Coenzyme Q homeostasis in aging: Response to non-genetic interventions

Free Radic Biol Med. 2021 Feb 20:164:285-302. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.01.024. Epub 2021 Jan 14.

Abstract

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a key component for many essential metabolic and antioxidant activities in cells in mitochondria and cell membranes. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of aging and age-related diseases. Deprivation of CoQ during aging can be the cause or the consequence of this mitochondrial dysfunction. In any case, it seems clear that aging-associated CoQ deprivation accelerates mitochondrial dysfunction in these diseases. Non-genetic prolongevity interventions, including CoQ dietary supplementation, can increase CoQ levels in mitochondria and cell membranes improving mitochondrial activity and delaying cell and tissue deterioration by oxidative damage. In this review, we discuss the importance of CoQ deprivation in aging and age-related diseases and the effect of prolongevity interventions on CoQ levels and synthesis and CoQ-dependent antioxidant activities.

Keywords: Age-related diseases; Aging; Calorie restriction; Coenzyme Q; Mitochondria; Oxidative damage; Polyphenols; Reactive oxygen species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Homeostasis
  • Mitochondria* / genetics
  • Ubiquinone*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Ubiquinone