Researchers have investigated the effect of age and caloric restriction on coenzyme Q and alpha-tocopherol levels in the rat.

According to a recent study published in the journal Experimental Gerontology, "Alterations in the amount of coenzyme Q and a-tocopherol during aging and in response to 40% reduction in caloric intake were determined in homogenates and mitochondria of liver, heart and kidney of the rat."

S. Kamzalov and R.S. Sohal of the University of Southern California wrote, "A comparison among 4-, 19- and 28-month-old ad libitum fed (AL) rats indicated an age-related loss in the amount of CoQ9 and alpha-tocopherol in mitochondria of all the three tissues. Depletion of alpha-tocopherol, but not of CoQ, was also detectable in tissue homogenates, apparently due to the preferential sequestration of CoQ in the mitochondrial fraction."

"Comparison of 19-month-old AL and calorically restricted (CR) rats indicated that CR elevates the level of mitochondrial CoQ, but greatly diminishes the alpha-tocopherol content. Activity of DT-diaphorase, a quinone reductase, increased with age as well as in response to CR" the researchers observed.

They concluded, "Altogether, results are interpreted to suggest that the widely observed age-related increase in mitochondrial oxidative damage may be associated with depletion of CoQ and alpha-tocopherol, which are known to act in tandem to prevent oxidative damage to membranes."

Kamzalov and Sohal published their study in Experimental Gerontology (Effect of age and caloric restriction on coenzyme Q and alpha-tocopherol levels in the rat. Exp Gerontol, 2004;39(8):1199-1205).

For additional information, contact R.S. Sohal, University of Southern California, Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Toxicology, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Experimental Gerontology is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Mitochondrial Aging, Oxidative Stress, Coenzyme Q, Vitamin E, Caloric Restriction, Aging, and Cardiology. This article was prepared by Biotech Law Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Biotech Law Weekly via LawRx.com.

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