Sabine Grigoryeva 
Coenzyme Q10 [PDF ebook] 
Uses, Health Effects and Role in Disease

Coenzyme Q10: Uses, Health Effects and Role in Disease reviews the current knowledge and evidence of the potential clinical applications of Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10). Co Q10 is a lipophilic molecule composed by a bezonquinone ring conjugated to a ten-carbon isoprenoid side chain. It exists in two molecular forms, ubiquinone and ubiquinol, which are the basis for its antioxidant properties. Co Q10 also plays an essential role in cellular metabolism to produce ATP, which provides energy for muscle contraction and other vital cellular functions. Most of the ATP production occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane, where coenzyme Q is found. The authors review the protective effects of Co Q10 on intense physical exercise, reducing muscle damage and improving physical performance. Evidence of secondary Co Q10 deficiency in disease and in pharmacotherapy is discussed, highlighting putative mechanisms to account for this deficit together with examples of therapeutic intervention. Secondary Co Q10 deficiencies are important to identify as clinical benefit can be elicited following treatment with Co Q10 or its associated analogues.