Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation and Its Impact on Exercise and Sport Performance in Humans: A Recovery or a Performance-Enhancing Molecule?

"Unlocking Athletic Potential: Exploring Exercise Physiology from Mechanisms to Performance". Acute antioxidant supplementation and performance - should this be considered

It is well known that a training intervention leads to mitochondrial adaptations with increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Studies have recently indicated that skeletal muscle mitochondrial function is important for athletic performance. During exercise reactive oxygen species are released from skeletal muscle potentially leading to adaptations but maybe also to fatigue. Focus has been on how chronic antioxidant supplementation affects a training adaptation, where some studies are reporting an abolished adaptation. Whether acute antioxidant supplementation could have a positive effect on fatigue and performance is interesting and highly relevant in sports where athletes are competing over several consecutive days or on the same day, with preliminary competitions in the morning and finals in the afternoon, where it is important for the athletes to recover fast. This review provides an overview of the effects of acute antioxidant supplementation and whether it leads to improved performance and/or faster recovery in humans.

Anti-oxidant activity of coenzyme Q10 against AlCl3/D-galactose in albino rat induced cognitive dysfunctions: Behavioral, biochemical, and BACE-1/GSK-3β alterations

The relationship between amyloid beta (Aβ) and oxidative stress (OS), both prominent factors in Alzheimer's disease-related neural degeneration, is deeply interconnected. The cleavage of the extracellular domain of Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and phosphorylating different substrates, respectively, the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1) and Glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK-3β) enzymes initiate the synthesis of Aβ, which causes cognitive deficits in AD. This study aimed to explore the protective potential of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It also sought to uncover any synergistic effects when combined with donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, in treating Alzheimer's disease in male albino rats, focusing on the modulation of the BACE-1/GSK-3β pathway. The experiment involved 70 rats categorized into different groups: control, donepezil alone, CoQ10 alone, AD-model, donepezil co-treatment, CoQ10 co-treatment, and CoQ10 + donepezil combination. Various assessments, such as cholinesterase activity, oxidative stress, serum iron profile, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Tau protein, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE-1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten), and Glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK-3β), were conducted on behavioral and biochemical aspects. CoQ10 treatment demonstrated memory improvement, enhanced locomotion, and increased neuronal differentiation, mainly through the inhibition of the dual BACE-1/GSK-3β. These findings were substantiated by histological and immunohistological examinations of the hippocampus.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Physical Performance in Older Adults with Statin-Associated Asthenia: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Available evidence from randomized clinical trials is contrasting and definitely inconclusive in determining whether or not CoQ10 dietary supplementation is advisable in patients with statin intolerance or poor statin tolerability. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study aimed at investigating the effect of chronic dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) phytosome on physical performance in older adults with a ≥3-month history of statin-associated asthenia. The study's participants were randomized to either a placebo or 300 mg daily CoQ10 phytosome (equivalent to 60 mg CoQ10; Ubiqsome®, Indena SpA, Milan, Italy). Asthenia, handgrip strength (HGs), 2-min step test (2MST), and 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) repetitions were assessed at baseline and at 8-week follow-up. Results: After the first 4 weeks of dietary supplementation, individuals taking CoQ10 phytosome showed a greater improvement in asthenia compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Even more significantly, at 8-week follow-up, participants receiving CoQ10 showed substantial improvements in asthenia (-30.0 ± 20.0%), HGS (+29.8 ± 3.6%), 2MST (+11.1 ± 1.8%), and 1-min STS repetitions (+36.4 ± 3.9%) compared to both baseline and placebo (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to our findings, chronic dietary supplementation with CoQ10 phytosome significantly enhances physical performance in older adults with statin-associated asthenia. This could have relevant implications for improving the compliance of older adults with statin treatment.

Circadian Rhythms, Chrononutrition, Physical Training, and Redox Homeostasis-Molecular Mechanisms in Human Health

A multitude of physiological processes, human behavioral patterns, and social interactions are intricately governed by the complex interplay between external circumstances and endogenous circadian rhythms. This multidimensional regulatory framework is susceptible to disruptions, and in contemporary society, there is a prevalent occurrence of misalignments between the circadian system and environmental cues, a phenomenon frequently associated with adverse health consequences. The onset of most prevalent current chronic diseases is intimately connected with alterations in human lifestyle practices under various facets, including the following: reduced physical activity, the exposure to artificial light, also acknowledged as light pollution, sedentary behavior coupled with consuming energy-dense nutriments, irregular eating frameworks, disruptions in sleep patterns (inadequate quality and duration), engagement in shift work, and the phenomenon known as social jetlag. The rapid evolution of contemporary life and domestic routines has significantly outpaced the rate of genetic adaptation. Consequently, the underlying circadian rhythms are exposed to multiple shifts, thereby elevating the susceptibility to disease predisposition. This comprehensive review endeavors to synthesize existing empirical evidence that substantiates the conceptual integration of the circadian clock, biochemical molecular homeostasis, oxidative stress, and the stimuli imparted by physical exercise, sleep, and nutrition.

Coenzyme Q10 for Enhancing Physical Activity and Extending the Human Life Cycle

BACKGROUND

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is an enzyme family that plays a crucial role in maintaining the electron transport chain and antioxidant defense. CoQ10 is the most common form of CoQ in humans. A deficiency of CoQ10 occurs naturally with aging and may contribute to the development or progression of many diseases. Besides, certain drugs, in particular, statins and bisphosphonates, interfere with the enzymes responsible for CoQ10 biosynthesis and, thus, lead to CoQ10 deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

This article aims to evaluate the cumulative studies and insights on the topic of CoQ10 functions in human health, focusing on a potential role in maintaining physical activity and extending the life cycle.

RESULTS

Although supplementation with CoQ10 offers many benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease, it appears to add little value to patients suffering from statin-associated muscular symptoms. This may be attributed to substantial heterogeneity in doses and treatment regimens used.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, there is a need for further studies involving a greater number of patients to clarify the benefits of adjuvant therapy with CoQ10 in a range of health conditions and diseases.

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

To summarize available evidence in the literature on the impacts of CoQ10 supplementation on metabolic, biochemical, and performance outcomes in athletes.

METHODS

Six databases, Cochrane Library (33 articles), PubMed (90 articles), Scopus (55 articles), Embase (60 articles), SPORTDiscus (1056 articles), and Science Direct (165 articles), were researched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for peer review independently as they were identified by June 2022. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357750).

RESULTS

Of the 1409 articles found, 16 were selected for this systematic review. After CoQ10 supplementation, a decrease in oxidative stress markers was observed, followed by higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, lower levels of liver damage markers (ALT); Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT) were identified. Finally, we found a reduction in fatigue indicators such as Creatine Kinase (CK) and an increase in anaerobic performance.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review concludes that supplementation with orally administered CoQ10 (30-300 mg) was able to potentiate plasma antioxidant activity and anaerobic performance, reducing markers linked to oxidative stress and liver damage in athletes from different modalities aged 17 years old and older.

Mutant SPART causes defects in mitochondrial protein import and bioenergetics reversed by Coenzyme Q

Pathogenic variants in SPART cause Troyer syndrome, characterized by lower extremity spasticity and weakness, short stature and cognitive impairment, and a severe mitochondrial impairment. Herein, we report the identification of a role of Spartin in nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. SPART biallelic missense variants were detected in a 5-year-old boy with short stature, developmental delay and muscle weakness with impaired walking distance. Patient-derived fibroblasts showed an altered mitochondrial network, decreased mitochondrial respiration, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and altered Ca²⁺ versus control cells. We investigated the mitochondrial import of nuclear-encoded proteins in these fibroblasts and in another cell model carrying a SPART loss-of-function mutation. In both cell models the mitochondrial import was impaired, leading to a significant decrease in different proteins, including two key enzymes involved in CoQ10 (CoQ) synthesis, COQ7 and COQ9, with a severe reduction in CoQ content, versus control cells. CoQ supplementation restored cellular ATP levels to the same extent shown by the re-expression of wild-type SPART, suggesting CoQ treatment as a promising therapeutic approach for patients carrying mutations in SPART.

Antioxidants and Sports Performance

The role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in training adaptations and sports performance has been a large issue investigated in the last few years. The present review aims to analyze the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant response in sports performance. For this aim, the production of reactive oxygen species in physical activities, the effect of reactive oxygen species on sports performance, the relationship between reactive oxygen species and training adaptations, inflammation, and the microbiota, the effect of antioxidants on recovery and sports performance, and strategies to use antioxidants supplementations will be discussed. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are discussed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during physical activity greatly influences sports performance. This review concludes that ROS play a critical role in the processes of training adaptation induced by resistance training through a reduction in inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, as well as appropriate molecular signaling. Additionally, it has been established that micronutrients play an important role in counteracting free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative stress, and the effects of antioxidants on recovery, sports performance, and strategies for using antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and curcumin to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C and glial fibrillary acidic protein signaling pathways as a selective biomarker in predicting the efficacy of liposomal loaded co-enzyme Q in the autistic rat model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an extreme neuropsychotic disturbance with both environmental and genetic origins. Sodium propionate (PPA) a metabolic bioproduct of gut microbiota is well-thought-out as a successful autism animal model. Nevertheless, Liposomal drug delivery system possess the advantagous of biocompatibility, targeting organs, ability to carry large drug payloads and skipping macrophages for this purpose the current study was carried out to investigate the hypothesis that Calcium Voltage-Gated channel subunit alpha 1 C (CACNA1C) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) signaling pathways crosstalk with the efficacy of Co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) and liposomal loaded Co-enzyme Q10 (L Co-Q10) in PPA mediated autistic rat model. Autism was conducted by buffered PPA (500 mg/Kg b.wt) daily for 5 consecutive days subsequently treatment via Co-Q10 in a dose of (10 mg/kg b.wt) and L Co-Q10 (2 mg/kg b.wt) for four weeks then the autistic model was followed for signs of autism at different time intervals of (one, two and four weeks). The control, PPA intoxicated, and treated groups were subjected to behavioral tests (Y-Maze and open field), antioxidant analysis, gene expression analysis, and histological examination at different time intervals of the study. The results revealed that Co-Q10 and L Co-Q10 significantly elevated antioxidative stress biomarkers, comprising superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, they significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, they significantly downregulated GFAP and CACNA1C mRNA gene expressions, Co-Q10 and LCo-Q10 showed improvement in almost brain regions post PPA histopathological alterations, even better results were manifested via LCo-Q10 groups. These results showed the superiority of LCo-Q10 over Co-Q10 in competing autism. In conclusion: The administration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents such as Co-Q10 and L Co-Q10 may represent a promising strategy to counteract pathological behaviors in ASD model via targeting organs, increasing retention time, and reducing side effects.