bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A metabolic approach to the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in BIO T0–2 cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters
Authors: Mancinelli Rino , Vargiu Romina , Cappai Antonello , Floris Giuseppe , Fraschini Matteo , Faa Gavino 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMechanisms underlying dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are poorly understood and effective therapy is still unavailable. The aim of this study was to examine the heart ultrastructure and dynamic of BIO T0–2 cardiomyopathic hamsters, an animal model of DCM, and to study in these animals, the effects of a co‐formulation (HS12607) of propionyl‐L‐carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and omega‐3 fatty acids on cardiac mechanical parameters. Sarcomere length, Frank‐Starling mechanism and force‐frequency relations were studied on isolated ventricular papillary muscle from age‐matched BIO F1B normal Syrian hamsters, BIO T0–2 control and BIO T0–2 HS12607‐treated cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters. At the optimum length to maximum active force, electron microscopy of left ventricular papillary muscle revealed that seven out of ten muscles studied showed shorter sarcomeres (1.20 ± 0.29μm), and the remaining three showed longer sarcomeres (2.80 ± 0.13μm), compared to those of normal hamsters (2.05± 0.06μm, n=10). Severe alterations of the Frank‐Starling mechanism, force‐frequency relations and derivative parameters of contractile waves were also observed in vitro in the BIO T0–2 control hamsters. Long‐term (8 weeks) treatment with HS12607 prevented alterations in sarcomere length in the BIO T0–2 cardiomyopathic hamsters; the Frank‐Starling mechanism and force‐frequency relations were also significantly (P<0.05) improved in these hamsters. Therefore results of the present study strongly suggest the need for clinical studies on metabolic therapeutic intervention in the effort to stop the progression of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Coenzyme Q10 improves contractility of dysfunctional myocardium in chronic heart failure
Authors: Belardinelli Romualdo , Muçaj Andi , Lacalaprice Francesca , Solenghi Maridia , Principi Federica , Tiano Luca , Littarru Gian Paolo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: There is evidence that plasma CoQ10 levels decrease in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF).Objective: To investigate whether oral CoQ10 supplementation could improve cardiocirculatory efficiency in patients with CHF.Methods: We studied 21 patients in NYHA class II and III (18M, 3W, mean age 59 ±9 years) with stable CHF secondary to ischemic heart disease (ejection fraction 37 ± 7%), using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over design. Patients were assigned to oral CoQ10 (100 mg tid) and to placebo for 4 weeks, respectively.Results: CoQ10 supplementation resulted in a threefold increase in plasma CoQ10 level (P<0.0001 vs placebo). Systolic wall thickening score index (SWTI) was improved both at rest and peak dobutamine stress echo after CoQ10 supplementation (+12.1 and 15.6%, respectively, P<0.05 vs placebo). Left ventricular ejection fraction improved significantly also at peak dobutamine (15% from study entry P<0.0001) in relation to a decrease in LV end‐systolic volume index (from 57 ± 7 mL/m2 to 45 mL/m2, P<0.001). Improvement in the contractile response was more evident among initially akinetic (+33%) and hypokinetic (+25%) segments than dyskinetic ones (+6%). Improvement in SWTI was correlated with changes in plasma CoQ10 levels (r=−0.52, P<0.005). Peak VO2 was also improved after CoQ10 as compared with placebo (+13%, <0.005). No side effects were reported with CoQ10.Conclusions: Oral CoQ10 improves LV contractility in CHF without any side effects. This improvement is associated with an enhanced functional capacity.
Treatment of statin adverse effects with supplemental Coenzyme Q10 and statin drug discontinuation
Authors: Langsjoen Peter H. , Langsjoen Jens O. , Langsjoen Alena M. , Lucas Lindsay A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFifty consecutive new cardiology clinic patients who were on statin drug therapy (for an average of 28 months) on their initial visit were evaluated for possible adverse statin effects (myalgia, fatigue, dyspnea, memory loss, and peripheral neuropathy). All patients discontinued statin therapy due to side effects and began supplemental CoQ10 at an average of 240 mg/day upon initial visit. Patients have been followed for an average of 22 months with 84% of the patients followed now for more than 12 months. The prevalence of patient symptoms on initial visit and on most recent follow‐up demonstrated a decrease in fatigue from 84% to 16%, myalgia from 64% to 6%, dyspnea from 58% to 12%, memory loss from 8% to 4% and peripheral neuropathy from 10% to 2%. There were two deaths from lung cancer and one death from aortic stenosis with no strokes or myocardial infarctions. Measurements of heart function either improved or remained stable in the majority of patients. We conclude that statin‐related side effects, including statin cardiomyopathy, are far more common than previously published and are reversible with the combination of statin discontinuation and supplemental CoQ10. We saw no adverse consequences from statin discontinuation.
Coenzyme Q10 is increased in placenta and cord blood during preeclampsia
Authors: Teran Enrique , Vivero Sandra , Racines‐Orbe Marcia , Castellanos Alberto , Chuncha Galo , Enriquez Galo , Moya Walter 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPreeclampsia is a common (∼7% of all pregnancies) disorder of pregnancy in which the normal hemodynamic response to pregnancy is compromised. Despite many years of intensive research, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is still not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in placental tissue compared to maternal and umbilical cord levels both during normal pregnancy and in those complicated with preeclampsia. Pregnant women (n=30) and women with preeclampsia (n=30) were included. Maternal, newborn cord blood levels and placental content of coenzyme Q10 were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma coenzyme Q10 levels were significantly higher in normal pregnant women than in women with preeclampsia. CoQ10content in placenta from women with preeclampsia (mean 0.28 SEM 0.11 nmol/mg protein) was significantly higher compared to normal pregnancy (mean 0.09 SEM 0.01 nmol/mg protein; p=0.05). Levels of CoQ10 in cord blood from normal pregnant women (mean 0.30 SEM 0.05μmol/l) were significantly lower than in preeclamptic women (mean 4.03 SEM 2.38μmol/l). In conclusion, these data indicate a possible involvement of CoQ10 in preeclampsia that might bear deep physiopathological significance and deserve to be further elucidated.
Placental CoQ10 levels in HELLP syndrome
Authors: Giannubilo Stefano R. , Tranquilli Andrea L. , Santolini Cristina , Prinicipi Federica , Mancinelli Romina , Littarru Gian Paolo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOxidative stress is considered a key factor in HELLP syndrome, a severe complication of preeclampsia in pregnancy. In the present study we analysed the content of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fundamental component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and recognized lipophilic antioxidant, in placentas from women affected by HELLP syndrome and compared them with the relative controls.Twenty‐eight patients with HELLP syndrome and twenty‐eight age‐matched healthy pregnant controls were enrolled. Two aliquots of placental tissue were taken immediately after delivery and placed into liquid nitrogen. Thawed samples were homogenised by Ultra‐Turrax; total protein and CoQ10 concentration were thereafter analysed. CoQ10 concentration was 0.162 ± 0.07μg/mg protein in HELLP syndrome versus 0.87 ± 0.003μg/mg protein in controls, the difference being highly significant. A positive correlation, within the placentas from HELLP, was found between the weight of the new‐born and CoQ10 /protein ratio. A significant positive correlation was also present between CoQ10/protein ratio and Apgar at 1st and 5th minute as well as between CoQ10/protein ratio and the median cerebral artery pulsatility index. The increase in placental CoQ10 in this syndrome might derive from a compensatory mechanism in a situation of increased oxidative stress.
An update of Coenzyme Q10 implications in male infertility: Biochemical and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Mancini A. , De Marinis L. , Littarru G. P. , Balercia G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q10 in male infertility in the light of a broader issue of oxidative damage and antioxidant defence in sperm cells and seminal plasma. Reactive oxygen species play a key pathogenetic role in male infertility besides having a well‐recognized physiological function. The deep involvement of coenzyme Q10 in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties are at the basis of its role in seminal fluid. Following the early studies addressing its presence in sperm cells and seminal plasma, the relative distribution of the quinone between these two compartments was studied in infertile men, with special attention to varicocele. The reduction state of CoQ10 in seminal fluid was also investigated.After the first in vitro experiments CoQ10 was administered to a group of idiopathic asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Seminal analysis showed a significant increase of CoQ10 both in seminal plasma and in sperm cells, together with an improvement in sperm motility.The increased concentration of CoQ10 in seminal plasma and sperm cells, the improvement of semen kinetic features after treatment, and the evidence of a direct correlation between CoQ10 concentrations and sperm motility strongly support a cause/effect relationship.From a general point of view, a deeper knowledge of these molecular mechanisms could lead to a new insight into the so‐called unexplained infertility.
CoQ10 supplementation elevates the epidermal CoQ10 level in adult hairless mice
Authors: Ashida Yutaka , Yamanishi Haruyo , Terada Takatomo , Oota Norihito , Sekine Kyoichi , Watabe Kazuo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe have already shown that prolonged supplementation of CoQ10 in humans reduces the wrinkle area rate and wrinkle volume per unit area in the corner of the eye. CoQ10 supplementation is known to increase the CoQ10 level in serum and in many organs; however, the level of CoQ10 in skin has not yet been fully investigated yet. We examined whether CoQ10 intake elevates the CoQ10 and CoQ9 levels in epidermis, dermis, serum and other organs (kidney, heart, brain, muscle and crystalline lens) in 43‐week‐old hairless male mice. We also established a method using a high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with an electrochemical detector (HPLC‐ECD) to simultaneously quantify CoQ9 and CoQ10 in the tissues. CoQ10 (0, 1, 100 mg/kg p.o.) was administered daily for 2 weeks. CoQ10 supplementation of 100 mg/kg increased the serum and epidermal CoQ10 levels significantly, but did not increase the CoQ10 levels in either dermis or other organs. In conclusion, we showed that CoQ10 intake elevates the epidermal CoQ10 level, which may be a prerequisite to the reduction of wrinkles and other benefits related to the potent antioxidant and energizing effects of CoQ10 in skin.
Stimulation of skin's energy metabolism provides multiple benefits for mature human skin
Authors: Blatt T. , Lenz H. , Koop U. , Jaspers S. , Weber T. , Mummert C. , Wittern K.‐P. , Stäb F. , Wenck H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAs an organism ages, there is a decline in mitochondrial function and cellular energy balance. This decline is both accelerated by and can cause the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, lipid membranes as well as structural and catalytic proteins, especially those involved in energetic pathways of cells. Further, ROS have also been linked to some of the detrimental skin changes that occur as a result of photoaging.We have previously shown that levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a component of the respiratory chain in mitochondria, are reduced in skin cells from aging donors, and that topical supplementation can ameliorate processes involved in skin aging.Creatine is another important component of the cellular energy system and phosphocreatine, its phosphorylated form, functions as a reservoir for high energy phosphates. Unfortunately the creatine system and thus the energy storage mechanism in skin are negatively affected by aging and conditions of oxidative stress.This article reviews some of our in vivo data about the synergistic effects of combining a stabilized form of Creatine with CoQ10 and clearly depicts their beneficial effects as active ingredients in topical formulations.
Assessment of DNA damage in Down Syndrome patients by means of a new, optimised single cell gel electrophoresis technique
Authors: Tiano Luca , Littarru Gian Paolo , Principi Federica , Orlandi Marco , Santoro Lucia , Carnevali Paola , Gabrielli Orazio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSingle cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), also known as comet assay is a widely used method to detect DNA damage. Its use is nonetheless subjected to some pitfalls, due to differences in experimental set‐up, to operator‐dependent variability and to quantification of the comets, which is usually accomplished by visual scoring or by image‐analysis software. Biological variability in the extent of DNA damage must be taken into account particularly regarding in vivo studies. In the present paper we propose an improved methodology where major features are: a) cryopreservation of lymphocytes collected at different time points and simultaneous analysis in a single run; b) use of an internal control on each slide; c) development of a custom‐made software with semi ‐ automated image analysis in order to overcome operator dependent variability. Cryopreservation was accomplished by storing lymphocytes in liquid nitrogen in a solution commonly used for preserving vital cells to be reinfused. We found that this procedure did not alter DNA after 2 and 4 months of storage. The use of quality control from a batch of aliquoted lymphocytes from a healthy donor on each slide, enabled to highlight possible experimental anomalies as well as verify inter‐experimental variability. Moreover, by using a newly developed software able to automatically recognise comets we minimised operator‐dependent variability in the scoring process. This improved methodology is proposed for longitudinal in vivo studies and in the present work its application made it possible to assess a significant increase of DNA in pediatric Down Syndrome patients compared to healthy controls of the same age.
Coenzyme Q10 evaluation in pituitary‐adrenal axis disease: Preliminary data
Authors: Mancini A. , Bianchi A. , Fusco A. , Sacco E. , Leone E. , Tilaro L. , Porcelli T. , Giampietro A. , Principi F. , De Marinis L. , Littarru G.P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn previous works we have demonstrated plasma CoQ10 alterations in pituitary diseases, such as acromegaly or secondary hypothyroidism. However, pituitary lesions can induce complex clinical pictures due to alterations of different endocrine axes controlled by pituitary itself. A further rationale for studying CoQ10 in pituitary‐adrenal diseases is related to the common biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol and ubiquinone. We have therefore assayed plasma CoQ10 levels in different conditions with increased or defective activity of pituitary‐adrenal axis (3 subjects with ACTH‐dependent adrenal hyperplasia, 2 cases of Cushing's disease and 1 case of 17‐α‐hydroxylase deficiency; 10 subjects with secondary hypoadrenalism, including three subjects with also secondary hypothyroidism). CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in isolated hypoadrenalism than in patients with adrenal hyperplasia and multiple pituitary deficiencies (mean ± SEM: 0.57 ± 0.04 vs 1.08 ± 0.08 and 1.10 ± 0.11 μg/ml, respectively); when corrected for cholesterol levels, the same trend was observed, but did not reach statistical significance. These preliminary data indicate that secretion of adrenal hormones is in some way related to CoQ10 levels, both in augmented and reduced conditions. However, since thyroid hormones have an important role in modulating CoQ10 levels and metabolism, when coexistent, thyroid deficiency seems to play a prevalent role in comparison with adrenal deficiency.
Relationships between plasma CoQ10 levels and thyroid hormones in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mancini A. , Corbo G. M. , Gaballo A. , Valente S. , Gigliotti P. , Cimino V. , De Marinis L. , Principi F. , Littarru G.P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and thyroid hormones; in fact, CoQ10 levels in hyperthyroid patients were found among the lowest detected in human diseases. On the contrary, CoQ10 is elevated in hypothyroid subjects, also in subclinical conditions, suggesting the usefulness of this index in assessing metabolic status in thyroid disorders. On the other hand, a low‐T3 syndrome, due to reduced peripheral conversion from the prohormone T4, is observed in different chronic diseases: this condition is considered an adaptation mechanism, usually not to be corrected by replacement therapy.In order to perform a metabolic evaluation, we have studied a group of 15 patients, aged 69–82 ys, affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), comparing respiratory indexes, thyroid hormones and CoQ10 levels (also normalized with cholesterol levels) in patients with low (group A) or normal (group B) free‐T3 (FT3) concentrations. We found that CoQ10 levels were significantly higher in patients of group A than in B (0.91± 0.03 vs 0.7 ± 0.04 μg/ml respectively); the same difference was observed when comparing the ratios between CoQ10/cholesterol in the two groups (200.16 ± 8.96 vs 161.08 ± 7.03 nmol/mmol respectively).These preliminary data seem to indicate that low T3 levels are accompanied by metabolic indexes of a true hypothyroidism in COPD patients. Whether this datum supports the need to perform a replacement therapy in such a condition requires further studies.
Estimation of plasma and saliva levels of coenzyme Q10 and influence of oral supplementation
Authors: Sekine K. , Ota N. , Nishii M. , Uetake T. , Shimadzu M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in human saliva were measured by HPLC with a highly sensitive electrochemical detector (ECD) and a special concentration column. This HPLC system showed satisfactory analytical results within the standard range of 0.78–50 ng/ml. We also found a significant correlation between CoQ10 levels in plasma and in saliva from parotid glands, while this correlation was lacking between plasma CoQ10 and CoQ10 in whole saliva. Unlike in plasma, there are some fluctuations of saliva CoQ10 levels throughout the day. A good correlation was obtained by colleting parotid gland saliva at times between meals. The mean saliva CoQ10 level for 55 healthy volunteers was 17.0 ng/ml (S.D. 6.8 ng/ml); approximately one fiftieth of that in plasma.Regarding the influence of oral supplementation, CoQ10 was analyzed in plasma and parotid gland saliva from 20 healthy volunteers supplemented daily with 100 mg of CoQ10 for the first week and 200 mg for the second. The plasma CoQ10 levels of all volunteers increased to different extents in accordance with the CoQ10 daily intake and the corresponding change in saliva showed almost the same trend.
Antioxidant status (CoQ10 and Vit. E levels) and immunohistochemical analysis of soft tissues in periodontal diseases
Authors: Battino Maurizio , Bompadre Stefano , Politi Alessia , Fioroni Massimiliano , Rubini Corrado , Bullon Pedro 
Published: December 2008

AbstractReactive oxygen species and antioxidant status in periodontal diseases and periodontal‐related pathologies is an item of growing interest. Immunohistochemical approach may be usefully employed in the study of soft tissues affected by periodontal disease, giving valuable information on tissue morphology and vascular proliferation that depends directly on the inflammatory state.In order to study CoQ10 and vitamin E content in healthy gingiva and in gingivitis a new adaptation to previously published methods for their determination was adopted.During gingivitis tissue displayed a large inflammatory infiltration in the lamina propria and a VEGF positive squamous epithelium. The inflammatory infiltration consisted mainly of lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils. Vitamin E dramatically decreased and CoQ10 remained unchanged despite the increased amount of cells present in the periodontally affected tissues, indicating that continuous oxidative stress which occurred in these structure affected the antioxidant pattern of the tissue.
Effect on absorption and oxidative stress of different oral Coenzyme Q10dosages and intake strategy in healthy men
Authors: Singh R. B. , Niaz M. A. , Kumar Adarsh , Sindberg C. D. , Moesgaard S. , Littarru G. P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroduction: The effect of various dosages and dose strategies of oral coenzyme Q10(Q10) administration on serum Q10concentration and bioequivalence of various formulations are not fully known.Subjects and Methods: In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial 60 healthy men, aged 18–55 years, were supplemented with various dosages and dose strategies of coenzyme Q10soft oil capsules (Myoqinon 100 mg, Pharma Nord, Denmark) or crystalline 100 mg Q10powder capsules or placebo. After 20 days blood levels were compared and oxidative load parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were monitored to evaluate bioequivalence. All the subjects were advised to take the capsules with meals. Blood samples were collected after 12 hours of overnight fasting at baseline and after 20 days of Q10administration. Compliance was evaluated by counting the number of capsules returned by the subjects after the trial.Results: Compliance by capsule counting was >90%. Side effects were negligible. Serum concentrations of Q10(average for groups) increased significantly 3–10 fold in the intervention groups compared with the placebo group. Serum response was improved with a divided dose strategy.TBARS and MDA were in the normal ranges at baseline. After 20 days intervention in the 200 mg group TBARS and MDA decreased, but the decrease was only significant for MDA (Fig. 2).Conclusions: All supplementations increased serum levels of Q10. Q10dissolved in an oil matrix was more effective than the same amount of crystalline Q10in raising Q10serum levels. 200 mg of oil/soft gel formulation of Q10caused a larger increase in Q10serum levels than did 100 mg. Divided dosages (2 × 100 mg) of Q10caused a larger increase in serum levels of Q10than a single dose of 200 mg. Supplementation was associated with decreased oxidative stress as measured by MDA‐levels. Indians appear to have low baseline serum coenzyme Q10levels which may be due to vegetarian diets. Further studies in larger number of subjects would be necessary to confirm our findings.