Coenzyme Q10 Protects From Aging-Related Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial Function in Heart of Rats Fed a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (PUFA)-Rich Diet

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on age-related changes in oxidative stress and function of heart mitochondria in rats fed a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich diet was investigated. Two groups of rats were fed for 24 months on a PUFA-rich diet, differing in supplementation or not with coenzyme Q10. Animals were killed at 6, 12, or 24 months. Fatty-acid profile, hydroperoxides, α-tocopherol, coenzyme Q, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and cytochromes a+a3, b, c+c1 and cytochrome c oxidase activity were measured. Coenzyme Q10-supplemented animals showed lower hydroperoxide levels; higher content and/or activity of α-tocopherol, coenzyme Q, and catalase; and a slightly lower decrease in mitochondrial function. According to that, previously reported positive effects of coenzyme Q supplementation on the life span of rats fed a PUFA-rich diet might be a consequence, at least in part, of a lower oxidative stress level and perhaps, to a minor extent, of a smaller decrease in mitochondrial function.