Is coenzyme Q a key factor in aging?
Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key component for bioenergetics and antioxidant protection in the cell. During the last years, research on diseases linked to Q-deficiency has highlighted the essential role of this lipid in cell physiology. Q levels are also affected during aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, therapies based on dietary supplementation with Q must be considered in cases of Q deficiency such as in aging. However, the low bioavailability of dietary Q for muscle and brain obligates to design new mechanisms to increase the uptake of this compound in these tissues. In the present review we show a complete picture of the different functions of Q in cell physiology and their relationship to age and age-related diseases. Furthermore, we describe the problems associated with dietary Q uptake and the mechanisms currently used to increase its uptake or even its biosynthesis in cells. Strategies to increase Q levels in tissues are indicated.
López-Lluch
Guillermo
G
Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), Universidad Pablo de Olavide, CIBERER-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera de Utrera, Km 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain.
Rodríguez-Aguilera
Juan Carlos
JC
Santos-Ocaña
Carlos
C
Navas
Plácido
P
D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001692:Biological Transport; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008055:Lipids / Q000494:pharmacology; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D008055:Lipids; D014451:Ubiquinone