Coenzyme Q treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of aging.
The etiology of several neurodegenerative disorders is thought to involve impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) acts both as an antioxidant and as an electron acceptor at the level of the mitochondria. In several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease, CoQ10 has shown beneficial effects. Based on its biochemical properties and the effects in animal models, several clinical trials evaluating CoQ10 have been undertaken in many neurodegenerative diseases. CoQ10 appears to be safe and well tolerated, and several efficacy trials are planned.
Galpern
Wendy R
WR
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 2225, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. galpernw@ninds.nih.gov
Cudkowicz
Merit E
ME
D000375:Aging; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014451:Ubiquinone