Ubidecarenone

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), also known as ubiquinone or ubiquinol, is a biologically active quinone with an isoprenoid side chain, related in structure to vitamin K and vitamin E. more...

History

Coenzyme Q was first discovered in 1957 by professor F. L. Crane and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin Enzyme Institute. In 1958, its chemical structure was reported by Dr. D.E. Wolf and a research group at Merck Laboratories led by Dr. Karl Folkers.

Chemical properties

The oxidized structure of CoQ, or Q, is given here:

If Coenzyme Q is reduced by two equivalents, the compound becomes a ubiquinol, denoted QH₂:

Recent studies have suggested that Coenzyme Q10 may act as an important antioxidant in the body and the brain. Some of these studies have indicated that Coenzyme Q10 may protect the brain from neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinsons and also from the damaging side effects of a transient ischemic attack (stroke) in the brain.

There has also been a recent study showing a survival benefit after cardiac arrest if coenzyme Q10 is administered in addition to commencing active cooling (to 32–34 degrees Celsius).

Synthesis and Its Inhibition by Statins

The isoprene sidechain of Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized from acetyl CoA by a series of enzymatic reactions, while the benzoquinone portion is synthesized from amino acids.

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