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Biochemistry of Coenzyme Q10

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Antioxidants in Andrology

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

Human coenzyme Q (CoQ10) or ubiquinone is mainly known for its bioenergetic role as a proton and electron carrier in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is also an endogenous lipophilic antioxidant, ubiquitous in biological membranes. It is also present in plasma lipoproteins, where it plays a well-recognized antioxidant role. More recently coenzyme Q10 was also shown to affect gene expression by modulating the intracellular redox status. Its involvement in many cellular and extracellular functions suggests that its use as a food supplement could be beneficial in conditions associated with increased oxidative stress underlying different pathological conditions. In reproductive biology, CoQ10 has been shown to play a role in fertility of both males and females.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical and Dental Sciences – Biochemistry Section, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Gian Paolo Littarru, Francesca Bruge & Luca Tiano

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  1. Gian Paolo Littarru
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  2. Francesca Bruge
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  3. Luca Tiano
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Correspondence to Luca Tiano .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrinology Department, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy

    Giancarlo Balercia

  2. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Loredana Gandini

  3. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Andrea Lenzi

  4. Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Francesco Lombardo

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Littarru, G.P., Bruge, F., Tiano, L. (2017). Biochemistry of Coenzyme Q10. In: Balercia, G., Gandini, L., Lenzi, A., Lombardo, F. (eds) Antioxidants in Andrology. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41749-3_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41749-3_2

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