Coenzyme Q10: a review of its promise as a neuroprotectant.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that buffers the potential adverse consequences of free radicals produced during oxidative phosphorylation in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Oxidative stress, resulting in glutathione loss and oxidative DNA and protein damage, has been implicated in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Experimental studies in animal models suggest that CoQ10 may protect against neuronal damage that is produced by ischemia, atherosclerosis and toxic injury. Though most have tended to be pilot studies, there are published preliminary clinical trials showing that CoQ10 may offer promise in many brain disorders. For example, a 16-month randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial in 80 subjects with mild Parkinson's disease found significant benefits for oral CoQ10 1,200 mg/day to slow functional deterioration. However, to date, there are no published clinical trials of CoQ10 in Alzheimer's disease. Available data suggests that oral CoQ10 seems to be relatively safe and tolerated across the range of 300-2,400 mg/day. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm CoQ10's safety and promise as a clinically effective neuroprotectant.
Young
A Joyce
AJ
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27703, USA. young109@mc.duke.edu
Johnson
Stephanie
S
Steffens
David C
DC
Doraiswamy
P Murali
PM
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D003067:Coenzymes; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D003067:Coenzymes; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D014815:Vitamins; D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10