FUNCTIONS OF COQ10

The metabolite CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone in its oxidized state, and ubiquinol in the reduced state. It acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, and as such influences efficacy of ATP production needed for cell growth and maintenance. Ubiquinol is also a fat-soluble antioxidant. These functions form the rationale for its use by people with HIV infection (PWHIV). The hypothesized benefits of CoQ10 include antioxidant protection, especially in lymphocytes, heart and nervous tissue; and improved mitochondrial function for maximum energy efficiency and lymphocyte production. CoQ10 has also been recommended for correcting lipodystrophy and other metabolic consequences of HIV and its treatment.

The structure, clinical and biochemical characteristics of CoQ10 were determined by Professor Karl Folkers and colleagues, including Peter Langsjoen in the 1950s. (1-3) Clinical trials conducted in Japan led to the approval of Coenzyme Q10 (trade name- Ubidecarenono) as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Folkers is co-author/editor of the series Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, published as a result of international symposia taking place from 1977 to 1994. Until his death in 1997, Folkers was one of the most vocal proponents of CoQ10.

Although early studies fueled additional research and clinical trials on heart disease, cancer and CoQ10, the substance is just beginning to be seriously studied in the U.S. by groups other than Folker’s. CoQ10 is widely used in Japan, Europe and Russia mainly for various forms of heart disease. It is the fifth most commonly prescribed remedy for congestive heart failure and other conditions in Japan. (2)