Ubiquinol Supplementation Alters Exercise Induced Fatigue by Increasing Lipid Utilization in Mice

Fatiguing freestyle swimming modifies miRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in athletes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by various tissues and cells under normal physiological or pathological conditions. Exercise-induced EVs may be involved in the adaptation of exercise-induced fatigue. The 1500-m freestyle is the longest pool-based swimming event in the Olympic Games, and there is a paucity of information regarding changes in the miRNA profiles of circulating EVs after a single session of fatiguing swimming. In this study, 13 male freestyle swimmers conducted a fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session at the speed of their best previously recorded swimming performance. Fasting venous blood was collected before and after the swimming session for analysis. 70 miRNAs from the circulating EVs were found to be differentially expressed after the fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session, among which 45 and 25 miRNAs were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. As for the target genes of five miRNAs (miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890) with the largest expression-fold variation, their functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the target genes were involved in the regulation of long-term potentiation (LTP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glutathione metabolism pathway, dopaminergic synapse, signal transmission, and other biological processes. In summary, these findings reveal that a single session of fatiguing swimming modifies the miRNAs profiles of the circulating EVs, especially miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890, which clarifies new mechanisms for the adaptation to a single session of fatiguing exercise from the perspective of EV-miRNAs.

Ubiquinol Short-Term Supplementation Prior to Strenuous Exercise Improves Physical Performance and Diminishes Muscle Damage

The benefits of physical exercise on health are diminished when it is non-planned, strenuous, or vigorous, which causes an increase in oxygen consumption and production of free radicals, particularly serious at the muscular level. Ubiquinol could help achieve an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a supplementation of ubiquinol during a short period could have a positive effect on muscle aggression, physical performance, and fatigue perception in non-elite athletes after high intensity circuit weight training. One hundred healthy and well-trained men, (firemen of the Fire Department of Granada) were enrolled in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and randomized study, and separated into two groups: the placebo group (PG, n = 50); and the ubiquinol group (UG, n = 50), supplemented with an oral dose. Before and after the intervention, data related to the number of repetitions, muscle strength, and perceived exertion, as well as blood samples were collected. An increase was observed in the UG regarding average load and repetitions, revealing an improvement in muscle performance. Ubiquinol supplementation also reduced muscle damage markers, showing a protective effect on muscle fibers. Therefore, this study provides evidence that ubiquinol supplementation improves muscle performance and prevents muscle damage after strenuous exercise in a population of well-trained individuals who are not elite athletes.

Ginseng Pectin WGPA Alleviates Exercise-Induced Fatigue by Enhancing Gluconeogenesis

With the development of medicine and sport science, growing attention has been paid to the recovery of exercise-induced fatigue. Ginseng pectin has been shown to be important for a variety of biological functions. Although many studies suggest that ginseng pectin plays an important role in the alleviation of exercise-induced fatigue, the underlying mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a wheel apparatus for exhaustive exercise and fed with ginseng pectin WGPA (acidic fraction of water-soluble ginseng polysaccharides) afterwards. Subsequently, a series of physiological and biochemical indexes, such as blood lactic acid, blood glucose, muscle glycogen, insulin, and glucagon, is evaluated. Meanwhile, enzymatic activity and mRNA level of key enzymes involved in hepatic gluconeogenesis are analyzed. Our results demonstrate that the treatment of ginseng pectin WGPA can result in enhanced gluconeogenesis and decreased insulin and in turn facilitate the recovery of exercise-induced fatigue. In response to WGPA treatment, both phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6 phosphatase (G6Pase) activity were upregulated, indicating that these two enzymes play a critical role in WGPA-induced upregulation in gluconeogenesis. Moreover, mRNA level of G6Pase, but not PEPCK, was increased upon WGPA treatment, suggesting that G6Pase expression is regulated by WGPA. Importantly, the presence of WGPA downregulated insulin both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the upregulation in gluconeogenesis may be due to alterations in insulin. Together, we provide evidence that ginseng pectin WGPA is able to alleviate exercise-induced fatigue by reducing insulin and enhancing gluconeogenesis.

Anti-fatigue effects of enzyme-hydrolyzed okara in C2C12 myotubes and Sprague-Dawley rats

Okara is a by-product of tofu or soymilk production processes. The disposal of huge quantities of okara is a significant issue. Based on previous reports, protein hydrolysis can release excess free amino acids and small peptides from okara and exhibit anti-fatigue function. We aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effect of okara protein hydrolysate (OPH) in vitro and in vivo. In the first phase, we treated C2C12 myotubes with different processed OPHs to detect mitochondrial functions. The results revealed that OPH hydrolyzed with alcalase containing 2% E/S for 2 h increased the mitochondrial mRNA level (cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase I) and enzyme activity (citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase) most efficiently. In the second phase, we conducted animal studies to assess the anti-fatigue function of OPH. After acclimatization, 8 week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly classified into four groups: (1) control group, (2) 1X-OPH, (3) 2X-OPH, and (4) 5X-OPH (8 rats per group, treated for 28 days). The results indicated that the intake of OPH for 28 days increased the exhaustive swimming time of rats and lowered the increment of the lactate ratio, as well as the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. These results indicated that OPH improves exercise performance and anti-fatigue function in male SD rats. Therefore, OPH could be a potential health supplement for anti-fatigue function.

Identification of Coenzyme Q10 and Skeletal Muscle Protein Biomarkers as Potential Factors to Assist in the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia

The aim of this study was to explore the use of coenzyme Q10 and skeletal muscle protein biomarkers in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Subjects with or without sarcopenia were recruited. The anthropometric, muscle strength and endurance measurements were assessed. Muscle proteins (albumin and creatine kinase), myokines (irisin and myostatin), and the coenzyme Q10 level were measured. Approximately half of the subjects suffered from a low coenzyme Q10 concentration (<0.5 μM). The levels of creatinine kinase and irisin were significantly lower in subjects with sarcopenia (p ≤ 0.05). In receiver operating characteristic analyses, irisin and creatine kinase showed a better prediction capability for sarcopenia (area under the curve, irisin: 0.64 vs. creatinine kinase: 0.61) than other biomarkers. Additionally, a low level of irisin (<118.0 ng/mL, odds ratio, 6.46, p < 0.01), creatine kinase (<69.5 U/L, odds ratio, 3.31, p = 0.04), or coenzyme Q10 (<0.67 μM, odds ratio, 9.79, p < 0.01) may increase the risk for sarcopenia even after adjusting for confounders. Since the levels of coenzyme Q10 and muscle biomarkers, such as irisin and creatine kinase, are associated with sarcopenia, we suggest they could be used as candidate markers to assist in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

A Novel Formula Comprising Wolfberry, Figs, White Lentils, Raspberries, and Maca (WFWRM) Induced Antifatigue Effects in a Forced Exercise Mouse Model

Long-term body fatigue poses a threat to human health. To explore novel sources of antifatigue medicine and food, we developed a novel formula composed of wolfberry, figs, white lentils, raspberries, and maca (WFWRM) according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we explored whether the administration of the WFWRM relieves fatigue. Thirty male Kunming mice were divided into three groups, which received either intragastric administration of saline, vitamin C (100 mg/kg), or WFWRM (1.00 g/kg) every day. After 30 days of treatment, all mice exhaustively performed weight-bearing swimming. Another ten mice that did not perform swimming were treated with saline for 30 days and used as sedentary control. The antifatigue effect and biochemical oxidation phenomena were assessed in the exercise-exhausted model and sedentary controls. The histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of mice were observed by performing hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. After 30 days of oral administration, the liver and kidney tissues of mice were healthy and show no pathological changes. Compared to the fatigue model group, WFWRM significantly increased the rota-rod time of the mice. Also, the concentrations of lactic acid (LA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the WFWRM group significantly reduced. On the contrary, the levels of hepatic glycogen (LG), muscle glycogen (MG), and serum glucose (GLU) increased in the WFWRM group. Besides, WFWRM markedly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) but increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the concentrations of the sources of energy (LG, MG, and GLU) significantly correlated with those of metabolites (BLA, BUN, CK, and LDH) and antioxidant levels (SOD, GSH-PX, and MDA). Overall, our results suggested that the supplementation of WFWRM could improve exercise capacity and relieve fatigue probably by normalizing energy metabolism and attenuating oxidation.

Levels of Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Are Associated with Physical Capacity and Cardiovascular Risk in the Elderly

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is an essential factor for mitochondrial activity and antioxidant protection of cells, tissues and plasma lipoproteins. Its deficiency has been associated with aging progression in animals and humans. To determine if CoQ₁₀ levels in plasma can be associated with frailty in elderly people (aged > 65), we studied the relationship of CoQ₁₀ levels in blood with other parameters in plasma and with the physical activity and capacity in aged people. Our results indicate that high CoQ₁₀ levels are directly associated with lower cardiovascular risk measured by the quotient total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, high CoQ₁₀ levels were found in people showing higher physical activity, stronger muscle capacity. CoQ₁₀ also showed a strong inverse relationship with sedentarism and the up and go test, which is considered to be a frailty index. Interestingly, we found gender differences, indicating stronger correlations in women than in men. The importance of the maintenance of CoQ₁₀ levels in elderly people to avoid sarcopenia and frailty in elderly people is discussed.

Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Health and Disease: An Update on the Last 10 Years (2010-2020)

The present review focuses on preclinical and clinical studies conducted in the last decade that contribute to increasing knowledge on Coenzyme Q₁₀'s role in health and disease. Classical antioxidant and bioenergetic functions of the coenzyme have been taken into consideration, as well as novel mechanisms of action involving the redox-regulated activation of molecular pathways associated with anti-inflammatory activities. Cardiovascular research and fertility remain major fields of application of Coenzyme Q₁₀, although novel applications, in particular in relation to topical application, are gaining considerable interest. In this respect, bioavailability represents a major challenge and the innovation in formulation aspects is gaining critical importance.

Effect of Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Plus NADH Supplementation on Fatigue Perception and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystem, and profoundly debilitating neuroimmune disease, probably of post-viral multifactorial etiology. Unfortunately, no accurate diagnostic or laboratory tests have been established, nor are any universally effective approved drugs currently available for its treatment. This study aimed to examine whether oral coenzyme Q10 and NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) co-supplementation could improve perceived fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and health-related quality of life in ME/CFS patients. A 12-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 207 patients with ME/CFS, who were randomly allocated to one of two groups to receive either 200 mg of CoQ10 and 20 mg of NADH (n = 104) or matching placebo (n = 103) once daily. Endpoints were simultaneously evaluated at baseline, and then reassessed at 4- and 8-week treatment visits and four weeks after treatment cessation, using validated patient-reported outcome measures. A significant reduction in cognitive fatigue perception and overall FIS-40 score (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively) and an improvement in HRQoL (health-related quality of life (SF-36)) (p < 0.05) from baseline were observed within the experimental group over time. Statistically significant differences were also shown for sleep duration at 4 weeks and habitual sleep efficiency at 8 weeks in follow-up visits from baseline within the experimental group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.038, respectively). Overall, these findings support the use of CoQ10 plus NADH supplementation as a potentially safe therapeutic option for reducing perceived cognitive fatigue and improving the health-related quality of life in ME/CFS patients. Future interventions are needed to corroborate these clinical benefits and also explore the underlying pathomechanisms of CoQ10 and NADH administration in ME/CFS.

Exercise training combined with Bifidobacterium longum OLP-01 treatment regulates insulin resistance and physical performance in db/db mice

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Regular exercise is one of the effective lifestyle interventions for maintaining healthy weight and blood glucose levels in the normal range and lowering risk factors. Probiotics, live microorganisms that are beneficial to health, are involved in the regulation of host metabolism. We thus hypothesize that the combination of exercise training and Bifidobacterium longum OLP-01 (OLP-01) could improve insulin sensitivity, blood glucose control and body composition in db/db mice. Twenty-four C57BL/6 J db/db male mice (20-weeks old) were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): vehicle, OLP-01 supplementation (OLP-01), exercise training (EX) and exercise training with OLP-01 supplementation (EX + OLP-01). Animals in the EX and EX + OLP-01 groups underwent strength exercise training for 6 weeks, 5 days per week. After the exercise training, we tested forelimb grip strength, exhaustive running, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and serum biomarkers. Results: Combined intervention of EX and OLP-01 prevented elevation of body weight and body fat. Grip strength and exhaustive swimming time were significantly higher in the EX + OLP-01 group than in the other groups. We found that EX OLP-01 reduced glycolipid parameters (fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c), improved insulin sensitivity (oral glucose tolerance test and HOMA-IR), relieved liver injury parameters (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and repaired pancreas damage. Based on our findings, we speculate that the positive effects of combining EX with OLP-01 on capacity for physical activity, blood glucose control and body composition suggest an integrative approach to treating type 2 diabetes. Altogether, the combination of EX with OLP-01 treatment might be a good candidate for preventing and treating diabetes.

Ferroptosis and Its Potential Role in Metabolic Diseases: A Curse or Revitalization?

Ferroptosis is classified as an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death (RCD) attributed to the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides and redox imbalance. In recent years, accumulating researches have suggested that ferroptosis may play a vital role in the development of diverse metabolic diseases, for example, diabetes and its complications (e.g., diabetic nephropathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis [AS]), metabolic bone disease and adrenal injury. However, the specific physiopathological mechanism and precise therapeutic effect is still not clear. In this review, we summarized recent advances about the development of ferroptosis, focused on its potential character as the therapeutic target in metabolic diseases, and put forward our insights on this topic, largely to offer some help to forecast further directions.

Unconventional high-value products from microalgae: A review

Microalgae have gained significant importance in biotechnology development, providing valuable goods and services in multiple applications. Although there is a rising market for most of these applications, the incorporation and introduction of microalgae into new venues will extend in the near future. These advances are due to the vast biodiversity of microalgal species, recent genetic engineering tools, and culture techniques. There are three main possible approaches for novel algal compounds from: (1) recently isolated yet less known microalgae; (2) selectively stressed conditions; and (3) enzymatically adjusted compounds from conventional molecules. All these approaches can be combined in a specific manner. This review discusses the opportunities, potential and limitations of introducing novel microalgae-based products, and how the recent technologies can be deployed to make these products financially viable. To give an outlook to the future, an analysis of the developments and predicted future market that further enlarge the promise of cultivating microalgae for commercial purposes are considered.

Anti-Fatigue Effect of a Dietary Supplement from the Fermented By-Products of Taiwan Tilapia Aquatic Waste and Monostroma nitidum Oligosaccharide Complex

The Taiwan Tilapia is an important aquaculture product in Taiwan. The aquatic by-products generated during Tilapia processing, such as fish bones and skin, are rich in minerals and protein. We aimed to explore the effect of a dietary supplement, comprising a mixture of fermented Tilapia by-products and Monostroma nitidum oligosaccharides as the raw materials, combined with physical training on exercise performance and fatigue. We used a mouse model that displays a phenotype of accelerated aging. Male senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice were divided into two control groups-with or without physical training-and supplemented with different doses (0.5 times: 412 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day; 1 time: 824 mg/kg BW/day; 2 times: 1648 mg/kg BW/day) of fermented Tilapia by-products and Monostroma nitidum oligosaccharide-containing mixture and combined with exercise training groups. Exercise performance was determined by testing forelimb grip strength and with a weight-bearing exhaustive swimming test. Animals were sacrificed to collect physical fatigue-related biomarkers. Mice dosed at 824 or 1648 mg/kg BW/day showed improvement in their exercise performance (p < 0.05). In terms of biochemical fatigue indicators, supplementation of 824 or 1648 mg/kg BW/day doses of test substances could effectively reduce blood urea nitrogen concentration and lactate concentration and increase the lactate ratio (p < 0.05) and liver glycogen content post-exercise (p < 0.05). Based on the above results, the combination of physical training and consumption of a dietary supplementation mixture of fermented Tilapia by-products and Monostroma nitidum oligosaccharides could improve the exercise performance of mice and help achieve an anti-fatigue effect.

CYP7A1, NPC1L1, ABCB1, and CD36 Polymorphisms Are Associated with Increased Serum Coenzyme Q10 after Long-Term Supplementation in Women

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), an essential component for energy production that exhibits antioxidant activity, is considered a health-supporting and antiaging supplement. However, intervention-controlled studies have provided variable results on CoQ₁₀ supplementation benefits, which may be attributed to individual CoQ₁₀ bioavailability differences. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and CoQ₁₀ serum levels after long-term supplementation. CoQ₁₀ levels at baseline and after one year of supplementation (150 mg) were determined, and eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cholesterol metabolism and CoQ₁₀ absorption, efflux, and cellular uptake related genes were assessed. Rs2032582 (ABCB1) and rs1761667 (CD36) were significantly associated with a higher increase in CoQ₁₀ levels in women. In addition, in women, rs3808607 (CYP7A1) and rs2072183 (NPC1L1) were significantly associated with a higher increase in CoQ₁₀ per total cholesterol levels. Subgroup analyses showed that these four SNPs were useful for classifying high- or low-responder to CoQ₁₀ bioavailability after long-term supplementation among women, but not in men. On the other hand, in men, no SNP was found to be significantly associated with increased serum CoQ₁₀. These results collectively provide novel evidence on the relationship between genetics and CoQ₁₀ bioavailability after long-term supplementation, which may help understand and assess CoQ₁₀ supplementation effects, at least in women.

Lactose-riched Mongolian mare's milk improves physical fatigue and exercise performance in mice

Fatigue may cause the efficiency of the organ in human body to decrease, which may affect the daily life and exercise performance of the general people and athletes. Mare's milk powder (MMP) is a lactose rich supplement. The research of the study is to evaluate the whether MMP has anti-fatigue effect. Forty male ICR mice were randomly divided into four group to receive vehicle or MMP by oral gavage at 0 (Vehicle), 0.27 (MMP-1X), 0.54 (MMP-2X), 1.35 (MMP-5X) g/kg/day for 14 days. The forelimb grip of the MMP-2X, and MMP-5X group were significantly higher than the vehicle group. The swim-to-exhaustion times of the MMP-1X, MMP-2X, and MMP-5X group were significantly greater than the vehicle group. Glycogen levels in liver and muscle were significantly larger in the MMP-1X, MMP-2X, and MMP-5X groups than the vehicle group. Receive MMP supplement for 14 days can promoting exercise performance and amelioration of exercise-induced fatigue.

Liposome/gold hybrid nanoparticle encoded with CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10) suppressed rheumatoid arthritis via STAT3/Th17 targeting

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Although CoQ10 has not been approved as medication by the Food and Drug Administration, it is widely used in dietary supplements. Some studies have shown that CoQ10 has anti-inflammatory effects on various autoimmune disorders. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of liposome/gold hybrid nanoparticles encoded with CoQ10 (LGNP-CoQ10). Both CoQ10 and LGNP-CoQ10 were administered orally to mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) for 10 weeks. The inflammation pathology of joint tissues of CIA mice was then analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O staining, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis. We obtained immunofluorescence staining images of spleen tissues using confocal microscopy. We found that pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased in LGNP-CoQ10 injected mice. Th17 cell and phosphorylated STAT3-expressed cell populations were also decreased in LGNP-CoQ10 injected mice. When human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with CoQ10 and LGNP-CoQ10, the IL-17 expression of PBMCs in the LGNP-CoQ10-treated group was significantly reduced. Together, these results suggest that LGNP-CoQ10 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Involvement of ammonia metabolism in the improvement of endurance performance by tea catechins in mice

Blood ammonia increases during exercise, and it has been suggested that this increase is both a central and peripheral fatigue factor. Although green tea catechins (GTCs) are known to improve exercise endurance by enhancing lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle, little is known about the relationship between ammonia metabolism and the endurance-improving effect of GTCs. Here, we examined how ammonia affects endurance capacity and how GTCs affect ammonia metabolism in vivo in mice and how GTCs affect mouse skeletal muscle and liver in vitro. In mice, blood ammonia concentration was significantly negatively correlated with exercise endurance capacity, and hyperammonaemia was found to decrease whole-body fat expenditure and fatty acid oxidation–related gene expression in skeletal muscle. Repeated ingestion of GTCs combined with regular exercise training improved endurance capacity and the expression of urea cycle–related genes in liver. In C2C12 myotubes, hyperammonaemia suppressed mitochondrial respiration; however, pre-incubation with GTCs rescued this suppression. Together, our results demonstrate that hyperammonaemia decreases both mitochondrial respiration in myotubes and whole-body aerobic metabolism. Thus, GTC-mediated increases in ammonia metabolism in liver and resistance to ammonia-induced suppression of mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle may underlie the endurance-improving effect of GTCs.