The effect of coenzyme Q10 and mitochondrial dysfunction on neurodegeneration.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and are characterised by the progressive loss of neuronal structure and function (neurodegeneration). The most common NDDs include Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is the second most prevalent NDD currently affecting the ageing population. Although the aetiology of PD remains unknown, increasing evidence has suggested that oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function, specifically mitochondrial complex I deficiency, are important pathogenic causes for neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of PD patients, all of which are associated with CoQ10 deficiency. Mitochondria are essential for neuronal function; however, these organelles are major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are vulnerable targets for oxidative stress-induced damage. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant therapies have become an attractive therapeutic strategy to ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in PD. Increasing evidence has shown that CoQ10 supplementation may provide a neuroprotective effect in PD by restoring endogenous CoQ10 levels in addition to ameliorating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to restore electron flow in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Therefore, CoQ10 supplementation may be a beneficial therapeutic strategy to improve mitochondrial function and reduce the severity of neurodegeneration in PD.