Ubiquinone/Coenzyme Q10 Control Set

Ubiquinone was first isolated in the 50s from the group of Prof. Green (Wisconsin). The function was investigated by Prof. Mitchel, who received the Nobel price for his research on the oxydative phosphorylation pathway. Ubiquinone is a coenzyme which is represented in every cell and the whole metabolism. It is built up by a chinonic ring and an isoprenic sidechain. In humans, ubiquinone can be synthesized and taken up by nutrition. Ubiquinone has two different pysiological functions: 1) Component of the energy metabolism 2) Radical scavanger During the reduction of oxygen in the oxydative phosphorylation 3 mol ATP are generated. In this reduction electrons are tranferred from NADPH to oxygen via 6 different redox systems. Ubiquinone is the less abundant redox system in the membrane of the mitochondria. Because of the low amount it is the speed who is controlling the redox-system in the energy metabolism. Normally, the amount of ubiquinone is sufficient, but with growing age and exposure to sunlight it is reduced to 50%. Ubiquinone has a high amount of carbon doublebonds and therefore a higher potential of reduction than vitamin C or vitamin E. Thereby it is the first line of defense against free radicals. Therefore ubiquinone is an optimal stabilizer of the ion channels of the membranes. Possible research areas: • Determination of ubiquinone status • Cardiovascular disease • Carcinogenesis • Aging • Burnout syndrome