Coenzyme Q10 has two main functions in the human body. First, it plays an important role in the process of converting nutrients into energy in mitochondria; second, it has an obvious anti-lipid peroxidation effect.
1. Coenzyme Q10 is an important member of the energy processing plant of human cells
If cells are to work normally, they must have a steady stream of energy. The human body can obtain energy-providing nutrients such as sugar, amino acids, and fats through dietary intake of rice, meat, vegetables, etc. These nutrients then enter cells through various transport pathways in the body, where they are called energy processing. It is transformed in the mitochondria of the plant into a material component that can be used by human cells: ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When cells, the energy processing plants, manufacture ATP, there is an important step that requires the participation of Coenzyme Q10. If there is no Without CoQ10, cells cannot produce energy.
2. Coenzyme Q10 is a free radical scavenger in the body
Under normal circumstances, the free radicals in the human body are in a dynamic balance, but if there are too many free radicals in the body or too much elimination, Slowly, free radicals will produce toxic effects at the molecular level, cellular level and organ level, damage cell components, destroy the structure and function of cells, and cause damage to the body. This process is called oxidative stress. These damages can cause chronic Disease is also the main cause of human aging.
Coenzyme Q10 can prevent the peroxidation of lipids and proteins, remove free radicals, reduce mitochondrial oxygen consumption, reduce cellular adenosine triphosphate consumption, maintain the integrity of cell mitochondrial structure, prevent cell edema, cell membrane rupture, and mitochondrial damage. Dissolving the disordered arrangement of muscle fibers, Coenzyme Q10 can also strengthen the intracellular membrane to resist damage from external oxidative factors through the transformation of redox structures. It is the only naturally occurring lipid in the human body that can be regenerated in the human body. Soluble antioxidants.
3. Coenzyme Q10 is an important coenzyme in the body
Coenzyme Q10 is an important coenzyme in the body. It is an important hydrogen transmitter in the respiratory chain of biological cells and participates in the oxidation of phosphate. oxidation and ATP generation process to regulate the cellular redox environment. In the respiratory chain, coenzyme Q10 is a coenzyme that is not tightly bound to proteins, allowing it to function as a special and flexible carrier between flavoproteins and cytochromes; in addition, the hydroxyl group of the benzoquinone in its quinone ring The substituents make it tend to be polar, while the polyisoprene side chains in the structure give it a lower free energy in a hydrophobic environment and enable rapid diffusion in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Coenzyme Q10 accepts hydrogen from complex I and complex II, releases protons into the mitochondrial matrix, and transfers electrons to cytochrome. Through this process, it promotes oxidative phosphorylation and active transfer of electrons, thus forming the main substance for energy storage in the body. ATP.
4. Coenzyme Q10 is the protector of the heart
Coenzyme Q10 has the highest content in the myocardium and is a catalyst for myocardial cell energy. The human heart beats 115,000 times a day, and coenzyme Q10 Q1 is the gas station for this engine. It can promote the production of mitochondrial energy in myocardial cells and increase the metabolism of myocardial cells, ensuring a continuous supply of myocardial energy and providing long-lasting power support for myocardial cells.
It has been proven that almost all patients with heart disease and some patients with non-cardiovascular diseases have endogenous coenzyme Q10 deficiency in their tissues, and giving exogenous coenzyme Q10 can make the clinical symptoms of patients obvious. improve. It is reported that more than 75% of heart disease patients have significantly improved their condition after taking coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 can activate cellular respiration, provide sufficient oxygen and energy to cardiomyocytes and brain cells, keep cells in a good and healthy state, and therefore prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
5. Coenzyme Q10 is the defender of nerve cells
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the important components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Coenzyme Q10, as a cofactor of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and various dehydrogenases, is a regulator of extracellular induction of ceramide-dependent apoptosis pathways. Ceramide is mainly produced in the sphingomyelin recycling pathway and is an important factor in cell apoptosis. The common second messenger molecule, lack of coenzyme Q10, will accelerate neuronal apoptosis. Coenzyme Q10 is also an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger in cells, and can resist the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Therefore, Coenzyme Qo is an important component in protecting neurons.
6. Hepatoprotective and detoxifying effects of Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is also found in relatively high amounts in the liver and has a very good protective effect on the liver. Since all biochemical reactions in the liver require the participation of various enzyme systems in liver cells, coenzyme Q10 is also one of the important members involved in liver detoxification. Most liver damage is caused by mitochondrial damage and reduced or missing Coenzyme Q10. The damage to the liver caused by some statins can lead to a decrease in liver Coenzyme Q10. In clinical observations, when these drugs are used to treat diseases, a certain amount of coenzyme Q10 should be supplemented. Coenzyme Q10 can alleviate the adverse reactions caused by these drugs without significant adverse effects on the efficacy of these drugs.