http://tinyurl.com/3c3zh5

Coenzyme Q treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of aging

Wendy R. Galperna, , and Merit E. Cudkowiczb
aNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Blvd., Room 2225, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
bMassachusetts General Hospital East, Neurology Clinical Trials Unit, CNY Building 149, Room 2274, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
Received 26 October 2006; accepted 29 January 2007. Available online 27 March 2007.

Abstract

The etiology of several neurodegenerative disorders is thought to involve impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) acts both as an antioxidant and as an electron acceptor at the level of the mitochondria. In several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, CoQ10 has shown beneficial effects. Based on its biochemical properties and the effects in animal models, several clinical trials evaluating CoQ10 have been undertaken in many neurodegenerative diseases. CoQ10 appears to be safe and well tolerated, and several efficacy trials are planned.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Parkinson’s disease; Huntington’s disease; Coenzyme Q; Clinical trial



Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 301 496 9135; fax: +1 301 480 1080.

Mitochondrion
Volume 7, Supplement 1, June 2007, Pages S146-S153
The Role of Coenzyme Q in Cellular Metabolism: Current Biological and Clinical Aspects