Effects of coenzyme Q(10) on LDL oxidation in vitro.

Coenzyme Q(10), a lipid soluble benzoquinone, has excellent antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties in the cardiac tissue. The present study quantitatively investigated the effects of coenzyme Q(10) on in vitro LDL oxidation. The formation of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrophoretic mobility were monitored as markers of the oxidation of LDL, respectively. Coenzyme Q(10) showed a decrease the formation of conjugated dienes and MDA, respectively, against oxidation in vitro. Coenzyme Q(10) also reduced electrophoretic mobility of the oxidized human LDL. Thus, results showed that the coenzyme Q(10) exhibits strong antioxidant activity in CuSO(4)-mediated oxidation of LDL (P<0.05) in vitro. The inhibitory effects of the coenzyme Q(10) on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 20 nM to 300 nM. Moreover, the effects of coenzyme Q(10) on LDL oxidation were compared with vitamin E and vitamin C. This study showed that coenzyme Q(10) is a potent antioxidant to protect LDL against oxidation in vitro and may be a good alternative to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease and other free radical associated health problems.