CoQ10 Studied for Brain Health

Recently published research indicates that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) reduces oxidative stress and protein deposition in the brain, which impacts cognitive function. CoQ10 is an antioxidant that is required for the synthesis of cellular energy.

Mice genetically predisposed to develop abnormal protein deposition in the brain were treated with CoQ10. Deposition of proteins around nerve cells in the brain form tangles of fibers and disrupt normal nerve cell communication. The mice were evaluated for cognitive performance and protein carbonyls in the brain, which is a marker of oxidative stress. The mice were also assessed for amount of protein deposition in the brain, and levels of the A-beta-42 peptide (short-protein), which is the protein fragment that affects nerve cell communication and viability. Additionally, the amount of amyloid beta precursor protein beta-carboxy terminal fragments was measured, which is a protein fragment created from processing of the A-beta peptide from the amyloid beta precursor protein.

The study showed that CoQ10 administration reduced protein carbonyls in the brain. CoQ10 administration also reduced A-beta-42 plaque number and area in the hippocampus and cortex of the brain. Amyloid-beta protein precursor beta-carboxy terminal fragments were also reduced. Furthermore, the mice showed enhanced performance on cognitive tests with CoQ10 administration.

The study authors concluded that CoQ10 supports cognition and reduces abnormal protein deposit formation in mice that results in suboptimal nerve cell communication and function.

Reference:

Dumont M, Kipiani K, Yu F, Wille E, Katz M, Calingasan NY, Gouras GK, Lin MT, Beal MF. Coenzyme Q10 Decreases Amyloid Pathology and Improves Behavior in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011 Jul 28. Published Online Ahead of Print.