Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): Its impact on human health and potential benefits: PQQ: Human health impacts and benefits

Abstract

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is a redox-active quinone molecule with significant implications for human health. Originally identified as a bacterial cofactor, PQQ has since been lauded for its diverse biological and therapeutic activities. It serves as an essential cofactor for oxidative enzymes that are vital for mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis. PQQ exhibits superior antioxidant properties that protect against ROS-mediated oxidative stress, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, certain cancers, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It also enhances cognitive abilities and reduces insulin sensitivity. PQQ's antioxidant nature helps mitigate oxidative stress, which is implicated in many diseases. It has been shown to target cancer cells selectively, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Clinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of PQQ supplementation, including improvements in cardiovascular health, cognitive function, weight management, insulin sensitivity, and the prevention of metabolic syndromes. The safety of PQQ has been established, with no reported toxicity or genotoxicity in various studies, and it is considered a safe nutritional supplement. Future research directions should focus on determining the optimal dosages of PQQ for specific health outcomes and assessing its long-term effectiveness and safety. The translation of PQQ research into clinical practice could offer new strategies for managing metabolic disorders, enhancing cognitive health, and potentially extending lifespan. In summary, PQQ is a promising molecule with broad potential health benefits, impacting human health from cellular metabolism to disease prevention and treatment, positioning it as a key player in nutritional science and public health.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Cardiovascular health; Cellular metabolism; Metabolic disorders; Neuroprotection; Pyrroloquinoline quinone.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Naturally sourced PQQ as cofactor enhance human health via multiple physiological processes. By regulating numerous cellular signaling metabolic pathways help reduce fat deposits to lessen the chances of obesity, minimizing oxidative stress to boost neurological and cardiac health.

Fig. 2

Diversified biological properties of PQQ. PQQ maintains cellular immunity by quick repairing of DNA damage, overcome cellular oxidative stress and its associated pathologies by regulation of metabolic cell signaling pathways.

Fig. 3

Involvement of PQQ in various cell signaling cascades. Primarily PQQ controls cell growth mechanisms, modulates glucose metabolism to minimize onset of T2D, and protein turn over in the cells.

Fig. 4

Mechanism of action of PQQ in aging associated syndromes. The neuroprotective action of PQQ is solely via inhibition of the inflammatory factors, amyloid accumulation and reduction in oxidative stress.