CoQ10 and Aging – A New Book

Professor Guillermo López-Lluch (left), editor of the book Coenzyme Q and Aging, 2020, published by Springer Nature. ISBN: 978-3030456412.

Coenzyme Q10 is important to our understanding of the progression of the aging process and to our understanding of aging-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and kidney diseases [López-Lluch 2020].

This is the message of a 369-page book entitled Coenzyme Q in Aging. The book is edited by Professor Guillermo López-Lluch, Pablo de Olavide University, Sevilla, Spain. It is dedicated to the memory of Professor Fred L. Crane (December 3, 1925 – August 11, 2016), who first discovered Coenzyme Q10, one of the most important molecules in humans [López-Lluch 2020].

The greater part of the CoQ10 in our bodies comes from our own bio-synthesis of the substance rather than from our diets. However, after we reach maturity as we advance in years, our cells produce less and less CoQ10 [Kalen 1989]. It is necessary to make up for the decline by taking a daily CoQ10 supplement [Judy 2018].

The Coenzyme Q and Aging book is organized into four sections:

• The Basics of CoQ10: focus on the main physiological functions of CoQ10.
• Coenzyme Q in Aging Studies: results from studies using invertebrate models, senescence-accelerated mice studies, and mammal studies investigating the influence of CoQ on longevity.
• Age-Related Diseases and CoQ10: mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, and immunosenescence.
• Prolongevity Effectors and CoQ10: research into slowing or stopping the aging process.

Why is CoQ10 Important in Aging?

• The oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10 – called ubiquinone – is a vital component of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria in our cells; the mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cells, generating ATP energy.
• The reduced form of Coenzyme Q10 – called ubiquinol – has an important role in the protection of cell membranes against oxidation; it is our only endogenous-synthesized lipid-soluble antioxidant.
• Coenzyme Q10 plays an active role in counteracting endothelial dysfunction [Littarru 2011].
• Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is association with significant reductions in the levels of known bio-markers for systemic inflammation [Farsi 2019]
• Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure [Rosenfeldt 2007].

CoQ10 Deficiency

In his introduction, Professor López-Lluch makes the point that primary deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 – the deficiency caused by breakdowns in the bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 – is associated with severe and lethal diseases [López-Lluch 2020].

Secondary CoQ10 deficiency – caused by mitochondria dysfunction – is associated with the deterioration of biological activities and with the loss of physical function during aging [López-Lluch 2020].

Therapeutic Levels of CoQ10

The cardiologist Dr. Peter Langsjoen writes that plasma CoQ10 concentrations need to be raised to 2.5 micrograms per milliliter or higher to achieve a therapeutic effect in heart disease and to 3.5 micrograms per milliliter or high for a therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases [Langsjoen 2014].

An excellent place to start reading up on Coenzyme Q10 is the 2018 book by long-time CoQ10 researcher, Dr. William Judy. The book is available from amazon.com. ISBN: 978-87-7776-186-7.

CoQ10 and the Symptoms of Aging

In 2018, Professors López-Lluch and Navas published an article about CoQ10 supplementation in aging and disease. They presented the available evidence that CoQ10 supplementation positively affects the symptoms of aging based mainly on improvements in cellular bio-energetics. Their article might be the best place for many readers to start [Hernández-Camacho 2018].

Sources

Farsi F, Heshmati J, Keshtkar A, et al. Can coenzyme Q10 supplementation effectively reduce human tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in chronic inflammatory diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2019;148:104290.

Hernández-Camacho JD, Bernier M, López-Lluch G, Navas P. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Aging and Disease. Front Physiol. 2018;9:44.

Judy WV. Coenzyme Q10: An Insider’s Guide. Ny Videnskab, 2018. ISBN: 978-87-7776-186-7.

Kalén A, Appelkvist EL, Dallner G. Age-related changes in the lipid compositions of rat and human tissues. Lipids. 1989;24(7):579-584.

Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2014;3(1):13-17.

Littarru GP, Lambrechts P. Coenzyme Q10: multiple benefits in one ingredient. OCL. 2011a;18(2):76-82.

Littarru GP, Tiano L, Belardinelli R, Watts GF. Coenzyme Q10, endothelial function, and cardiovascular disease. Biofactors. 2011b;37(5):366-373.

López-Lluch G, Del Pozo-Cruz J, Sánchez-Cuesta A, Cortés-Rodríguez AB, Navas P. Bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 supplements depends on carrier lipids and solubilization. Nutrition. 2019;57:133-140.

López-Lluch G., ed. Coenzyme Q and Aging. Springer Nature, 2020. ISBN: 978-3030456412.

Rosenfeldt FL, Haas SJ, Krum H, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens. 2007;21(4):297-306.

The information presented in this review article is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as such.

31 October 2020