Ubiquinol and Autonomic Dysfunction in Hypertension and Heart Failure: A Short Review

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most commonly used dietary and nutritional supplements and is known to be a potent antioxidant. There are two forms of CoQ10 including ubiquinone (oxidized form) and ubiquinol (reduced form) that are produced in the mitochondria [1-2]. CoQ10 is an essential component in the mitochondrial electron transport chain that plays a role in synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and scavenging free radicals. A deficiency in CoQ10 can cause cellular energetic impairment and decreased antioxidant defensive mechanisms. Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often have a reduction in CoQ10 and are prone to oxidative stress.