 5μg Q10 had one of the highest probiotic adherences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, co-administration of Q10 and probiotics especially in presence of L. salivarius with 5μg Q10 could have remarkable effects on HEp-2 cell viability, S. mutans, and probiotic adherence. Nevertheless, our study, for the first time, showed that Q10 might have an anti-bacterial activity by suppressing the adhesion of tested bacteria to HEp-2 cells. This hypothesis, if correct, suggests that due to their different mechanisms, co-prescription of Q10 and probiotics may lead to better clinical responses, especially in the mentiond dose.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 as an Adjunct to Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy and Its Effect on Crevicular Superoxide Dismutase in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

 To assess the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy and its effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A total of 16 patients aged between 30 and 50 years having mild to moderate CP of both sexes having pocket depth of 5 to 7 mm in four nonadjacent interproximal sites were selected. The sites were randomized and divided into treatment and control groups. CoQ10 and a placebo gel were administered in the treatment and control sites, respectively, at baseline after scaling and root planing (SRP). GCF was collected using microcapillary method at baseline and 3 months and was assessed for SOD using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader at 450 nm wavelength. Probing pocket depth, gingival index, and plaque index were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, respectively.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 For each assessment point, data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test and paired t-test. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

 On intergroup comparison, there was no statistically significant difference between the clinical parameters of both the groups at all the time intervals (p > 0.05), but there was a significant increase in the level of SOD in the test group (p > 0.05) compared with the control group at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

 Adjunctive use of CoQ10 with SRP can boost the antioxidant concentration, but it is not superior to SRP in the treatment of CP.

Role and mechanism of the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome in oral disease

OBJECTIVE

To summarize evidence and data from experimental studies regarding the role and mechanism of the Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of several representative oral diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search of PubMed and EBSCO was performed. The literature was searched using a combination of keywords, e.g., NLRP3 inflammasome, inflammation, microorganisms, oral inflammatory diseases, and oral immunological diseases.

RESULTS

The initiation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are associated with the pathogenesis and progression of several representative oral diseases, including periodontitis, oral lichen planus, dental pulp disease, and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in the progression of inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. The possible role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in several oral diseases, including not only periodontitis and pulpitis but also mucosal diseases and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, may involve the aberrant regulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Understanding the cellular and molecular biology of the NLRP3 inflammasome is necessary because the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of oral inflammatory and immunological diseases.

Comparative evaluation of coenzyme Q10-based gel and 0.8% hyaluronic acid gel in treatment of chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) and hyaluronic acid are well established in medical literature. The present study was undertaken to evaluate their role in chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty sites in 24 patients with clinically confirmed periodontitis were included in the study. A split-mouth design was used for intrasulcular application of CoQ₁₀ as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP), 0.8% hyaluronic acid as adjunct to SRP and SRP alone. Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival color change index (GCCI), Eastman interdental bleeding index (EIBI), pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. All the clinical parameters PI, EIBI, GCCI, PD, and CAL were recorded at baseline before SRP. Only PI, EIBI, and GCCI were recorded at 1^st and 2^nd week. Twenty-one days post 2^nd week, i.e., 6^th week all the clinical parameters were recorded again.

RESULTS

Intragroup analysis of all the clinical parameters showed clinical significant results between baseline and 6^th week. However, on intergroup analysis, the results were not significant.

CONCLUSION

The local application of CoQ₁₀ and hyaluronic acid gel in conjunction with SRP may have a beneficial effect on periodontal health in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Effectiveness of CoQ10 Oral Supplements as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Improving Periodontal Health

INTRODUCTION

Deficiency of CoQ 10 was found in human inflamed gingiva and has been found to be responsible for periodontal destruction.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of CoQ 10 supplementation as an adjunct to scaling and rootplaning in reducing gingival inflammation and periodontal pocket depth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel group design clinical trial. Thirty subjects with plaque induced gingival inflammation and having atleast three nonadjacent interproximal sites with a probing pocket depth ≥ 5mm were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The test group (n=15) in which patients were given oral CoQ10 supplements after scaling and root planing and the control group (n=15) in which patients were given an oral placebo after scaling and rootplaning. The plaque index, gingival index and probing depth were recorded at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. Statistical analysis done by using Student's paired t-test for intragroup comparison and unpaired t-test for inter-group comparison.

RESULTS

Both the groups showed marked reduction of afore mentioned periodontal parameters at one month and three months when compared to baseline. Though there was no significant difference in plaque index and probing pocket depth between the two groups at any given time period, test group showed significant difference in gingival inflammation at one month and three months when compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

In the present study use of Coenzyme Q10 oral supplements as an adjunct to scaling and root planing showed significant reduction in gingival inflammation when compared to scaling and rootplaning alone.

Non-Nutrient, Naturally Occurring Phenolic Compounds with Antioxidant Activity for the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases

One of the main factors able to explain the pathophysiological mechanism of inflammatory conditions that occur in periodontal disease is oxidative stress. Given the emerging understanding of this relationship, host-modulatory therapies using antioxidants could be interesting to prevent or slow the breakdown of soft and hard periodontal tissues. In this context, non-nutrient phenolic compounds of various foods and plants have received considerable attention in the last decade. Here, studies focusing on the relationship between different compounds of this type with periodontal disease have been collected. Among them, thymoquinone, coenzyme Q (CoQ), mangiferin, resveratrol, verbascoside and some flavonoids have shown to prevent or ameliorate periodontal tissues damage in animal models. However evidence regarding this effect in humans is poor and only limited to topical treatments with CoQ and catechins. Along with animal experiments, in vitro studies indicate that possible mechanisms by which these compounds might exert their protective effects include antioxidative properties, oxygen and nitrogen scavenging abilities, and also inhibitory effects on cell signaling cascades related to inflammatory processes which have an effect on RNS or ROS production as well as on antioxidant defense systems.

Evaluation of glutathione level in gingival crevicular fluid in periodontal health, in chronic periodontitis and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A clinicobiochemical study

CONTEXT

Periodontitis is predominantly due to exaggerated host response to pathogenic microorganisms and their products which causes an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species-antioxidant in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Glutathione is an important redox regulator in GCF and maintenance of stable reduced glutathione (GSH):oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio is essential for periodontal health.

AIMS

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the level of glutathione and redox balance (GSH: GSSG ratio) in GCF of chronic periodontitis patients, periodontally healthy controls and also to evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on the level of glutathione and redox balance during 3 months postoperative visit.

STUDY DESIGN

Baseline GCF samples were collected from 20 chronic periodontitis patients and 20 periodontally healthy subjects for GSH and GSSG levels estimation. Periodontitis patients were recalled 3 months postnonsurgical periodontal therapy to re-sample GCF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GSH and GSSG levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The values were statistically analyzed by Paired t-test.

RESULTS

The mean GSH and GSSG values in GCF were found to be significantly lower in periodontitis patients pre- and 3 months post-nonsurgical periodontal therapy, compared with those in the control group subjects. In addition, the successful nonsurgical therapy even though leading to a significant improvement in the GSH and GSSG levels, does not restore glutathione concentration to the levels seen in healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Successful nonsurgical periodontal therapy leads to significant improvement in the redox balance (GSH: GSSG ratio) in chronic periodontitis patients.

Application of coenzyme Q10 for accelerating soft tissue wound healing after tooth extraction in rats

Accelerating wound healing after tooth extraction is beneficial in dental treatment. Application of antioxidants, such as reduced coenzyme Q10 (rCoQ10), may promote wound healing after tooth extraction. In this study, we examined the effects of topical application of rCoQ10 on wound healing after tooth extraction in rats. After maxillary first molars were extracted, male Fischer 344 rats (8 weeks old) (n = 27) received topical application of ointment containing 5% rCoQ10 (experimental group) or control ointment (control group) to the sockets for 3 or 8 days (n = 6–7/group). At 3 days after extraction, the experimental group showed higher collagen density and lower numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the upper part of socket, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Gene expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB were also lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). At 8 days after tooth extraction, there were no significant differences in collagen density, number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bone fill between the groups. Our results suggest that topical application of rCoQ10 promotes wound healing in the soft tissue of the alveolar socket, but that rCoQ10 has a limited effect on bone remodeling in rats.

A comparative evaluation of topical and intrasulcular application of coenzyme Q10 (Perio Q™) gel in chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Coenzyme Q10 is a well-studied antioxidant in the medical literature, but studies regarding its efficacy in periodontal diseases are few. coenzymeoenzyme Q10 serves as an endogenous antioxidant and its increased concentration in the diseased gingiva effectively suppresses advanced periodontal inflammation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (Perio Q™) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 patients were enrolled for the study. The selected subjects were treated in three different quadrants randomly. The control quadrant was treated by scaling and root planing only, while the other two test quadrants were treated by intra-pocket application of gel combined with scaling or root planing and topical applications combined with scaling and root planning, respectively. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index and probing pocket depth were assessed at baseline and at the 2(nd) week and 4(th) weeks. The results were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in all clinical parameters in the test sites seen at the end of the 4-week period. Sites with bleeding on probing were reduced more in the test group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Coenzyme Q10 can be said to have a beneficial effect on periodontitis when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

Anti-aging Effects of Co-enzyme Q10 on Periodontal Tissues

Oxidative stress is associated with age-related reactions. The anti-oxidative effects of a reduced form of co-enzyme Q10 (rCoQ10) suppress oxidative stress, which may contribute to the prevention of age-related inflammatory reactions. We examined the effects of topically applied rCoQ10 on periodontal inflammatory reactions in a rat aging model. Male Fischer 344 rats, 2 (n = 6) and 4 mos (n = 18) of age, were used. All of the two-month-old rats and 6 of the four-month-old rats were sacrificed and 12 remaining four-month-old rats received topically applied ointment with or without 1% rCoQ10 on the gingival surface until they reached 6 mos of age. The rats showed an age-dependent increase in circulating oxidative stress. RCoQ10 decreased oxidative DNA damage and tartrate-resistant acid-phosphatase-positive osteoclasts in the periodontal tissue at 6 mos of age as compared with the control. The same conditions lowered gene expression of caspase-1 and interleukin-1β in the periodontal tissue. Furthermore, Nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasomes were less activated in periodontal tissues from rCoQ10-treated rats as compared with the control rats. Our results suggest that rCoQ10 suppresses age-related inflammatory reactions and osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting oxidative stress.

Clinical evaluation of topical application of perio-Q gel (Coenzyme Q(10)) in chronic periodontitis patients

Background and Objectives:

Coenzyme Q₁₀ is a well studied antioxidant in medical literature, but studies regarding its efficacy in periodontal diseases are few. Hence, the aim of this study was to test the efficacy of coenzyme Q₁₀ in the form of gel (Perio-Q) in patients with chronic gingivitis and periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 12 patients were enrolled. A split mouth design was used for topical (extrasulcular) application, intra-pocket application alone, intra-pocket application combined with scaling and root planing (SRP) and SRP only in each quadrant, respectively. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline, 3rd week, and 6th week. The results were subjected to statistical analysis, which were expressed as mean±SD and proportions as percentages. Intra group comparisons were made by paired t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for inter-group comparisons. Categorical data was analyzed by Fisher's exact test.

Results:

The results showed on intra-group analysis significant reduction (P<0.01) of clinical parameters (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), periodontal probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) in all four treatment groups, whereas on inter-group analysis, intra-pocket gel application in combination with SRP showed significant reduction (P<0.05) for PI, GI, GBI, and CAL in comparison to intra-pocket gel alone.

Interpretation and Conclusion:

In the present study, in chronic periodontitis patients, sub-gingival mechanical debridement only and with Perio-Q gel showed almost similar clinical results without any statistically significant differences. Hence, it confirmed the primary role of basic mechanical approaches in periodontal therapy and did not provide enough clinical support for the superiority of adjunctive use of Perio-Q gel. However, it appears that Perio-Q gel in this study may have a potential additive effect. Further, long term clinical studies of Perio-Q gel with various doses and duration need to be conducted.

Role of coenzyme Q(10) as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process resulting from the interaction of a bacterial attack and host inflammatory response. Arrays of molecules are considered to mediate the inflammatory response at one time or another, among these are free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Periodontal pathogens can induce ROS overproduction and thus may cause collagen and periodontal cell breakdown. When ROS are scavenged by antioxidants, there can be a reduction of collagen degradation. Ubiquinol (reduced form coenzyme Q₁₀) serves as an endogenous antioxidant which increases the concentration of CoQ₁₀ in the diseased gingiva and effectively suppresses advanced periodontal inflammation.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on salivary secretion

OBJECTIVES

Dry mouth is a condition associated with reduced salivary secretion and is thought to be related to aging. This study was conducted to test whether reduced (ubiquinol) or oxidized (ubiquinone) forms of CoQ10 affect salivary secretion and salivary CoQ10 content before and after treatment.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients were given either ubiquinol or ubiquinone orally at a dosage of 100 mg/day, or a placebo for 1 month, and salivary secretion and salivary CoQ10 content were analyzed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Both parameters were significantly improved following treatment with either form of CoQ10, suggesting the effectiveness of CoQ10 in attenuating dry mouth symptoms.

CONCLUSION

CoQ10 was locally detected in salivary glands, suggesting that orally administered CoQ10 was transported to the salivary glands via the blood stream and exerted its activity, improving salivary secretion.

Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Update and Bioavailability

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) supplementation has been reported to be beneficial in treating a variety of health conditions and diseases, with more than 200 clinical trials investigating its use as a drug or dietary supplement. Numerous reviews of the safety and clinical potential of CoQ10 have been published. Successful treatment and efficacy is dependent on the bioavailability of CoQ 10, which is well known to be poor because of its lipophilic nature and large molecular weight. A number of recent clinical trials on CoQ 10 have investigated new formulations of CoQ10 for improvements in absorption and bioavailability. This review provides an update of clinical efficacy trials using CoQ10 and describes recent advances in formulation technology to improve the bioavailability of CoQ10. The authors also discuss a new method to improve the standards of reporting the bioavailability results of such advanced CoQ10 formulations to help clinicians and consumers make informed decisions.

Recent developments in the treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most frequent causes of cardiac arrest. The major cause of this disease is high concentrations of lipid in the blood. Medicinal agents so far have been quite successful in the management of hyperlipidemia. Among the several widely used drugs, (fibrates, statins and niacin) statins are the most frequently prescribed in many forms of hyperlipidemia. Recently, statins have been found to produce serious toxicities, which are rare but can be potentially harmful and are noise concern for the immediate need to develop some new chemical entities in this category. This review is primarily concerned with recent developments in atherosclerotic drug discovery including novel inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and antioxidants. The review also focuses on possible future targets including gene therapy.

The role of oral coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVE

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to induce oxidative stress. Because total antioxidant level is reduced during CPB, the supplementation of an antioxidant might help in attenuating the oxidative stress response. The authors sought to evaluate the efficacy of oral coenzyme Q10, in attenuating the oxidative stress to CPB and altering the clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized, single-center clinical study.

SETTING

A cardiothoracic center of a tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

The study group (n = 15) received oral coenzyme Q10, 150 to 180 mg/d, for 7 to 10 days preoperatively, whereas the control group (n = 15) did not receive any antioxidant or placebo. The anesthesia technique was standardized in both groups. Blood samples for total antioxidant level, blood glucose level, and clinical outcome parameters up to 24 hours postoperatively were compared.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There was no difference in the antioxidant level between the 2 groups at any point of time. However, in the study group, 24 hours after aortic clamp release, it was significantly higher than baseline (p < 0.05). The blood glucose was significantly lower in the study group at aortic clamp removal and 4 hours after clamp removal as compared with the control group (p = 0.01). The study group had significantly fewer reperfusion arrhythmias, lower total inotropic requirement, mediastinal drainage, blood product requirement, and shorter hospital stays compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Oral coenzyme Q10 therapy for 7 to 10 days preoperatively could improve clinical outcome in patients undergoing CABG surgery. A larger study group is recommended for confirmation.

Controlling the sucrose concentration increases Coenzyme Q10 production in fed-batch culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens

The production yield of Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) from the sucrose consumed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens KCCM 10413 decreased, and high levels of exopolysaccharide (EPS) accumulated after switching from batch culture to fed-batch culture. Therefore, we examined the effect of sucrose concentration on the fermentation profile by A. tumefaciens. In the continuous fed-batch culture with the sucrose concentration maintained constantly at 10, 20, 30, and 40 g l(-1), the dry cell weight (DCW), specific CoQ(10) content, CoQ(10) production, and the production yield of CoQ(10) from the sucrose consumed increased, whereas EPS production decreased as maintained sucrose concentration decreased. The pH-stat fed-batch culture system was adapted for CoQ(10) production to minimize the concentration of the carbon source and osmotic stress from sucrose. Using the pH-stat fed-batch culture system, the DCW, specific CoQ(10) content, CoQ(10) production, and the product yield of CoQ(10) from the sucrose consumed increased by 22.6, 13.7, 39.3, and 39.3%, respectively, whereas EPS production decreased by 30.7% compared to those of fed-batch culture in the previous report (Ha SJ, Kim SY, Seo JH, Oh DK, Lee JK, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 74:974-980, 2007). The pH-stat fed-batch culture system was scaled up to a pilot scale (300 l), and the CoQ(10) production results obtained (626.5 mg l(-1) of CoQ(10) and 9.25 mg g DCW(-1) of specific CoQ(10) content) were similar to those obtained at the laboratory scale. Thus, an efficient and highly competitive process for microbial CoQ(10) production is available.

Oxidant/antioxidant interactions of nicotine, Coenzyme Q10, Pycnogenol and phytoestrogens in oral periosteal fibroblasts and MG63 osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

There is a growing awareness that oxidative stress may play a role in periodontal disease. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate potential oxidant/antioxidant interactions of nicotine with antioxidants (Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), Pycnogenol and phytoestrogens in a cell culture model.

METHODS

Duplicate incubations of human periosteal fibroblasts and osteoblasts were performed with 14C-testosterone as substrate, in the presence or absence of CoQ (20 microg/ml), Pycnogenol (150 microg/ml), and phytoestrogens (10 and 40 microg/ml), alone and in combination with nicotine (250 microg/ml). At the end of a 24-h incubation period, the medium was solvent extracted and testosterone metabolites were separated by thin-layer chromatography and quantified using a radioisotope scanner.

RESULTS

The incubations of osteoblasts and periosteal fibroblasts with CoQ, Pycnogenol or phytoestrogens stimulated the synthesis of the physiologically active androgen DHT, while the yields of DHT were significantly reduced in response to nicotine compared to control values (p<0.001 for phytoestrogens). The combination of nicotine with CoQ, Pycnogenol or phytoestrogens increased the yields of DHT compared with incubation with nicotine alone in both cell types.

CONCLUSION

This investigation suggests that the catabolic effects of nicotine could be reversed by the addition of antioxidants such as CoQ or Pycnogenol and phytoestrogens.

A novel therapeutic strategy for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome based on nutritional supplements

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare disorder, comprising a group of related inherited disorders of connective tissue, resulting from underlying abnormalities in the synthesis and metabolism of collagen. This proposal is specifically concerned with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome classic type (formerly Types I-III), which is characterized by joint hypermobility and susceptibility to injury/arthritis, skin and vascular problems (including easy bruising, bleeding, varicose veins and poor tissue healing), cardiac mitral valve prolapse, musculo-skeletal problems (myopathy, myalgia, spinal scoliosis, osteoporosis), and susceptibility to periodontitis. No treatment is currently available for this disorder. The novel aspect of this proposal is based on: (i) increasing scientific evidence that nutrition may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of many disorders once thought to result from defective genes alone; (ii) the recognition that many of the symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are also characteristic of nutritional deficiencies; (iii) the synergistic action within the body of appropriate combinations of nutritional supplements in promoting normal tissue function. We therefore hypothesize that the symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may be successfully alleviated using a specific (and potentially synergistic) combination of nutritional supplements, comprising calcium, carnitine, coenzyme Q(10), glucosamine, magnesium, methyl sulphonyl methane, pycnogenol, silica, vitamin C, and vitamin K, at dosages which have previously been demonstrated to be effective against the above symptoms in other disorders.

Oxidative injury and inflammatory periodontal diseases: the challenge of anti-oxidants to free radicals and reactive oxygen species

In recent years, there has been a tremendous expansion in medical and dental research concerned with free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and anti-oxidant defense mechanisms. This review is intended to provide a critical, up-to-date summary of the field, with particular emphasis on its implications for the application of "anti-oxidant therapy" in periodontal disease. We have reviewed the nomenclature, mechanisms of actions, features, and sources of most common free radicals and reactive oxygen species, as well as analyzed the typical biological targets for oxidative damage. Based on a review of direct and indirect anti-oxidant host defenses, particularly in relation to the key role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in periodontitis, we review current evidence for oxidative damage in chronic inflammatory periodontal disease, and the possible therapeutic effects of anti-oxidants in treating and/or preventing such pathology, with special attention to vitamin E and Co-enzyme Q.