Coenzyme Q10 may act as an important antioxidant in the body and the brain. Some of these studies have indicated that Coenzyme Q10 may protect the brain from neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinsons and also from the damaging side effects of a transient ischemic attack (stroke) in the brain.

The isoprene sidechain of Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized from acetyl CoA by a series of enzymatic reactions, while the benzoquinone portion is synthesized from amino acids.

Coenzyme Q10 shares a common biosynthetic pathway with cholesterol. Isopentenyl pyrophosphate and its isomer, dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, are linked alternatingly in polyprenyl chains, which are also called isoprenes. The 15-carbon isoprene chain is farnesyl pyrophosphate, which is a precursor to cholesterol, while the 50-carbon isoprene chain forms the sidechain of coenzyme Q10.

The synthesis of an intermediary precursor of Coenzyme Q10, mevalonate, is inhibited by beta blockers, blood pressure lowering medication, and statins, a class of cholesterol lowering drugs. Statins can reduce serum levels of coenzyme Q10 by up to 40%.


Products
Pravastatin
CoenzymeQ10
Acarbose
Tacrolimus
Lovastatin
Compactin