Copper deficient rat heart can compensate for doxorubicin-induced oxidant stress

The hypothesis that copper (Cu) alters drug metabolizing enzymes and functions as an antioxidant nutrient in doxorubicin cardiotoxicity was tested. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed Cu adequate (⁺Cu; 5 mg Cu/kg of diet), marginally Cu deficient (MCu; 1.2 mg Cu/kg of diet), or severely Cu deficient (⁻Cu; 0.5 mg Cu/kg of diet) diets for 6 wk. Doxorubicin (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg body wt) or saline were administered intraperitoneally 1 time/wk for 4 wk. Compared to control hearts, Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase activity was decreased by 9% in MCu rats and by 21–40% in⁻Cu rats. Glutathione peroxidase activity was elevated 5–15% in⁻Cu rats. Doxorubicin administration increased heart Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase activity in⁺Cu and⁻Cu rats 18 h after the last of 4 injections, but not 18 h after 1 injection. There was no synergism between doxorubicin and Cu deficiency on lipid peroxidation, plasma creatine phosphokinase, cardiac hypertrophy, electrocardiographic abnormalities, or morphological changes. Heart glutathione S-transferase activity was decreased by Cu deficiency, and like Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase activity, returned to normal in⁻Cu rats given doxorubicin. Thus, the Cu deficient rat heart may be able to compensate for doxorubicin-induced oxidant stress by increasing the activity of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase.     

Studies on reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q (ubiquinones). II. The determination of oxidation-reduction levels of coenzyme Q in mitochondria,microsomes and plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

Reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q₁₀ (Q₁₀H₂ and Q₁₀) in guinea-pig liver mitochondria were rapidly extracted and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The percentages of Q₁₀H₂ as compared to the total (sum of Q₁₀ and Q₁₀H₂) were increased by the addition of respiratory substrates such as succinate, malate and β-hydroxybutyrate (State 4). The levels of Q₁₀H₂ in State 4 were increased more extensively with electron-transport inhibitors such as KCN, NaN₃ and antimycin A. These results indicate that the method for determining Q₁₀H₂ and Q₁₀ by HPLC is quite useful for investigation of the physiological function of coenzyme Q in mitochondria and other organelles. The reduced and oxidized coenzyme Q levels of rat liver mitochondria, which contain both coenzyme Q₉ and coenzyme Q₁₀, were measured simultaneously. The results suggest that coenzymes Q₉ and Q₁₀ play a similar role as an electron carriers. The liver microsomes of guinea-pig contained approx. 133 nmol total coenzyme Q₁₀ per g protein. The Q₁₀H₂ levels of microsomes were increased from 46.5 to 67.5 and 64.8% with NADH and NADPH, respectively. The plasma levels of total coenzyme Q were 0.92 μg/ml for man, 0.35 μg/ml for guinea-pig and 0.27 μg/ml for rat. The reduced coenzyme Q were also present in those plasma samples. The levels of reduced coenzyme Q were 51.1, 48.9 and 65.3%, respectively.     

Distribution of Coenzyme Q Homologues in Brain

Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q₁₀), in addition to its function as an electron and proton carrier in mitochondrial electron transport coupled to ATP synthesis, acts in its reduced form (ubiquinol) as an antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation in biological membranes and protecting mitochondrial inner-membrane proteins and DNA against oxidative damage accompanying lipid peroxidation. Tissue ubiquinone levels are subject to regulation by physiological factors that are related to the oxidative activity of the organism: they increase under the influence of oxidative stress, e.g. physical exercise, cold adaptation, thyroid hormone treatment, and decrease during aging. In the present study, coenzyme Q homologues were separated and quantified in the brains of mice, rats, rabbits, and chickens using high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, the coenzyme Q homologues were measured in cells such as NG-108, PC-12, rat fetal brain cells and human SHSY-5Y and monocytes. In general, Q₁ content was the lowest among the coenzyme homologues quantified in the brain. Q₉ was not detectable in the brains of chickens and rabbits, but was present in the brains of rats and mice. Q₉ was also not detected in human cell lines SHSY-5Y and monocytes. Q₁₀ was detected in the brains of mice, rats, rabbits, and chickens and in cell lines. Since both coenzyme Q and vitamin E are antioxidants, and coenzyme Q recycles vitamins E and C, vitamin E was also quantified in mice brain using HPLC-electrochemical detector (ECD). The quantity of vitamin E was lowest in the substantia nigra compared with the other brain regions. This finding is crucial in elucidating ubiquinone function in bioenergetics; in preventing free radical generation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in the brain; and as a potential compound in treating various neurodegenerative disorders.     

Comparison of growth stimulation of HeLa cells,HL-60 cells,and mouse fibroblasts by coenzyme Q10

Summary The addition of coenzyme Q₁₀ to culture media stimulates the serum-free growth of HeLa, HL-60 cells, and mouse fibroblasts (Balb/3T3). With HeLa cells, the stimulation by coenzyme Q₁₀ is additive to the stimulation by ferricyanide, an impermeable electron acceptor for the transplasma membrane electron transport. This combined response to coenzyme Q₁₀ and ferricyanide is enhanced with insulin. -Tocopherylquinone can also stimulate the growth of HeLa cells, but vitamin K₁ is inactive. Specificity of quinone effects is indicated. Serum-free growth of Balb/3T3 and SV 40 transformed BaIb/3T3 (SV/T2) cells is also stimulated by coenzyme Qio with stimulation similar to HeLa cells. However, Balb/3T3 cells are not stimulated by ferricyanide, which does not increase the response to coenzyme Q₁₀. The transformed cells (SV/T2) respond better to ferricyanide alone, but the effects of coenzyme Qio and ferricyanide are not additive. Serum-free growth of HL-60 cells is stimulated dramatically by coenzyme Q₁₀. The extent of growth stimulation on HL-60 cells is almost six-fold that of HeLa or Balb/3T3 cells. The stimulation of NADH-ferricyanide reductase (a transmembrane redox enzyme) by coenzyme Q₁₀ with HL-60 cells is similar to their growth pattern in response to coenzyme Q₁₀. Unlike HL-60, HeLa and Balb/3T3 cells show little stimulation of ferricyanide reduction by coenzyme Q₁₀. The stimulatory effect on both ferricyanide reduction and cell growth by the short side-chain coenzyme Q₂ is much less than that of the long side-chain coenzyme Q₁₀. Ferricyanide reduction by HeLa cells is inhibited by coenzyme Q analogs such as 2,3-dimethoxy-5-chloro-6-naphthyl-mercapto-coenzyme Q and 2-methoxy-3-ethoxyl-5-methyl-6-hexadecyl-mercapto-coenzyme Q. However, these inhibitions are reversed by coenzyme Q₁₀. The growth inhibition of HL-60 cells by other coenzyme Q analogs, such as capsiacin can also be reversed by coenzyme Q₁₀. These data indicate that plasma membrane-based NADH oxidation or modification of the membrane quinone redox balance may be a basis for the growth stimulation.     

Multiple mechanisms account for lower plasma iron in young copper deficient rats

Copper deficiency lowers brain copper and iron during development. The reduced iron content could be due to hypoferremia. Experiments were conducted to evaluate plasma iron and “ferroxidase” hypotheses by determining copper and iron status of Holtzman albino rats following gestational/lactational copper deficiency. Copper deficient (Cu−) dams on treatment for 5 weeks, two of gestation and three of lactation, had markedly lower copper content of milk and mammary tissue, and lower milk iron. Newborn pups from Cu− dams had lower copper and iron concentrations. Compared to Cu+ pups, Cu− pups, analyzed between postnatal age (P) 0 and P26, were smaller, anemic, had lower plasma iron, cardiac hypertrophy, and near zero ceruloplasmin activity. Liver copper in Cu+ pups increased then decreased during development and major reductions were evident in Cu− pups. Liver iron in Cu+ pups decreased with age while nursing but increased after eating solid food. Liver iron was lower in Cu− pups at P0 and P13 and normal at P20 and P26. Small intestinal copper decreased with age in Cu+ pups and was lower in Cu− pups. Intestinal iron levels in Cu− pups were higher than Cu+ pups postweaning in some experiments. Reduction in plasma iron in Cu− pups is likely due to a decreased “ferroxidase” function leading to lower placental iron transport, a lower milk iron diet, and partial block in iron uptake from intestine but is not due to failure to mobilize hepatic iron, in contrast to older rats eating diet with adequate iron.     

Coenzyme Q10 and its putative role in the ageing process

Summary A phenomenon associated with the aging process is a general age-dependent decline in cellular bioenergetic capacity that varies from tissue to tissue and even from cell to cell within the same tissue. This variation eventually forms a tissue bioenergy mosaic. Recent evidence by our group suggests that the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations, in conjunction with a concurrent decrease in full-length mtDNA in tissues such as skeletal and cardiac muscle, strongly correlates with decreased mitochondrial function and accounts for the bioenergy mosaic. Evidence is also presented suggesting that amelioration with coenzyme Q₁₀ may restore some of the age-associated decline in bioenergy function, in effect providing the potential for a “redox therapy”. Coenzyme Q is a naturally occurring material that is present in the membranes of all animal cells. Its primary function is to act as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain enabling the energy from substrates such as fats and sugars (in the form of reducing equivalents) to be ultimately captured in the form of ATP, which in turn may be utilised as a source of cellular bioenergy. Coenzyme Q₁₀ has no known toxic effects and has been used in a limited number of animal studies and human clinical trials; however, the mechanism of action of coenzyme Q₁₀ remains unclear. A series of experiments by this group aimed at determining the efficacy of coenzyme Q₁₀ treatment on ameliorating the bioenergy capacity at the organ and cellular level will also be reviewed.     

A durohydroquinone oxidation site in the mitochondrial transport chain

Although duroquinone had little effect upon NADH oxidation in neutral lipid depleted mitochondria, durohydroquinone was oxidized by ETP at a rate sensitive to antimycin A. Fractionation of mitochondria into purified enzyme systems showed durohydroquinone: cytochromec reductase to be concentrated in NADH: cytochromec reductase, absent in succinate:cytochromec reductase, and decreased in reduced coenzyme Q:cytochromec reductase. Durohydroquinone oxidation could be restored by recombining reduced coenzyme Q:cytochromec reductase with NADH:coenzyme Q reductase. Pentane extraction had no effect upon either durohydroquinone or reduced coenzyme Q₁₀ oxidation, indicating lack of a quinone requirement between cytochromesb andc. Both chloroquine diphosphate and acetone (96%) treatment irreversibly inhibited NADH but not succinate oxidation. Neither reagents had any effect upon durohydroquinone oxidation but both inhibited reduced coenzyme Q₁₀ oxidation 50%, indicating a site of action between Q₁₀ and duroquinone sites. Loss of chloroquine sensitive reduced coenzyme Q₁₀ oxidation after acetone extraction suggests two sites for Q₁₀ before cytochromeb.     

Thermoluminescence and fluorescence study of changes in Photosystem II photochemistry in desiccating barley leaves

An effect of desiccation (a decrease of relative water content from 97% to 10% within 35 h) on Photosystem II was studied in barley leaf segments (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Akcent) using chlorophyll a fluorescence and thermoluminescence (TL). The O-J-I-P fluorescence induction curve revealed a decrease of F_P and a slight shift of the J step to a shorter time with no change in its height. The analysis of the fluorescence decline after a saturating light flash revealed an increased portion of slow exponential components with increasing desiccation. The TL bands obtained after excitation by continuous light were situated at about –27°C (Z_v band – recombination of P680⁺Q_A ⁻), –14 °C (A band – S₃Q_A ⁻), +12 °C (B band – S_2/3Q_B ⁻) and +45 °C (C band – TyrD⁺Q_A ⁻). The bands related to the S-states of oxygen evolving complex (A and B) were reduced by desiccation and shifted to higher and lower temperatures, respectively. In accordance with this, the band observed at about +27 °C (S₂Q_B ⁻) after excitation by 1 flash fired at –10 °C and band at about +20 °C (S_2/3Q_B ⁻) after 2 flashes decreased with increasing water deficit and shifted to lower temperatures. A new band around 5 °C appeared in both regimes of TL excitation for a relative water content of under 42% and was attributed to the Q band (S₂Q_A ⁻). It is suggested that under desiccation, an inhibition of the formation of S₂- and S₃-states in OEC occurred simultaneously with a lowering of electron transport on the acceptor side of PS II. The temperature down-shift of the TL bands obtained after the flash excitation was induced at the initial phases of water stress, indicating a decrease of the activation energy for the S_2/3Q_B ⁻recombination. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The effects of copper on the photosynthetic response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaeocystis cordata</Emphasis>

We investigated the effects of limiting (1.96 × 10⁻⁹ mol l⁻¹ total Cu, corresponding to pCu 14.8; where pCu = −log [Cu²⁺]) and toxic Cu concentrations up to 8.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol l⁻¹ total Cu (equivalent to pCu 9.5) on growth rates and photosynthetic activity of exponentially grown Phaeocystis cordata, using batch and semi-continuous cultures. With pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry, we determined the photochemical response of P. cordata to the various Cu levels, and showed contrasting results for the batch and semi-continuous cultures. Although maximum photosystem II (PSII) quantum yield (Φ_M) was optimal and constant in the semi-continuous P. cordata, the batch cultures showed a significant decrease in Φ_M with culture age (0–72 h). The EC50 for the batch cultures was higher (2.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol l⁻¹, pCu9.7), than that for the semi-continuous cultures (6.3 × 10⁻¹¹ mol l⁻¹, pCu10.2). The semi-continuous cultures exhibited a systematic and linear decrease in Φ_M as Cu levels increased (for [Cu²⁺] < 1.0 × 10⁻¹² mol l⁻¹, pCu12.0), however, no effect of high Cu was observed on their operational PSII quantum yield (Φ′_M). Similarly, semi-continuous cultures exhibited a significant decrease in Φ_M, but not in Φ′_M, because of low-Cu levels. Thus, Cu toxicity and Cu limitation damage the PSII reaction centers, but not the processes downstream of PSII. Quenching mechanisms (NPQ and Q _n) were lower under high Cu relative to the controls, suggesting that toxic Cu impairs photo-protective mechanisms. PAM fluorometry is a sensitive tool for detecting minor physiological variations. However, culturing techniques (batch vs. semi-continuous) and sampling time might account for literature discrepancies on the effects of Cu on PSII. Semi-continuous culturing might be the most adequate technique to investigate Cu effects on PSII photochemistry.     

Chronic boron or copper deficiency induces limb teratogenesis in Xenopus

Sets of adult male and female Xenopus laevis were administered a boron-deficient (−B) diet under low-boron culture conditions, a boron-supplemented (+B) diet under ambient boron culture conditions, a copper-deficient (−Cu) diet under low-copper culture conditions, or a copper-supplemented (+Cu) diet under ambient copper culture conditions, for 120 d. Adults from each group were subsequently bred, and the progeny were cultured and bred. Results from these studies indicated that although pronounced effects on adult reproduction and early embryo-larval development were noted in the −B F₁ generation, no effects on limb development were observed. No significant effects on reproduction, early embryogenesis, or limb development were noted in the +B group, irrespective of generation. Highly specific forelimb and hindlimb defects, including axial flexures resulting in crossed limbs and reduction deficits, were observed in −B F₂ larvae, but not in the +B F₂ larvae. As was noted in the boron-deficiency studies, significant effects on reproduction and early embryo development were observed in the −Cu F₁ generation, but not in the +Cu F₁ generation. Unlike the effects associated with boron deficiency, maldevelopment of the hindlimbs (32 responders, n=40) was found in the F₁ generation.     

On the Partly Reduced Coenzyme Q Isolated from “Rhodotorula lactose” IFO 1058 and Its Relation to the Taxonomic Position

From the intact cells of “Rhodotorula lactosa” R1 (IFO 1058), a new coenzyme Q, which has a different mobility on paper chromatograms from other five naturally occurring homologs of the coenzyme Q series, was isolated and purified as a crystalline state. The chemical analyses such as UV and IR absorption spectrophotometries, and NMR and mass spectrometries revealed that the material, mp 28.7~28.9°C, was identified as a Co Q₁₀ derivative with the reduced C₅ unit in the isoprenoid side chain terminal remote from the quinone nucleus, Co Q₁₀ (H–10). The strain R 1 with such a unique coenzyme Q system is, concerning its taxonomic position, discussed in connection with other criteria.     

Coenzyme Q system in the classification of some ascosporogenous yeast genera in the families Saccharomycetaceae and Spermophthoraceae

The Co-Q systems of 11 strains representing the generaSchwanniomyces, Lodderomyces, Lipomyces, Nematospora andMetschnikowia were determined. All the genera were characterized by the Q-9 system except for the genusNematospora with needle-shaped ascospores. The only species,Nem. coryli, was found to have the Q-6 system. These results are discussed from the taxonomic point of view. This constitutes Part VII of a series entitled “Significance of the coenzyme Q system in the classification of yeasts and yeast-like organisms.” The abbreviations used here for coenzyme Q or ubiquinone are: Co-Q, coenzyme Q; Co-Q _n , Q-n or Q _n withn denoting a specified number of isoprene units in a side chain, e.g., Co-Q₆, Q-6, Q₆, etc.     

Effect of the side chain structure of coenzyme Q on the steady state kinetics of bovine heart NADH: coenzyme Q oxidoreductase

Steady state kinetics of bovine heart NADH: coenzyme Q oxidoreductase using coenzyme Q with two isoprenoid unit (Q₂) or with a decyl group (DQ) show an ordered sequential mechanism in which the order of substrate binding and product release is NADH-Q₂ (DQ) -Q₂H₂ (DQH₂)-NAD⁺ in contrast to the order determined using Q₁ (Q₁-NADH-NAD⁺-Q₁H₂) (Nakashima et al., J. Bioenerg. Biomembr. 34, 11–19, 2002). The effect of the side chain structure of coenzyme Q suggests that NADH binding to the enzyme results in a conformational change, in the coenzyme Q binding site, which enables the site to accept coenzyme Q with a side chain significantly larger than one isoprenoid unit. The side chains of Q₂ and DQ bound to the enzyme induce a conformational change in the binding site to stabilize the substrate binding, while the side chain of Q₁ (one isoprenoid unit) is too short to induce the conformational change.     

Targeting the upregulation of reactive oxygen species subsequent to hyperglycemia prevents type 1 diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice

Cardiac oxidative stress is an early event associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy, triggered by hyperglycemia. We tested the hypothesis that targeting left-ventricular (LV) reactive oxygen species (ROS) upregulation subsequent to hyperglycemia attenuates type 1 diabetes-induced LV remodeling and dysfunction, accompanied by attenuated proinflammatory markers and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Male 6-week-old mice received either streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/day for 5 days), to induce type 1 diabetes, or citrate buffer vehicle. After 4 weeks of hyperglycemia, the mice were allocated to coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation (10 mg/kg/day), treatment with the angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) ramipril (3 mg/kg/day), treatment with olive oil vehicle, or no treatment for 8 weeks. Type 1 diabetes upregulated LV NADPH oxidase (Nox2, p22^phox, p47^phox and superoxide production), LV uncoupling protein UCP3 expression, and both LV and systemic oxidative stress (LV 3-nitrotyrosine and plasma lipid peroxidation). All of these were significantly attenuated by coenzyme Q₁₀. Coenzyme Q₁₀ substantially limited type 1 diabetes-induced impairments in LV diastolic function (E:A ratio and deceleration time by echocardiography, LV end-diastolic pressure, and LV −dP/dt by micromanometry), LV remodeling (cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, apoptosis), and LV expression of proinflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α, with a similar trend for interleukin IL-1β). Coenzyme Q_10's actions were independent of glycemic control, body mass, and blood pressure. Coenzyme Q₁₀ compared favorably to improvements observed with ramipril. In summary, these data suggest that coenzyme Q₁₀ effectively targets LV ROS upregulation to limit type 1 diabetic cardiomyopathy. Coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation may thus represent an effective alternative to ACE-Is for the treatment of cardiac complications in type 1 diabetic patients.     

Stimulation of coleoptile elongation in zea mays by p-hydroxybenzoic acid

Based on the biochemistry of coenzyme Q and plastoquinone, corn coleoptile sections were treated with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (HPPA), which are biosynthetic precursors of the essential coenzyme Q₁₀ and plastoquinone-9, respectively. HBA at low concentrations stimulated growth; higher concentrations inhibited elongation. HPPA did not stimulate growth, but inhibited growth. HBA could promote growth by benefiting respiration particularly if a deficiency of HBA existed and there were a depressed biosynthesis of coenzyme Q₁₀ for electron transfer in respiration.     

Essentiality of coenzyme Q for the oxidation of -glycerophosphate by pig brain mitochondria

Serial extraction of lyophilized pig brain mitochondria with cold pentane resulted in complete loss of α-glycerophosphate oxidase activity. On titration with coenzyme Q₁₀ the activity was fully recovered. On comparing the decline of α-glycerophosphate, NADH, and succinoxidase activities during serial extraction with pentane, α-glycerophosphate oxidation was always the first to be lost. Extraction of coenzyme Q₁₀ from lyophilized brain mitochondria with pentane does not affect the activities of α-glycerophosphate or NADH dehydrogenase, but succinate dehydrogenase is partially inactivated. Reversible inactivation of the α-glycerophosphate oxidase system on depletion of the coenzyme Q content is taken as evidence that coenzyme Q is an obligatory component of this system. In accord with the conclusion that coenzyme Q is probably the physiological oxidant of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, in antimycin-treated brain mitochondria α-glycerophosphate causes full activation of endogenous succinate dehydrogenase, in analogy to the previously observed activation by NAD-linked substrates in liver and heart mitochondria and by NADH in submitochondrial particles.     

Steady-State Kinetics of NADH:coenzyme Q Oxidoreductase Isolated from Bovine Heart Mitochondria

Steady-state kinetics of the bovine heart NADH:coenzyme Q oxidoreductase reaction were analyzed in the presence of various concentrations of NADH and coenzyme Q with one isoprenoid unit (Q₁). Product inhibitions by NAD⁺ and reduced coenzyme Q₁ were also determined. These results show an ordered sequential mechanism in which the order of substrate binding and product release is Q₁–NADH–NAD⁺–Q₁H₂. It has been widely accepted that the NADH binding site is likely to be on the top of a large extramembrane portion protruding to the matrix space while the Q₁ binding site is near the transmembrane moiety. The rigorous controls for substrate binding and product release are indicative of a strong, long range interaction between NADH and Q₁ binding sites.     

Chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> fluorescence induction kinetics in leaves predicted from a model describing each discrete step of excitation energy and electron transfer associated with Photosystem II

Chlorophyll a fluorescence induction (FI) is widely used as a probe for studying photosynthesis. On illumination, fluorescence emission rises from an initial level O to a maximum P through transient steps, termed J and I. FI kinetics reflect the overall performance of photosystem II (PSII). Although FI kinetics are commonly and easily measured, there is a lack of consensus as to what controls the characteristic series of transients, partially because most of the current models of FI focus on subsets of reactions of PSII, but not the whole. Here we present a model of fluorescence induction, which includes all discrete energy and electron transfer steps in and around PSII, avoiding any assumptions about what is critical to obtaining O J I P kinetics. This model successfully simulates the observed kinetics of fluorescence induction including O J I P transients. The fluorescence emission in this model was calculated directly from the amount of excited singlet-state chlorophyll in the core and peripheral antennae of PSII. Electron and energy transfer were simulated by a series of linked differential equations. A variable step numerical integration procedure (ode15s) from MATLAB provided a computationally efficient method of solving these linked equations. This in silico representation of the complete molecular system provides an experimental workbench for testing hypotheses as to the underlying mechanism controlling the O J I P kinetics and fluorescence emission at these points. Simulations based on this model showed that J corresponds to the peak concentrations of Q _A ⁻ Q_B (Q_A and Q_B are the first and second quinone electron acceptor of PSII respectively) and Q _A ⁻ Q _B ⁻ and I to the first shoulder in the increase in concentration of Q _A ⁻ Q _B ²⁻ . The P peak coincides with maximum concentrations of both Q _A ⁻ Q _B ²⁻ and PQH₂. In addition, simulations using this model suggest that different ratios of the peripheral antenna and core antenna lead to differences in fluorescence emission at O without affecting fluorescence emission at J, I and P. An increase in the concentration of Q_B-nonreducing PSII centers leads to higher fluorescence emission at O and correspondingly decreases the variable to maximum fluorescence ratio (F _v/F _m).     

Losartan improved respiratory function and coenzyme Q content in brain mitochondria of young spontaneously hypertensive rats

Increased production of free radicals and impairment of mitochondrial function are important factors in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study examined the impact of hypertension on mitochondrial respiratory chain function, coenzyme Q₉ (CoQ₉), coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), and α-tocopherol content in brain mitochondria, and the effect of blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) in the prehypertensive period on these parameters. In addition, blood pressure, heart and brain weight to body weight ratios, and the geometry of the basilar artery supplying the brain were evaluated. In the 9th week blood pressure and heart weight/body weight ratio were significantly increased and brain weight/body weight ratio was significantly decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) when compared to Wistar rats (WR). The cross-sectional area of the basilar artery was increased in SHR. Glutamate-supported respiration, the rate of ATP production, and concentrations of CoQ₉, CoQ₁₀, and α-tocopherol were decreased in SHR. The succinate-supported function and cytochrome oxidase activity were not changed. The treatment of SHR with losartan (20 mg/kg/day) from 4th to 9th week of age exerted preventive effect against hypertension, heart and arterial wall hypertrophy, and brain weight/body weight decline. After the therapy, the rate of ATP production and the concentration of CoQ increased in comparison to untreated SHR. The impairment of energy production and decreased level of lipid-soluble antioxidants in brain mitochondria as well as structural alterations in the basilar artery may contribute to increased vulnerability of brain tissue in hypertension. Long-term treatment with AT1R blockers may prevent brain dysfunction in hypertension.     

The thermotropic properties of coenzyme Q10 and its lower homologues

The thermotropic properties of coenzymes Q₁₀, Q₉, Q₈, and Q₇ have been examined by differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Typical scanning calorimetry cooling curves of coenzyme Q from the liquid state exhibit a single exothermic phase transition into a crystalline state at a temperature that decreases as the length of the polyisoprenoid side-chain substituent decreases. Upon subsequent heating, the molecules undergo a series of thermal events which precede the main crystalline-to-liquid endothermic phase transition. The temperature of these transitions increases with increasing chain length. The crystallization phase transition temperature depends markedly on the rate at which the sample is cooled and increases with decreasing scan rate; the temperature of the melting endotherm is not markedly affected by the scan rate. Detailed calorimetric studies of coenzyme Q₁₀ indicate that two crystalline states are formed, one at relatively high cooling rates to low temperatures and the other when preparations are cooled slowly from the liquid state to relatively high temperatures. Heating the crystalline phase formed by rapid cooling causes its transformation into the phase observed by cooling slowly. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the existence of these two crystal phases in coenzymes Q₉ and Q₁₀ and the transformation from the rapidly crystallized form to the more ordered form associated with slower cooling rates. At body temperature (310 K) under equilibrium conditions coenzyme Q₁₀ exists in an ordered crystalline phase; the implications of the thermotropic behavior of coenzyme Q₁₀ on mitochondrial functionin vitro andin vivo are discussed.