Platelets mitochondrial function depends on CoQ10 concentration in winter, not in spring season.

Seasonal variations in temperature may influence the physiological and pathological metabolic pathways, concentrations of antioxidants, degree of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet mitochondrial function in human subjects during seasonal variations in temperature. Two groups of healthy young subjects were enroled in the study. Winter group, mean outside temperature was 4.77°C and Spring group, mean outside temperature was 24.32°C. High-resolution respirometry method was used for determination of mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in platelets. Concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and tocopherols were determined in platelets, blood and plasma. Our data showed slightly (not significantly) reduced respiration in intact platelets, basal and ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration at Complex I, as well as CoQ10-TOTAL and α-tocopherol concentrations in winter. The concentration of γ-tocopherol was higher in winter. Platelet mitochondrial ATP production depended on platelet CoQ10-TOTAL concentration in winter, not in spring. We conclude that seasonal temperature participates in the mechanism of platelet mitochondrial respiratory chain function and oxidative phosphorylation that depends on their CoQ10-TOTAL concentration at lower winter outside temperature. CoQ10 supplementation may improve platelets mitochondrial ATP production at winter season. High-resolution respirometry offers sensitive method for detection of changes of platelets mitochondrial respiratory function.