Med. Weter. 68 (4), 214-217, 2012
full text
| Janicki B., Buzała M. |
| Role of coenzyme Q10 in humans and animals |
| Coenzyme Q10 may occur in the form of hydrogen peroxide-ubiquinone (CoQ10), an intermediate – semiquinone radical (CoQ10H˙), and reduced – ubiquinol (CoQ10H2). It is present mainly in the mitochondria of all cells, where it forms part of the respiratory chain (the primary element responsible for the energy metabolism of the cell). Acting as a conveyor of electrons in the respiratory chain, it is involved in the biosynthesis of ATP. In providing for the uncoupling protein of protons from fatty acids, it is involved in the process of thermogenesis. Moreover, coenzyme Q10 can act synergistically with α–tocopherol in the regeneration of its active form. As the only antioxidant synthesized exogenously it has a positive effect on the state of biological membranes, protecting them from free radicals and the lipid peroxidation process. In addition, it prevents endothelial dysfunction and has a direct stabilizing effect on cell membranes. The use of statins in reducing serum lipids and cholesterol in the body or the anthracyclines in the treatment of cancer can cause a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 in the body. |
| Keywords: coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, ubiquinol, oxidative phosphorylation |