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Coenzyme Q10 supplementation ameliorates inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise

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Abstract

Background

Exhausting exercise induces muscle damage associated with high production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators.

Aim

The objective of this study was to determine for the first time and simultaneously whether oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation can prevent over-expression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise.

Methods

The participants were classified in two groups: CoQ10 group (CG) and placebo group (PG). The physical test consisted in a constant run (50 km) that combined several degrees of high effort (mountain run and ultra-endurance), in permanent climbing.

Results

Exercise was associated with an increase in TNF-α, IL-6, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and isoprostane levels, revealing the degree of inflammation and oxidative stress induced. Oral supplementation of CoQ10 during exercise was efficient reducing oxidative stress (decreased membrane hydroperoxides, 8-OHdG and isoprostanes generation, increased catalase, and total antioxidant status), which would lead to the maintenance of the cell integrity. Data obtained also indicate that CoQ10 prevents over-expression of TNF-α after exercise, together with an increase in sTNF-RII that limits the pro-inflammatory actions of TNF. Moreover, CoQ10 supplementation reduced creatinine production.

Conclusions

CoQ10 supplementation before strenuous exercise decreases the oxidative stress and modulates the inflammatory signaling, reducing the subsequent muscle damage.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the University of Granada for the personal support of J. Díaz-Castro.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Javier Díaz-Castro, Naroa Kajarabille & Julio J. Ochoa

  2. Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology “José Mataix Verdú”, Biomedical Research Centre, Health-Sciencies Technological Park, University of Granada, Avenida del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla, 18071, Granada, Spain

    Javier Díaz-Castro, Naroa Kajarabille & Julio J. Ochoa

  3. Faculty of Health Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Rafael Guisado & Carmen García

  4. Department of Pharmacology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Isabel M. Guisado

  5. Andalussian Center of Sports Medicine, Sevilla, Spain

    Carlos de Teresa

Authors
  1. Javier Díaz-Castro
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  2. Rafael Guisado
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  7. Julio J. Ochoa
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julio J. Ochoa.

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Díaz-Castro, J., Guisado, R., Kajarabille, N. et al. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation ameliorates inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress associated with strenuous exercise. Eur J Nutr 51, 791–799 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-011-0257-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-011-0257-5

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