Science Letters

Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Potential of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) and its Analogues

Abdul Azeez Alsharif 1, Asem F. Ghanim 2, M. Altamimi 3, Salim Jeddo 4, Ameer Ziad Alsharif 3, Haytham I. Awad 5, Yulduzoy Sanginmurodova 6, Chen Li 6, Yi Jing Guo 1*

1 Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, PR China

2 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States

3 Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

4 Department of Orthopedic, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Street, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China

5 Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China

6 Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Affiliated Jiangsu Provincial TCM Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, PR China

Abstract

Many neurodegenerative diseases share the same pathophysiology and etiologies, this led us to search for a product that may fit in the treatment of most of diseases, including neurological, cardiovascular, cancers, etc. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural product found in many kinds of beings like fish, beef, organ meat (liver, heart), whole grains, etc. Many studies on different animal models have concluded that coenzyme Q10 has neuroprotective effects against neurological disorders, improves mitochondrial functions, prevents oxidative stress and cellular death, stimulates cell growth, inhibits inflammation, and enhances neurogenesis. In addition, it decreases cerebral infarct size, inhibits platelet aggregation and blood thrombosis, and improves endothelial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 has important roles in different body systems ranging from cardioprotection, hepatoprotection, gastroprotection and nephroprotection to a documented function in slowing the aging processes. This article aims to summarize and discuss up-to-date experimental findings related to the mechanisms by which coenzyme Q10 and its analogs assist in treatment and thus improvement of many conditions in animals and human.