Coenzyme Q10 encapsulated in micelles ameliorates osteoarthritis by inhibiting inflammatory cell death

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease and is characterized by breakdown of joint cartilage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) exerts diverse biological effects on bone and cartilage; observational studies have suggested that CoQ10 may slow OA progression and inflammation. However, any effect of CoQ10 on OA remains unclear. Here, we investigated the therapeutic utility of CoQ10-micelles. Methods Seven-week-old male Wistar rats were injected with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) to induce OA. CoQ10-micelles were administered orally to MIA-induced OA rats; celecoxib served as the positive control. Pain, tissue destruction, and inflammation were measured. The expression levels of catabolic and inflammatory cell death markers were assayed in CoQ10-micelle-treated chondrocytes. Results Oral supplementation with CoQ10-micelles attenuated OA symptoms remarkably, including pain, tissue destruction, and inflammation. The expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-13, and of the inflammatory cell death markers RIP1, RIP3, and pMLKL in synovial tissues were significantly reduced by CoQ10-micelle supplementation, suggesting that CoQ10-micelles might attenuate the synovitis of OA. CoQ10-micelle addition to cultured OA chondrocytes reduced the expression levels of catabolic and inflammatory cell death markers. Conclusions CoQ10-micelles might usefully treat OA.

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“…It could also modulate the inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB and TLR, and control the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in different disorders [ 167 , 168 ]. In this context, a recent in-vivo study has reported the effect of CoQ10-micelles as oral supplements in ameliorating the inflammation associated with OA [ 169 ]. Similar findings were also reported about melatonin, dihydromyricetin, quercetin, taurine, resveratrol and diallyl disulfide.…”

Lipid peroxidation in osteoarthritis: focusing on 4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde, and ferroptosis

“…Moreover, results from a study showed that CoQ10 could improve pain and cartilage degradation in MIA-induced OA rats [ 176 ]. In a more recent study, researchers encapsulated CoQ10 into micelles and found that CoQ10-micelles had a better chondroprotective effect than CoQ10 in OA rats [ 177 ]. Moreover, CoQ10-micelles could decrease the expression levels of catabolic and necroptotic factors in human OA chondrocytes [ 177 ].…”

“…In a more recent study, researchers encapsulated CoQ10 into micelles and found that CoQ10-micelles had a better chondroprotective effect than CoQ10 in OA rats [ 177 ]. Moreover, CoQ10-micelles could decrease the expression levels of catabolic and necroptotic factors in human OA chondrocytes [ 177 ]. Another study also reported the anticatabolic and cartilage protective potential in rat chondrocytes [ 178 ].…”

The role and intervention of mitochondrial metabolism in osteoarthritis

“…Additionally, specific nutraceuticals and dietary supplements have been investigated for their effects on mitochondrial metabolism in OA. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, has shown promise in improving mitochondrial function and reducing pain in OA patients [98,99]. Likewise, resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and berries, has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to enhanced mitochondrial function in OA [100,101].…”