Accelerated Regeneration of ATP Level after Irradiation in Human Skin Fibroblasts by Coenzyme Q₁₀

Abstract

Human skin is exposed to a number of harmful agents of which the ultraviolet (UV) component of solar radiation is most important. UV-induced damages include direct DNA lesions as well as oxidative damage in DNA, proteins and lipids caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Being the main site of ROS generation in the cell, mitochondria are particularly affected by photostress. The resulting mitochondrial dysfunction may have negative effects on many essential cellular processes. To counteract these effects, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) is used as a potent therapeutic in a number of diseases. We analyzed the mitochondrial respiration profile, the mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP level in skin fibroblasts after irradiation. We observed an accelerated regeneration of cellular ATP level, a decrease in mitochondrial dysfunction as well as a preservation of the mitochondrial membrane potential after irradiation in human skin fibroblasts by treatment with CoQ10 . We conclude that the faster regeneration of the ATP level was achieved by a preservation of mitochondrial function by the addition of CoQ10 and that the protective effect of CoQ10 is primarily mediated via its antioxidative function. We suggest also that it might be further dependent on a stimulation of DNA repair enzymes by CoQ10 .

Significance of Ubiad1 for Epidermal Keratinocytes Involves More Than CoQ10 Synthesis: Implications for Skin Aging

“…The human body synthesizes CoQ10 to produce cellular energy in mitochondria and to protect cells from the deleterious effects of free radicals [28,29]. The role of oxidative stress in the skin aging process has indeed been well recognized [3,30].…”

Mitochondria in skin health, aging, and disease

“…Photo-stressed skin benefitted from CoQ10 application on account of reduction in in situ free radical levels. Schniertshauer et al 112 further showed that CoQ10 could restore ATP production, prevent mitophagy, and alleviate oxidative stress in aged skin cells. Nicotinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 or niacinamide, is the precursor of NAD+, which is required for mitochondrial ATP production.…”

Enhancing Skin Health: By Oral Administration of Natural Compounds and Minerals with Implications to the Dermal Microbiome

“…Subsequent studies reported during the 2000s demonstrated multiple benefits of coenzyme Q 10 in both animal models and human skin, which included skin anti-aging properties and, through supplementation, a potential treatment for psoriasis [ 139 , 140 , 141 , 142 ]. Additionally, more recent studies from 2015 through 2018 validated the: (a) antioxidant effects of coenzyme Q 10 to support and maintain cellular energy levels in human keratinocytes [ 143 , 144 ], (b) accelerated regeneration of ATP levels after irradiation in human fibroblasts [ 144 , 145 ], and (c) the safety and effective delivery of coenzyme Q 10 into the epidermis to improved human skin health [ 143 , 144 , 145 ].…”