Co-enzyme Q10

Abstract

Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipid soluble chemical ubiquitous to all cell membranes. It was first isolated in beef heart mitochondria in 1957. It plays a crucial role in energy production within cells. Low levels of CoQ10 in diseases such as maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD), Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, statin-related myopathy and myotonic dystrophy have led to postulation that the repletion of CoQ10 could improve mitochondrial respiration and cellular function leading to appreciable clinical improvement. The importance of CoQ10 as an antioxidant and its high concentration in highly differentiated cells such as those in endocrine and cardiac tissues have led to a belief that it may be a beneficial supplement in hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.