Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0501
+44-20-4587-4809
ISSN: 2167-0501
+44-20-4587-4809
Anuj G. Agrawal
Accepted Abstracts: Biochem & Pharmacol
Antioxidants are substances which counteract free radicals and prevent the damage caused by them. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10 ) or ubiquinone is naturally found regenerable, bioenergetic, powerful, endogenous cellular antioxidant. It is a fat-soluble, pseudo-vitamin, composed of a long side chain containing ten isoprenoid units, hence the name CoQ 10 . It is a yellow-orange colored crystalline compound that can be synthesized de novo . It is available in the membranes of the Golgi, where it is present at an even higher concentration than in the mitochondria, as well as in plasma membranes. It acts as an electron and proton carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity as well as in Golgi and plasma membranes for NAD(P)H-oxidoreductase- dependent reactions such as in nitric oxide synthesis. It plays a crucial role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It protects phospholipids and mitochondrial membrane proteins from peroxidation and protects DNA against the oxidative damage that accompanies lipid peroxidation. It has been demonstrated that CoQ 10 acts as a radical scavenger whose effects on improvement of cognitive functions has been shown. CoQ 10 functions as an antioxidant help to regenerate other antioxidants; influencing the stability, permeability and fludity of membranes; and stimulating cell growth and inhibiting cell death. CoQ 10 is also indispensible for the maintenance of the bioenergetics of skeletal and heart muscle. It is present in the body in both the reduced (ubiquinol) and oxidised (ubiquinone) forms. Its reduced form, ubiquinol is also an antioxidant. When cell membranes are oxidized, ubiquinol is the first antioxidant consumed. Moreover, the formation of oxidized lipids and the consumption of α-tocopherol are suppressed while ubiquinol is present. A deficiency in either its bioavailability or its biosynthesis disrupts normal cellular functions and can lead to one of several disease states. Dietary contributions of CoQ 10 are very small, but supplementation is effective in increasing plasma CoQ 10 levels. CoQ 10 has been reported to have a wide range of therapeutic effects, effective in numerous disorders and deficiency states and that supplementation has a favorable outcome. It is widely used as an anti-aging substance, as a drug for chronic heart failure, as a nutritional supplement, and in cosmetics. CoQ 10 is practically insoluble even in the presence of 5% sodium lauryl sulfate in water and poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The slow absorption of CoQ 10 from the gastrointestinal tract is attributed to its high molecular weight and poor water solubility. Various solubilization strategies therefore, have been developed so as to increase its solubility. In this study, self emulsifying preconcentrate of CoQ 10 have been developed with the aim to increase its aqueous solubility. Optimization and assessment relied on solubility studies, emulsification efficiency, phase diagrams, dilution robustness, cloud point, particle size, and in vitro dissolution. Release studies demonstrated a significant increase in CoQ 10 release from the developed system compared to plain drug suspension.
Anuj G. Agrawal has completed his M.Pharm at the age of 23 years from University of Mumbai under the guidance of Prof. (Dr) R. R. Somani with outstanding academic record. Currently, he is a research scholar and has published 8 papers in various national & international journals and few more papers are in communication. A book chapter in his name is published in INTECH publisher. He has delivered oral and poster presentations at different national & international meetings which include the presentation at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, University of Mumbai, Controlled Release Society-Indian Chapter, etc. He had received a travel grant from Gov. of India to attend the conference at Moscow, Russia.