How do Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10 work together to protect nerves?

 

Neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease) and optic nerve diseases (such as glaucoma) are major health problems affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. As the population ages, the incidence of these diseases is also increasing. Although there are currently a variety of treatments that can relieve symptoms, there is no effective treatment that can prevent its progression. Therefore, the search for strategies with neuroprotective effects has become a hot topic in current research.

In recent years, endogenous substances Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which are widely used as dietary supplements, have received widespread attention for their potential benefits in neuroprotection. The latest research shows that a fixed combination of Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10 may have a synergistic effect in combating oxidative stress and neurotoxicity.

Neuroprotective Mechanism of Citicoline and Coenzyme Q10

Citicoline is a natural metabolite that is widely present in all living cells and is mainly involved in the synthesis of cell membrane structural phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine) and the metabolism of its precursors. It also serves as a choline donor for acetylcholine synthesis in the brain and can increase the levels of multiple neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid compound that is widely present in the mitochondria of human cells and participates in the production of energy in the cellular respiratory chain. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and energy metabolism-promoting effects. Coenzyme Q10 can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage, thereby delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Synergistic Effect of Fixed Combinations

The latest study further explored the role of a fixed combination of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 in neuroprotection. The study used rat CTX-TNA2 astrocytes as a model to evaluate the biocompatibility and neuroprotective effects of citicoline, coenzyme Q10 and their fixed combinations under normal conditions and oxidative stress conditions.

The results showed that citicoline and coenzyme Q10 alone or in combination did not significantly affect the activity of astrocytes, indicating that they have good biocompatibility within the concentration range studied.

Under oxidative stress conditions, citicoline, coenzyme Q10 and their fixed combination can significantly inhibit the expression of pro-apoptotic gene BAX and pro-inflammatory genes (such as NFkB, TNFα, IL-6) induced by hydrogen peroxide, and induce the expression of anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 and mitochondrial function-related gene CRLS1.

In addition, the results showed that citicoline, coenzyme Q10 and their fixed combination can significantly reduce the apoptosis rate induced by hydrogen peroxide. It is worth noting that the fixed combination is more effective than citicoline or coenzyme Q10 alone in inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and reducing cell apoptosis, showing a significant synergistic effect.

Clinical application prospects

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the fixed combination of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 in in vitro models provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The combined use of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 may protect astrocytes from oxidative damage, thereby maintaining the normal function of ganglion cells and delaying disease progression.

In addition, the synergistic effect of this fixed combination may also provide a reference for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In these diseases, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are common pathological mechanisms. The combined use of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 is expected to exert neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways and improve patient prognosis.

The fixed combination of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 showed significant neuroprotective effects in in vitro experiments, especially in combating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. This synergistic effect provides a strong scientific basis for the development of new neuroprotective drugs.

References: 

[1] Di Simone S C, Libero M L, Rapino M, et al. Neuroprotective effects induced by citicoline/coenzyme Q10 fixed combination in rat CTX-TNA2 astrocytes exposed to oxidative stress[J]. Food Bioscience, 2024, 61: 104758.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

by GSHWORLD

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