Hormonal influence on coenzyme Q(10) levels in blood plasma

Abstract

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)), also known as ubiquinone for its presence in all body cells, is an essential part of the cell energy-producing system. However, it is also a powerful lipophilic antioxidant protecting lipoproteins and cell membranes. Due to these two actions, CoQ(10) is commonly used in clinical practice in chronic heart failure, male infertility, and neurodegenerative disease. However, it is also taken as an anti-aging substance by healthy people aiming for long-term neuroprotection and by sportsmen to improve endurance. Many hormones are known to be involved in body energy regulation, in terms of production, consumption and dissipation, and their influence on CoQ(10) body content or blood values may represent an important pathophysiological mechanism. We summarize the main findings of the literature about the link between hormonal systems and circulating CoQ(10) levels. In particular the role of thyroid hormones, directly involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, is discussed. There is also a link with gonadal and adrenal hormones, partially due to the common biosynthetic pathway with CoQ(10), but also to the increased oxidative stress found in hypogonadism and hypoadrenalism.

Keywords: antioxidants; coenzyme Q10; oxidative stress; pituitary; thyroid.

Figure 1

Chemical structure of Coenzyme Q₁₀, in its two redox forms.

Figure 2

Alteration of CoQ₁₀ levels in four “paradigmatic” endocrine disorders. The column on the right side refers to the pathophysiological phenomenon that if CoQ₁₀ is involved largely as an antioxidant, then its bioenergetical role may be impaired, and vice versa.

Figure 3

Effect of thyrostatic therapy on CoQ₁₀ levels. Adapted with permission from [5].