Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a quinone that is found throughout the human body in cell membranes, primarily in mitochondrial membranes, with the highest levels in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It exists in three redox states: fully oxidized (CoQ10/ubiquinone), partially reduced (semiquinone or ubisemiquinone), and fully reduced (ubiquinol; ). CoQ10 acts as an electron shuttle in the electron transport chain via its reduction to ubiquinol between mitochondrial complexes I and II, also known as NADH dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase, respectively, and mitochondrial complex III, also known as cytochrome bc1 complex. CoQ10 is also reduced to ubiquinol by ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) with NADPH as a cofactor, and ubiquinol traps lipid peroxyl radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation helping to prevent ferroptosis. Mutations in genes encoding enzymes involved in CoQ10 biosynthesis lead to primary CoQ10 deficiency, which is characterized by encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, infantile multisystemic form, nephropathy, and isolated myopathy. Secondary CoQ10 deficiency, induced by non-genetic impaired CoQ10 biosynthesis, insufficient CoQ10 intake, or excessive CoQ10 utilization, has been observed in a variety of conditions, including ataxia-oculomotor-apraxia 1 (AOA1), mitochondrial diseases, and hypercholesteremia with statin therapy. Formulations containing CoQ10 have been used in the treatment of CoQ10 deficiency.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring quinone found throughout the body in cell membranes, primarily in mitochondrial membranes, with highest concentrations in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It is a component of the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP. In its reduced form, CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, preventing the formation of reactive oxygen species. CoQ10 deficiencies have been associated with heart failure, hypertension, parkinsonism, mitochondrial encephalomyopathies, and other chronic diseases.[Cayman Chemical]
