title: Recent progress in studies on the health benefits of pyrroloquinoline quinone.
abstract: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), an aromatic tricyclic o-quinone, was identified initially as a redox cofactor for bacterial dehydrogenases. Although PQQ is not biosynthesized in mammals, trace amounts of PQQ have been found in human and rat tissues because of its wide distribution in dietary sources. Importantly, nutritional studies in rodents have revealed that PQQ deficiency exhibits diverse systemic responses, including growth impairment, immune dysfunction, and abnormal reproductive performance. Although PQQ is not currently classified as a vitamin, PQQ has been implicated as an important nutrient in mammals. In recent years, PQQ has been receiving much attention owing to its physiological importance and pharmacological effects. In this article, we review the potential health benefits of PQQ with a focus on its growth-promoting activity, anti-diabetic effect, anti-oxidative action, and neuroprotective function. Additionally, we provide an update of its basic pharmacokinetics and safety information in oral ingestion.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Biological Chemistry, Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences , Osaka Prefecture University , Naka-ku , Sakai , Japan.
authors.forename: Mitsugu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akagawa
authors.affiliation: b Niigata Research Laboratory , Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc. , Niigata , Japan.
authors.forename: Masahiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.affiliation: b Niigata Research Laboratory , Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc. , Niigata , Japan.
authors.forename: Kazuto
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ikemoto
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007328:Insulin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D045542:PQQ Cofactor / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D054562:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011972:Receptor, Insulin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D045542:PQQ Cofactor; D011972:Receptor, Insulin; C516607:PTPN1 protein, human; D054562:Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1; D005947:Glucose
keywords: anti-diabetes; anti-oxidant; neuroprotection; pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ); redox cofactor