Damage to the liver induced by acetaminophen (dotted blue outlines) is almost completely mitigated by CoQ10-MITO-Porter (right), compared to the effect of phosphate buffered saline (left) and direct administration of CoQ10(center). (Mitsue Hibino, et al. Scientific Reports. May 10, 2023).
Newswise — Microscopic organelles known as the "cell's powerhouse" are present within cells - these are mitochondria. They're responsible for generating the majority of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, which fuel various cellular processes. However, the synthesis of ATP in mitochondria also produces a significant quantity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - chemically active groups.
When present in a healthy cell, the mitochondria regulate the ROS. But when this equilibrium is disturbed, the surplus ROS can harm the mitochondria, cells, and tissues. This occurrence, identified as oxidative stress, can lead to illnesses and premature aging. Antioxidants are capable of managing the ROS that prompt oxidative stress.
Scientific Reports recently published a study conducted by a research group led by Professor Yuma Yamada, Distinguished Professor Hideyoshi Harashima, and Assistant Professor Mitsue Hibino from Hokkaido University. The team devised a technique to transport antioxidants to mitochondria to alleviate the consequences of excessive ROS.
Assistant Professor Mitsue Hibino from Hokkaido University explained that their research team had previously created a drug delivery method called CoQ10-MITO-Porter. This system involves enclosing the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) within a lipid nanoparticle that directs it to the mitochondria, where it is needed for ATP production. The team's goal in this study was to evaluate if this system could function within living organisms.
The research team carried out experiments involving various formulations of CoQ10-MITO-Porter, analyzing their structures using electron microscopy. They then administered CoQ10-MITO-Porter to mice models that had liver damage induced by acetaminophen. Overdosing on acetaminophen results in excessive ROS in the mitochondria, causing harm to liver cells. CoQ10-MITO-Porter was transported mainly to the liver and significantly decreased the damage caused by ROS. The team also discovered that smaller CoQ10-MITO-Porter particles with better packaging of CoQ10 were more effective in treating liver damage compared to the original formulation.
Professor Yuma Yamada added that their research demonstrated that the MITO-Porter system they created is effective in transporting CoQ10 to the liver, making it a valuable therapeutic approach for conditions that result in oxidative stress. The team's future work will concentrate on uncovering the mechanism that causes CoQ10's therapeutic effect.
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