Coenzyme Q10 remarkably improves the bio-energetic function of rat liver mitochondria treated with statins

Mitochondria: It is all about energy

Mitochondria play a key role in both health and disease. Their function is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms varying from iron and calcium homeostasis to the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as melatonin. They enable and influence communication at all physical levels through interaction with other organelles, the nucleus, and the outside environment. The literature suggests crosstalk mechanisms between mitochondria and circadian clocks, the gut microbiota, and the immune system. They might even be the hub supporting and integrating activity across all these domains. Hence, they might be the (missing) link in both health and disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is related to metabolic syndrome, neuronal diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, and inflammatory disorders. In this regard, diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and chronic pain are discussed. This review focuses on understanding the mitochondrial mechanisms of action that allow for the maintenance of mitochondrial health and the pathways toward dysregulated mechanisms. Although mitochondria have allowed us to adapt to changes over the course of evolution, in turn, evolution has shaped mitochondria. Each evolution-based intervention influences mitochondria in its own way. The use of physiological stress triggers tolerance to the stressor, achieving adaptability and resistance. This review describes strategies that could recover mitochondrial functioning in multiple diseases, providing a comprehensive, root-cause-focused, integrative approach to recovering health and treating people suffering from chronic diseases.

L-Carnosine Stimulation of Coenzyme Q10 Biosynthesis Promotes Improved Mitochondrial Function and Decreases Hepatic Steatosis in Diabetic Conditions

Mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes leads to oxidative stress, which drives disease progression and diabetes complications. L-carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, improves metabolic control, wound healing and kidney function in animal models of type 2 diabetes. Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, possesses similar protective effects on diabetes complications. We aimed to study the effect of carnosine on CoQ, and assess any synergistic effects of carnosine and CoQ on improved mitochondrial function in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Carnosine enhanced CoQ gene expression and increased hepatic CoQ biosynthesis in db/db mice, a type 2 diabetes model. Co-administration of Carnosine and CoQ improved mitochondrial function, lowered ROS formation and reduced signs of oxidative stress. Our work suggests that carnosine exerts beneficial effects on hepatic CoQ synthesis and when combined with CoQ, improves mitochondrial function and cellular redox balance in the liver of diabetic mice. (4) Conclusions: L-carnosine has beneficial effects on oxidative stress both alone and in combination with CoQ on hepatic mitochondrial function in an obese type 2 diabetes mouse model.

Atorvastatin impairs liver mitochondrial function in obese Göttingen Minipigs but heart and skeletal muscle are not affected

Statins lower the risk of cardiovascular events but have been associated with mitochondrial functional changes in a tissue-dependent manner. We investigated tissue-specific modifications of mitochondrial function in liver, heart and skeletal muscle mediated by chronic statin therapy in a Göttingen Minipig model. We hypothesized that statins enhance the mitochondrial function in heart but impair skeletal muscle and liver mitochondria. Mitochondrial respiratory capacities, citrate synthase activity, coenzyme Q10 concentrations and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were analyzed in samples of liver, heart and skeletal muscle from three groups of Göttingen Minipigs: a lean control group (CON, n = 6), an obese group (HFD, n = 7) and an obese group treated with atorvastatin for 28 weeks (HFD + ATO, n = 7). Atorvastatin concentrations were analyzed in each of the three tissues and in plasma from the Göttingen Minipigs. In treated minipigs, atorvastatin was detected in the liver and in plasma. A significant reduction in complex I + II-supported mitochondrial respiratory capacity was seen in liver of HFD + ATO compared to HFD (P = 0.022). Opposite directed but insignificant modifications of mitochondrial respiratory capacity were seen in heart versus skeletal muscle in HFD + ATO compared to the HFD group. In heart muscle, the HFD + ATO had significantly higher PCC compared to the HFD group (P = 0.0323). In the HFD group relative to CON, liver mitochondrial respiration decreased whereas in skeletal muscle, respiration increased but these changes were insignificant when normalizing for mitochondrial content. Oral atorvastatin treatment in Göttingen Minipigs is associated with a reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity in the liver that may be linked to increased content of atorvastatin in this organ.

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common gynecological endocrine system diseases. It is characterized by excessive androgen, rare or anovulation, and polycystic ovary morphology. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble natural vitamin, which has a continuous oxidation-reduction cycle and is an effective antioxidant that can protect ovaries from oxidative damage. This study aims to systematically summarize and analyze the scientific literatures on glucose metabolism index, lipid profiles, inflammatory factor, and sex hormone level of PCOS patients treated with CoQ10 to provide a reference basis for clinical treatment.

METHODS

We will retrieve the following electronic databases from the built-in until March 2021: Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Clinical Trials. gov, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wang-fang database. Two reviewers will independently scan the articles searched, de-duplication, filtering, quality assessment. Differences will be resolved by discussion between the 2 reviewers or by a third reviewers. All analyses were systematic to evaluate interventions based on the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analysis and/or subgroup analysis will be performed on the basis of the included studies.

DISCUSSION

This review will be to investigate the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of inflammation in women with PCOS and provide a high-quality synthesis to assess whether CoQ10 is an effective and safe intervention for PCOS. The results of the analysis will be published in a scientific journal after peer-review.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

INPLASY 2020100013.

Coenzyme Q10: Novel Formulations and Medical Trends

The aim of this review is to shed light over the most recent advances in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) applications as well as to provide detailed information about the functions of this versatile molecule, which have proven to be of great interest in the medical field. Traditionally, CoQ10 clinical use was based on its antioxidant properties; however, a wide range of highly interesting alternative functions have recently been discovered. In this line, CoQ10 has shown pain-alleviating properties in fibromyalgia patients, a membrane-stabilizing function, immune system enhancing ability, or a fundamental role for insulin sensitivity, apart from potentially beneficial properties for familial hypercholesterolemia patients. In brief, it shows a remarkable amount of functions in addition to those yet to be discovered. Despite its multiple therapeutic applications, CoQ10 is not commonly prescribed as a drug because of its low oral bioavailability, which compromises its efficacy. Hence, several formulations have been developed to face such inconvenience. These were initially designed as lipid nanoparticles for CoQ10 encapsulation and distribution through biological membranes and eventually evolved towards chemical modifications of the molecule to decrease its hydrophobicity. Some of the most promising formulations will also be discussed in this review.

Simvastatin improves mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood cells

Statins are prescribed to treat hypercholesterolemia and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, statin users frequently report myalgia, which can discourage physical activity or cause patients to discontinue statin use, negating the potential benefit of the treatment. Although a proposed mechanism responsible for Statin-Associated Myopathy (SAM) suggests a correlation with impairment of mitochondrial function, the relationship is still poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that long-term treatment of hypercholesterolemic patients with Simvastatin at a therapeutic dose significantly display increased mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and platelets compared to untreated controls. Furthermore, the amount of superoxide is higher in mitochondria in PBMCs, and platelets from Simvastatin-treated patients than in untreated controls, and the abundance of mitochondrial superoxide, but not mitochondrial respiration trends with patient-reported myalgia. Ubiquinone (also known as coenzyme Q10) has been suggested as a potential treatment for SAM; however, an 8-week course of oral ubiquinone had no impact on mitochondrial functions or the abundance of superoxide in mitochondria from PBMCs, and platelets. These results demonstrate that long-term treatment with Simvastatin increases respiration and the production of superoxide in mitochondria of PBMCs and platelets.

Coenzyme Q10 alleviates sevoflurane‑induced neuroinflammation by regulating the levels of apolipoprotein E and phosphorylated tau protein in mouse hippocampal neurons

Sevoflurane may exert neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been reported to reduce sevoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive deficiency in 6-day-old mice. However, its specific mechanisms remain unknown. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been reported to lead to the initiation of neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may serve an important role in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to reveal the role of ApoE in the pathogenesis of tau protein hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation enhancement caused by sevoflurane anesthesia, as well as the protective mechanism of CoQ10 in an anesthetic sevoflurane treatment model of primary mouse hippocampal neurons. For that purpose, the neurons were randomly assigned to the following groups: i) Control; ii) sevoflurane; iii) control+corn oil; iv) sevoflurane+corn oil; v) control+CoQ10; and vi) control+CoQ10. CoQ10 or corn oil alone was added to the medium on day 4 of neuron culture. The neurons in the sevoflurane group were treated with 21% O₂, 5% CO₂ and 4.1% sevoflurane for 4 h, whereas the control group only with 21% O₂ and 5% CO₂ on day 5. Samples were collected immediately after anesthesia or control treatment. ATP, superoxidase dismutase (SOD)1, ApoE mRNA, total ApoE, full-length ApoE, ApoE fragments, Tau5, Tau-PS202/PT205 (AT8), Tau-PSer396/404 (PHF1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β levels were measured with ELISA, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The results of the present study indicated that sevoflurane anesthesia significantly decreased the ATP and SOD levels, but increased ApoE mRNA, total ApoE protein, full-length ApoE, ApoE fragments, phosphorylated tau (AT8 and PHF1) and neuroinflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) expression levels compared with those in the control group. The use of CoQ10 reversed the expression of these factors. These results suggested that sevoflurane treatment damaged mouse hippocampal neurons, which may be associated with the expression of ApoE and its toxic fragments. CoQ10 improved energy replenishment and inhibited oxidative stress, which may lead to a decrease in ApoE and phosphorylated tau protein expression, thus mitigating the sevoflurane-induced neuroinflammation in mouse hippocampal neurons.

Hormesis Effects of Nano- and Micro-sized Copper Oxide

The concerns about the possible risk of manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) have been raised recently. Nano- and micro-sized copper oxide (CO and CONP) are widely used in many industries. In this regard, in-vitro studies have demonstrated that CONP is a toxic compound in different cell lines. Despite their unique properties, NPs possess unexpected toxicity profiling relative to the bulk materials. This study was designed to examine and compare the toxic effects of CO and CONPs in-vivo and in isolated rat mitochondria. Male Wistar albino rats received 50 to 1000 mg/kg CO or CONP by gavage and several toxicological endpoints including biochemical indices and oxidative stress markers. Then, the pathological parameters in the multiple organs such as liver, brain, spleen, kidney, and intestine were assessed. Mitochondria were isolated from the rat liver and several mitochondrial indices were measured. The results of this study demonstrated that CO and CONP exhibited biphasic dose-response effects. CONPs showed higher toxicity compared with the bulk material. There were no significant changes in the results of CONP and CO in isolated rat liver mitochondria. The present studies provided more information regarding the hormetic effects of CO and CONPs in-vivo and in isolated rat mitochondria.

Alpha lipoic acid and vitamin E improve atorvastatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions in rats

To determine the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin E (Vit E) on mitochondrial dysfunction caused by statins. A total of 38 Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. The control group received dimethyl sulfoxide. The atorvastatin (A) group received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg). The A + ALA group received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and ALA (100 mg/kg). The A + Vit E group was administered atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and Vit E (100 mg/kg). The A + ALA + Vit E group was administered atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), ALA (100 mg/kg) and Vit E (100 mg/kg). All applications were administered simultaneously by gavage for 20 days. ATP level and complex I activity were measured from liver, muscle, heart, kidney and brain. Atorvastatin significantly decreased the ATP levels in heart and kidney, while a slight decrease was seen in liver, muscle and brain. Atorvastatin caused an insignificant decrease in the complex I activity in all tissues examined. ALA administration significantly improved the ATP levels in the liver, heart and kidney, while Vit E improved the ATP levels in all tissues except the muscle compared to Atorvastatin group. Single administration of both ALA and vit E ameliorated complex I activity in the muscle, heart, kidney and brain. The combination of ALA and Vit E significantly improved the ATP levels in the liver, heart, kidney and brain and also provided significant improvements the complex I activity in all tissues. The undesirable effects of Atorvastatin on mitochondrial functions in this study ameliorated by using ALA and/or Vit E alone and in combination.

Coenzyme Q10 or Creatine Counteract Pravastatin-Induced Liver Redox Changes in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

Statins are the preferred therapy to treat hypercholesterolemia. Their main action consists of inhibiting the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Previous studies report mitochondrial oxidative stress and membrane permeability transition (MPT) of several experimental models submitted to diverse statins treatments. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chronic treatment with the hydrophilic pravastatin induces hepatotoxicity in LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-), a model for human familial hypercholesterolemia. We evaluated respiration and reactive oxygen production rates, cyclosporine-A sensitive mitochondrial calcium release, antioxidant enzyme activities in liver mitochondria or homogenates obtained from LDLr-/- mice treated with pravastatin for 3 months. We observed that pravastatin induced higher H2O2 production rate (40%), decreased activity of aconitase (28%), a superoxide-sensitive Krebs cycle enzyme, and increased susceptibility to Ca2+-induced MPT (32%) in liver mitochondria. Among several antioxidant enzymes, only glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was increased (44%) in the liver of treated mice. Reduced glutathione content and reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio were increased in livers of pravastatin treated mice (1.5- and 2-fold, respectively). The presence of oxidized lipid species were detected in pravastatin group but protein oxidation markers (carbonyl and SH- groups) were not altered. Diet supplementation with the antioxidants CoQ10 or creatine fully reversed all pravastatin effects (reduced H2O2 generation, susceptibility to MPT and normalized aconitase and G6PD activity). Taken together, these results suggest that 1- pravastatin induces liver mitochondrial redox imbalance that may explain the hepatic side effects reported in a small number of patients, and 2- the co-treatment with safe antioxidants neutralize these side effects.

CoQ10 Augments Rosuvastatin Neuroprotective Effect in a Model of Global Ischemia via Inhibition of NF-κB/JNK3/Bax and Activation of Akt/FOXO3A/Bim Cues

Statins were reported to lower the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) content upon their inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme and both are known to possess neuroprotective potentials; therefore, the aim is to assess the possible use of CoQ10 as an adds-on therapy to rosuvastatin to improve its effect using global I/R model. Rats were allocated into sham, I/R, rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg) and their combination. Drugs were administered orally for 7 days before I/R. Pretreatment with rosuvastatin and/or CoQ10 inhibited the hippocampal content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and boosted glutathione and superoxide dismutase. They also opposed the upregulation of gp91^phox, and p47^phox subunits of NADPH oxidase. Meanwhile, both agents reduced content/expression of TNF-α, iNOS, NF-κBp65, ICAM-1, and MPO. Besides, all regimens abated cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bax, but increased Bcl-2 in favor of cell survival. On the molecular level, they increased p-Akt and its downstream target p-FOXO3A, with the inhibition of the nuclear content of FOXO3A to downregulate the expression of Bim, a pro-apoptotic gene. Additionally, both treatments downregulate the JNK3/c-Jun signaling pathway. The effect of the combination regimen overrides that of either treatment alone. These effects were reflected on the alleviation of the hippocampal damage in CA1 region inflicted by I/R. Together, these findings accentuate the neuroprotective potentials of both treatments against global I/R by virtue of their rigorous multi-pronged actions, including suppression of hippocampal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis with the involvement of the Akt/FOXO3A/Bim and JNK3/c-Jun/Bax signaling pathways. The study also nominates CoQ10 as an adds-on therapy with statins.

Protective effects of coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine against statin-induced pancreatic mitochondrial toxicity in rats

Statins are widely used in patients with hyperlipidemia and whom with high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, statins also exert some adverse effects on the liver and pancreas and enhance the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of the present research was to investigate the protective effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ (Co-Q₁₀) and L-carnitine (LC) on statins induced toxicity on pancreatic mitochondria in vivo. Seven groups of male Wistar rats received atorvastatin (20 mg/kg, p.o.), atorvastatin + Co-Q₁₀ (10 mg/kg, i.p.), atorvastatin + LC (500 mg/kg, i.p.), lovastatin (80 mg/kg, p.o), lovastatin + Co-Q₁₀ (10 mg/kg, i.p.), and lovastatin + LC (500 mg/kg, i.p.). Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured before and after two weeks of treatment, while the pancreas was removed and toxic effects of statins, as well as the protective effects of Co-Q₁₀ and LC were assessed. The results showed that atorvastatin and lovastatin significantly increased glucose level and decreased insulin secretion. The glucose level in Co-Q₁₀ and LC groups was significantly lower than statins alone groups. The findings also showed that statin groups had higher rate of pancreatic toxicity including higher level of reactive oxygen species production, decreased cytochrome c oxidase activity, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and swelling in comparison to controls. These factors were significantly diminished by co-administration of Co-Q₁₀ or LC compared to statin groups alone. Additionally, supplements caused a significant increase in serum insulin and succinate dehydrogenase activity. Our study provided new evidence supporting beneficial effects of Co-Q₁₀ and LC on statin-induced pancreatic toxicity.

New mechanistic approach of inorganic palladium toxicity: impairment in mitochondrial electron transfer

Human activities have increased the levels of palladium (Pd) that are progressively accumulating in the environment. The growing evidence of Pd toxicity has become the focus of serious concern for the environment, organisms and humans, with little data on the mechanism of Pd toxicity. Recent studies have suggested that mitochondria have a key role in Pd toxicity via mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and depletion of the cellular glutathione (GSH) level. Therefore, it was decided to determine the mechanistic toxicity of Pd towards isolated mitochondria via new and reliable methods. Isolated liver and kidney mitochondria were obtained by differential ultracentrifugation and incubated with different concentrations of Pd (100-400 μM). Our results showed that Pd induced mitochondrial dysfunction via an increase in mitochondrial ROS production and membrane potential collapse, which correlated to cytochrome c release. Also, increased disturbance in oxidative phosphorylation was also shown by the increase in ADP/ATP ratio in Pd-treated mitochondria, which indicates mitochondrial dysfunction in isolated liver and kidney mitochondria. Our results suggest that Pd-induced toxicity is the result of a disruptive effect on the mitochondrial respiratory chain, increasing the chance of cell death signaling. In addition, it is supposed that kidney tissue is more susceptible to Pd exposure than liver tissue.

Statin-induced changes in mitochondrial respiration in blood platelets in rats and human with dyslipidemia

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used drugs for lowering blood lipid levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, statins can have serious adverse effects, which may be related to development of mitochondrial dysfunctions. The aim of study was to demonstrate the in vivo effect of high and therapeutic doses of statins on mitochondrial respiration in blood platelets. Model approach was used in the study. Simvastatin was administered to rats at a high dose for 4 weeks. Humans were treated with therapeutic doses of rosuvastatin or atorvastatin for 6 weeks. Platelet mitochondrial respiration was measured using high-resolution respirometry. In rats, a significantly lower physiological respiratory rate was found in intact platelets of simvastatin-treated rats compared to controls. In humans, no significant changes in mitochondrial respiration were detected in intact platelets; however, decreased complex I-linked respiration was observed after statin treatment in permeabilized platelets. We propose that the small in vivo effect of statins on platelet energy metabolism can be attributed to drug effects on complex I of the electron transport system. Both intact and permeabilized platelets can be used as a readily available biological model to study changes in cellular energy metabolism in patients treated with statins.

Dithiothreitol (DTT) rescues mitochondria from nitrofurantoin-induced mitotoxicity in rat

Nitrofurantoin (N-(5-nitro-2-furfurylidine) 1-amino-hydantoine; NIT) is mainly used for the treatment of acute urinary tract infections. However, its administration can be associated with liver failure or cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether NIT is a mitochondrial toxicant, if so, what mechanism(s) is involved. The rat liver mitochondria were isolated and treated with different doses of NIT alone or in combination with a reagent of choice for protecting thiol groups, dithiothreitol (DTT). Several mitochondrial parameters, including succinate dehydrogenase activity (also called 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay), lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase activity, Reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and GSSG (oxidized glutathione) levels were determined. The results from this study showed that simultaneous treatment of mitochondria with NIT and DTT significantly reduces the toxicity. Here, we provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction followed by depletion of reduced glutathione can be reversed by DTT administration.

Preparation and quality evaluation of coenzyme Q10 long-circulating liposomes

The aim of this work was to prepare coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) long-circulating liposomes, and establish the quality standard to determine the content and entrapment efficiency. CoQ10 long-circulating liposomes were prepared by the film dispersion method, HPLC assay for the determination of CoQ10 was developed. Free drugs and liposomes were separated using the protamine aggregation method and entrapment efficiency was determined. The liposomes were homogeneous and the mean diameter was 166.0 nm, Zeta potential was -22.2 mV. The content and entrapment efficiency of CoQ10 were 98.2% and 93.2% for three batches of liposomes, respectively. The lyophilized form of liposomes prepared by freeze-drying showed stable quality characteristics during storage. The formulation and preparative method can be used to prepare CoQ10 long-circulating liposomes with high entrapment efficiency and high quality, the determination method of drug content and entrapment efficiency were effective and rapid and can be used for quality evaluation of liposomes.