Coenzyme Q supplementation protects from age-related DNA double-strand breaks and increases lifespan in rats fed on a PUFA-rich diet

Exp Gerontol. 2004 Feb;39(2):189-94. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2003.10.002.

Abstract

This study investigates the usefulness of a long-term supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) in rats from the point of view of lifespan, DNA double-strand breaks and to assess whether this supplementation might attenuate oxidative alterations related to PUFA-rich diets, which would allow to preserve beneficial aspects of PUFA on health avoiding their deleterious aspects. Supplemented animals showed higher concentration of coenzyme Q(10) in liver mitochondria, lower levels of DNA double-strand breaks in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Animals supplemented on coenzyme Q reached a significantly higher mean life span (11,7% higher, i.e. 2,5 months) and a significantly higher maximum life span (24% higher, i.e. 6 months) than non-supplemented animals. These results suggest that a long-term supplementation with a small dosage of coenzyme Q(10) might represent a good anti-aging therapy in rats fed on a PUFA-based diet.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • DNA Damage / drug effects*
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology*
  • Longevity / drug effects
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Survival Analysis
  • Ubiquinone / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Ubiquinone