Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial respiratory
chain which is the cell power supply. CoQ10 serves as a physiological
electron (e-) shuttle from complexes I and II to complex III, as well as
a potent antioxidant. Neurons are characterized by high rates of
metabolic activity and need to respond promptly to activity-dependent
fluctuations in bioenergetic demand. Consequently, it is not surprising
that mitochondrial alterations can promote neuronal dysfunction and
degeneration. In several neurological disorders, dysfunction of the
respiratory chain leads to reduced ATP levels and increased generation
of reactive oxygen species. CoQ10 supplementation has been widely used
to treat aging, stroke, neuromuscular diseases, Parkinson's disease,
Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, autosomal recessive
cerebellar ataxias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's
disease. Here we discuss a large number of preclinical and clinical
trials for CoQ10. The mechanisms underlying the disease-modifying
effects of CoQ10 are the principle subject of the current integrative
review. The rational applications as a therapeutic agent in neurological
disorders are discussed.
Reference: Salama M, Yuan TF, Machado S, Murillo-Rodríguez E, Vega JA, Menéndez-González M, Nardi AE, Arias-Carrión O. Co-Enzyme Q10 to Treat Neurological Disorders: Basic Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes, and Future Research Direction. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2013 (Abstract)