Coenzyme Q10 in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic disease is a chronic disease that predominantly affects the elderly and is the most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is closely related to processes such as abnormal lipid transport and metabolism, impaired endothelial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a key component of complex Ⅰ in the electron transport chain and an important endogenous antioxidant that may play a role in decelerating the progression of atherosclerosis. Here, the different forms of CoQ10 presence in the electron transport chain are reviewed, as well as its physiological role in regulating processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, lipid metabolism and cellular autophagy. It was also found that CoQ10 plays beneficial effects in atherosclerosis by mitigating lipid transportation, endothelial inflammation, metabolic abnormalities, and thrombotic processes from the perspectives of molecular mechanisms, animal experiments, and clinical evidence. Besides, the combined use of CoQ10 with other drugs has better synergistic therapeutic effects. It seems reasonable to suggest that CoQ10 could be used in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases while more basic and clinical studies are needed.

The role of CoQ10 in embryonic development.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural component widely present in the inner membrane of mitochondria. CoQ10 functions as a key cofactor for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and exhibits antioxidant properties in vivo. Mitochondria, as the energy supply center of cells, play a crucial role in germ cell maturation and embryonic development, a complicated process of cell division and cellular differentiation that transforms from a single cell (zygote) to a multicellular organism (fetus). Here, we discuss the effects of CoQ10 on oocyte maturation and the important role of CoQ10 in the growth of various organs during different stages of fetal development. These allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of embryonic development and the potential role of CoQ10 in improving fertility quality. They also provide a reference for further developing its application in clinical treatments.