Modulatory effect of exogenous Coenzyme Q 10 on redox and inflammatory biomarkers during aging in rats.

An impaired redox homeostasis is an important hallmark of biological aging. Coenzyme Q 10 is an endogenous lipophilic antioxidant that decreases with age and has been linked to oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CoQ 10 supplementation on redox homeostasis and levels of inflammatory cytokines in young and old rats. Male Wistar rats (young and old) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6). Group I: young control, Group II: young rats treated with CoQ 10 , Group III: old control, Group IV: old rats treated with CoQ 10 . CoQ 10 (20 mg/kg) was administered daily to Group II and IV via oral gavage. After 28 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Results demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl oxidation, advanced oxidation protein products, inflammatory cytokines: CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and a decline in levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, ferric reducing antioxidant potential in plasma and plasma membrane redox system in old rats when compared to young rats. After treatment with CoQ 10 significant decrease in the level of MDA, PCO, AOPP, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α was observed. Also, significant up-regulation of SOD, CAT, GSH, FRAP, and PMRS was observed. The results show that supplementing rats with CoQ 10 aids in the maintenance of redox equilibrium with replenishment of antioxidant reserves and down-regulation of inflammatory biomarkers. Thus CoQ 10 supplementation could be a potential anti-aging therapy.