Zymes llc. CoQ10 and Diabetes

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CoQ₁₀ and Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease of impaired glucose regulation. It is characterized by elevated blood sugar, commonly referred to as hyperglycemia.

Diabetics are usually classified as one of two types:

Type 1 Diabetes

Previously known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs more often in younger individuals. It is estimated that 5 -10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1.

Type 2 Diabetes

Previously known as maturity onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes occurs more often in older individuals, although the age of onset is getting lower. Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency (the body does not produce enough insulin). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is estimated that 90 - 95% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Risk factors for development of type 2 diabetes include obesity, family history of diabetes, advanced age, and a history of diabetes during pregnancy. Of these, obesity is the largest risk factor such that type 2 diabetes and obesity in America are increasing hand in hand. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.

The rise in diabetes in America is shown in the maps in the figure below with data collected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Let’s take a closer look at how diabetes affects the normal functions of the body. Glucose is the basic fuel used for energy production in the cells of the body. After a meal, blood glucose levels rise. In order for cells to turn food into energy, glucose must be effectively transported from the blood into the cells. Regulation of the transport of glucose from blood into the cells is achieved primarily by insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Insulin functions like keys which unlock the cells of the body allowing glucose to enter. In diabetes, blood sugar rises because either there is not enough insulin (not enough keys) or the available insulin does not work efficiently (the keys don’t work as well as they should).

When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

Immediately, cells may be starved for energy.
Over time, elevated blood glucose levels may cause damage to “end” organs, such as the eyes, blood vessels and kidneys, leading to blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations.

Most people with diabetes have associated health problems - such as high blood pressure and cholesterol that increase one’s risk for heart disease and stroke. When combined with diabetes, these risk factors add up to big trouble. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. With diabetes, heart attacks occur earlier in life and more often result in death. These heart attacks are usually due to atherosclerosis, the build up of cholesterol and fats that clog blood vessels. By managing diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Role of Coenzyme Q₁₀ in Diabetes

Coenzyme Q₁₀ has two functions in the body: (1) it is required to make energy in the form of ATP and (2) it is a powerful antioxidant. Both of these functions also play a role in the progression of diabetes.

ATP production

The synthesis of insulin by the pancreas requires energy in the form of ATP. Without ATP, insulin production is reduced. Because coenzyme Q₁₀ is required for ATP production, adequate levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ are needed for the normal regulation of blood glucose levels by means of insulin. Patients with type 2 diabetes have been found to have significantly lower blood levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ compared with healthy non-diabetics. ¹ This study suggests that a deficiency of coenzyme Q₁₀ in the pancreas could impair the production of ATP and hence, the synthesis of insulin.

Antioxidant

When glucose is able to enter the cells, it can be metabolized using oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP. Unfortunately, this process of aerobic metabolism also generates harmful oxygen free-radicals and other pro-oxidant molecules that contribute to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with elevated blood glucose levels and is part of a problem known as “glucose toxicity”. Additionally, oxidative stress has the potential to damage organs, including the pancreas, further contributing to the diabetic disease process itself and increasing the risk of the cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes. ² Coenzyme Q₁₀is a potent antioxidant that acts at the site of aerobic metabolism to scavenge oxidants and prevent oxidative stress. Accordingly, conditions that increase oxidative stress will increase the consumption of coenzyme Q₁₀to be used as an antioxidant. This may decrease the availability of coenzyme Q₁₀for the generation of ATP, which is required to sustain life. ³

Diagnosis of Diabetes

The normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 126 mg/dL where fasting is defined as no food intake for at least 8 hours before the blood test.

According to the American Diabetes Association, the diagnosis of diabetes can be made 3 different ways:

1. Symptoms of diabetes plus casual (unrelated to time of day or food intake) blood glucose level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL. The classic symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive drinking, and unexplained weight loss.

2. A fasting (no food intake for at least 8 hours) blood glucose level greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL.

3. Blood glucose level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL when measured over 2 hours after the patient drinks a glass of a large amount of sugar dissolved in water.

For more in depth information on the diagnosis and classification of diabetes visit http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/reprint/29/suppl_1/s43.

Prevention of Diabetes

Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “pre-diabetes” — blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. A large study called the Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making healthy changes in their diet by reducing fat and total calorie intake and increasing their level of physical activity.

Treatment of Diabetes

Patients with diabetes should all be aware of the advantages of a healthy lifestyle including proper diet and exercise. For patients with type 1 diabetes, a healthy lifestyle is an important addition to treatment with insulin. For most patients with type 2 diabetes, such a lifestyle, which results in moderate weight loss or, at least, prevents weight gain may be enough to control blood sugar levels. When diet and exercise alone are not enough to control blood sugar levels, patients with type 2 diabetes may be treated with oral medications. Other patients with type 2 diabetes may even require insulin to control their blood sugar level. Since diabetes may be a state of increased oxidative stress, there has been interest in prescribing antioxidants to patients with diabetes.

Role of Coenzyme Q₁₀ in the Treatment of Diabetes

Bearing in mind the role of coenzyme Q₁₀ in ATP production, it was important to test whether dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q₁₀ would benefit energy metabolism and ATP production in patients with in diabetes. In 120 patients with diabetes, an ATP producing enzyme that requires coenzyme Q₁₀ to function was measured. The amount and activity of the enzyme were significantly lower than in diabetics than in non-diabetics.⁴ Some oral drugs used to treat diabetes were shown to cause a further decrease in coenzyme Q₁₀ in addition to that caused by the diabetes

The overall effect of dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q₁₀ on diabetes has been studied. Dietary supplementation with 100 mg coenzyme Q₁₀ twice daily in patients with diabetes significantly increased plasma coenzyme Q₁₀by at least 3-fold ^{5, 8, 13, 14} Studies of dietary supplementation with 120 mg of coenzyme Q₁₀per day ⁶ and 200 mg coenzyme Q₁₀ per day⁷ have been shown to significantly reduce blood glucose levels ⁶ and lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), a measure of blood sugar control over 2 to 3 months.⁷ Furthermore, coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation has been reported to reduce insulin requirements in patients with diabetes.⁴

Many patients with diabetes also have elevated blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for development of the long-term complications of diabetes described above. Coenzyme Q₁₀ at 200 mg per day significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with diabetes.^{7, 5}However, not all studies have demonstrated positive benefits of dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q₁₀ in patients with diabetes. Two studies of dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q₁₀ in patients with diabetes demonstrated that even though blood coenzyme Q₁₀ levels were significantly increased, there was no measurable improvement in blood glucose levels. ^{8, 13}

Animals are often studied to provide information to human diseases. Studies have reported that diabetic rats have mitochondrial dysfunction as shown by decreased ATP production and increased pro-oxidants in their mitochondria. ^{9, 11} Coenzyme Q₁₀treatment improved ATP production and reduced the levels of harmful anti-oxidants in these diabetic rats.^{9, 10, 11} The role of bad cholesterol (LDL), harmful triglycerides, and good cholesterol (HDL) has clearly been associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. Coenzyme Q₁₀ treatment significantly decreased LDL and triglycerides, and increased HDL in diabetic rats. ^{10, 11} Finally, dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q₁₀ was shown to increase heart coenzyme Q₁₀ content and improve cardiac performance ¹² and lower the elevated blood pressure¹¹ in diabetic rats.

In conclusion, the importance of coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation for patients with diabetes requires further study. Some doctors recommend coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation as a way to protect against possible effects associated with diabetes-induced depletion and for its role in cardiovascular health.

The addition of coenzyme Q_10, or any other dietary supplement should never be substituted for any of your current medications to treat diabetes.

As always, consult your physician should you have any questions about the treatment of your diabetes.

References:

Miyake Y, Shouzu A, Nishikawa M, Yonemoto T, Shimizu H, Omoto S, Hayakawa T, Inada M. Effect of treatment of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme I reductase inhibitors on serum coenzyme Q₁₀ in diabetic patients. Arzneimittelforschung 1999;49:324–9
Hasegawa G, Yamamoto Y, Zhi JG, Tanino Y, Yamasaki M, Yano M, Nakajima T, Fukui M, Yoshikawa T, Nakamura N. Daily profile of plasma %CoQ₁₀ level, a biomarker of oxidative stress, in patients with diabetes manifesting postprandial hyperglycaemia. Acta Diabetol. 2005 Dec;42(4):179-81.
Littarru GP and Battino M. Protection against oxidative stress by chronic administration of coenzyme Q_.In: Kagan VE and Quinn PJ, ed. Coenzyme Q₁₀: Molecular mechanisms in health and disease. Boca Raton, FL: 2001:219-226.
Kishi T, Kishi H, Watanabe T, Folkers K.. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. XI. Studies on coenzyme Q and diabetes mellitus. J Med. 1976;7(3-4):307-21.
Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, Burke V, Croft KD. Coenzyme Q₁₀ improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;56(11):1137-42.
Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi SS, Shukla PK, Thakur AS. Effect of hydrosoluble coenzyme Q10 on blood pressures and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. J Hum Hypertens. 1999;13:203–8.
Playford DA, Watts GF, Croft KD, Burke V. Combined effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ and fenofibrate on forearm microcirculatory function in type 2 diabetes. Atherosclerosis. 2003 May;168(1):169-79.
Henriksen JE, Bruun Andersen C, Hother-Nielsen O, et al. Impact of ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) treatment on glycaemic control, insulin requirement and well-being in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabet. 1999;16:312–8.
Moreira PI, Santos MS, Sena C, Nunes E, Seica R, Oliveira CR. CoQ₁₀ therapy attenuates amyloid beta-peptide toxicity in brain mitochondria isolated from aged diabetic rats. Exp Neurol. 2005 Nov;196(1):112-9. Epub 2005 Aug 29.
Al-Thakafy HS, Khoja SM, Al-Marzouki ZM, Zailaie MZ, Al-Marzouki KM. Alterations of erythrocyte free radical defense system, heart tissue lipid peroxidation, and lipid concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats under coenzyme Q₁₀supplementation. Saudi Med J. 2004 Dec;25(12):1824-30.
Modi K, Santani DD, Goyal RK, Bhatt PA. Effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ on catalase activity and other antioxidant parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2006 Jan;109(1):25-34.
Serizawa T, Oku J, Iizuka M, Ohya T, Ohtani Y, Sugiura S, Murakami T, Sugimoto T. Beneficial effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ on impaired left ventricular performance in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Jpn Heart J. 1988 Mar;29(2):233-42.
Eriksson JG, Forsen TJ, Mortensen SA, Rohde M. The effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ administration on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biofactors 1999;9(2-4):315-8.
Watts GF, Playford DA, Croft KD, Ward NC, Mori TA, Burke V. Coenzyme Q₁₀ improves endothelial dysfunction of the brachial artery in Type II diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia 2002 Mar;45(3):420-6.

Page modified: 2007-06-12 13:39:21.

Adipose - Fat tissue.

Aerobic - Without oxygen.

Adequate Intake (AI) - A recommended intake value based on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of healthy people, that are assumed to be adequate- used when an RDA cannot be determined.

Aldosterone - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal gland regulates sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

Amyloid Plaques - An abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain that are seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Amino Acids - Small molecules that are the building blocks of proteins.

Analogue - Something that is similar to something else.

Antioxidant - A chemical compound or substance like a vitamin that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.

Arteries - Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, whereas veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Atherosclerosis - A disease of the arteries resulting from the formation of an atherosclerosis plaque, historically known as “hardening of the arteries”. The plaque consists of excess cholesterol and other lipids, inflammatory cells such as macrophages, with excess of proteins and calcium. The plaque eventually ruptures and causes narrowing of the artery leading to an insufficient blood supply to the organ it feeds.

ATP - Adenosine triphosphate. The cells of the body cannot use food directly for energy. The energy (calories) in food must be broken down into a form of energy small enough for the cells to use. That smallest form of energy is ATP.

Bias - To influence in an unfair way.

Beta Blocker - A medicine used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions.

Bile Acids - Specific compounds produced by the liver and excreted in the bile to help in the digestion of fats.

Bioavailability - A term used by pharmacologists and pharmacists to describe the amount of a medication that reaches the blood stream.

Biological Membranes - All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane, sometimes called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma. It is a thin double layer of phospholipid and proteins that envelopes the cell, separating the cell’s interior from its surroundings and controlling what moves in and out.

Biosynthesis - A process where chemical compounds are made in the body from simpler compounds or smaller molecules, an important part of metabolism.

Blinded - Most clinical studies are “blinded” to assure accurate results. Double-blinded means that neither the patient nor the investigator know which group the patient is assigned to. Single-blinded means the investigator knows which group the patient is assigned to, but the patient does not.

Carbohydrates - Commonly known as sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides) and starches (polysaccharides), their most important function is energy storage.

Cardiac Asthma - An asthmatic attack caused by heart disease.

Cell Membrane - Also called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma. It is the outermost layer of a cell composed of primarily phospholipids and proteins. It serves to separate and protect the cell interior from its surroundings and regulate the movement of molecules into and out of cell.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - A government agency that studies infectious diseases.

Chemical Bonds - The holding together of molecules by attraction of atoms to each other, commonly through sharing of electrons.

Chylomicrons - Small fat globule composed of protein and lipid (fat) created by the cells of the small intestine used to transport fat from the intestine to the liver and to fat tissue. After a fatty meal, the blood is so full of chylomicrons that it looks milky.

Cognition - The ability to think, reason, and remember.

Confidence Intervals - Describes the range within which the real effect is likely to occur. As with the 5% chance described for the p value, the confidence interval usually provided is the 95% confidence interval. For example if a new cholesterol drug lowered cholesterol by a mean of 20 mg/dL with a 95% CI of 4 to 35, there is a 95% probability that the true effect of the drug lies within this range. If the CI does not overlap 1.0, the result is said to be significant at p<0.05. In our example the CI (4, 35) does not overlap 1.0, therefore the treatment effect is considered to be statistically significant.

Cortisol - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal gland that is involved in the response to stress. Also used as a drug, synthetic cortisol also known as hydrocortisone, is used to teat allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Dementia - A progressive decline in mental functioning, over and above what’s expected from normal aging, due to damage or disease in the brain.

Double Blind - In clinical studies, double blind means that neither the patient nor the investigator know which treatment group the patient is assigned to.

Dietary Reference Intakes - Includes four measurements; Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), Allowable Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) and Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). DRI is generally used by nutrition professionals instead of RDAs.

Efficacy - The ability of a drug to produce an acceptable amount of the desired effect. In precise terms ‘efficacy’ refers to the effect of a drug in the controlled setting of a clinical trial. This is different from ‘effectiveness’ which refers to the effect of a drug in real world setting.

Electron - A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. The flow of electrons produces electricity.

Electron Transport Chain - The energy currency of the body, ATP, is made in the mitochondria, from the food we eat, through a series of chemical reactions called the electron transport chain. Electrons are transported through a series of compounds in what is known as the electron transport chain. Each time electrons are transferred from one compound to another, the energy generates a proton gradient that provides the energy to produce ATP.

Eliminate - After drugs are metabolized, they are removes from the body by two main routes: in the urine through the kidneys and in the feces through the gastrointestinal tract.

Enterocyte - An intestinal cell that helps to break up food molecules and transports them into the tissues of the body.

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) - A daily nutrient intake value that is estimated to meet the requirement of half of the healthy individuals in a life stage and gender group - used to assess dietary adequacy and as the basis for RDA.

Estrogen - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol that is the primary hormone involved in the development of female sex characteristics. Estrogen is also present at a significantly lower level in men.

Fermentation - A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen such as making alcohol (wine) from grapes with yeast.

Fibrate - A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol that work differently than the statins.

Folic Acid - One of the B vitamins.

Free Radicals - Atoms or molecules with highly reactive unpaired electrons that are generally pro-oxidants. Also referred to as reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical and are associated with cell damage. Free radicals are neutralized in the body by anti-oxidants.

Free Radical Scavenger - Found in every living cell of the body and are potent antioxidants.

Gamma Rays - Electromagnetic radiation of high energy that is released by radioactive decay.

Genetic Material - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), used to store the genetic information of an organism.

Glucose Toxicity - High blood glucose can lead to damage of organs and the complications of diabetes.

Gram - The standard measure of mass in the metric system indicated by the symbol g. 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg). 1 gram = 1/1000 of a kilogram (kg). 1 ounce = 28.3 grams, 1 gram is about the mass of a paper clip.

GRAS - Generally Regarded As Safe is recognition by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services) of the safety of a substance that is added to food.

Heavy Metals - Common metals that are “heavy” include gold, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, zinc, mercury, lead, and cadmium. Some like cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, zinc, are required in the diet in trace amounts, but high levels can be detrimental. Others such as mercury, lead, and cadmium are not essential to bodily functions and accumulation is associated with illness.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) - A measure of blood sugar control over 2 to 3 months.

High Energy Phosphates - Compounds like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that contain high energy phosphate bonds that when broken release energy for the body to use.

HMG-CoA Reductase - The rate-limiting enzyme, 3 - hydroxy - 3 - methyl - glutaryl - CoA reductase or HMGR, of the pathway that synthesizes cholesterol and other molecules. Drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase are commonly called statins because of the commonality of the generic drug names: atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. Statins are used to lower blood levels of LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Hormone - From the Greek horman - “to set in motion”. A chemical substance that is secreted into body fluids and transported to another cell or organ, where it produces a specific effect.

Hypothesis - The explanation for certain facts or observations that can be tested through experimentation.

Ionizing Radiation - Produced by radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and by extremely hot objects like the sun. X-rays are a use of ionizing radiation as is radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, overuse of ionizing radiation can be hazardous.

In Vitro - Refers to experiments performed in test tubes or cell cultures.

In Vivo - Refers to experiments performed in live animals.

Jugular Reflux - An elevation of venous pressure that can be seen in bulging jugular veins and in the veins of the arm and can be produced by congestive heart failure.

LDL - Low density lipoprotein, a fatty droplet composed of protein and cholesterol used to carry cholesterol throughout the body. Referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because it may accumulate on the walls of the arteries leading to atherosclerosis.

Left Ventricle - The largest lower chamber of the heart, it that receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it out to the body through the aorta to the body.

Lymphatic System - A network of vessels carrying lymph (a colorless fluid) to and from lymph organs (lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus) that produce and store infection-fighting cells.

Lymphoma - Any of the many often malignant tumors of the lymph nodes or in other lymphoid tissue.

Lactate/Pyruvate Ratio - Elevation in this ratio may be used to estimate mitochondrial dysfunction. If the mitochondria (makes energy through aerobic pathways) are not functioning properly, the body may turn to anerobic pathways to generate energy which increase lactate compare to pyruvate.

Lipases - Enzymes in the digestive system that break down fats.

Lipids - A class of water insoluble compounds essential for the structure and function of living cells. Lipids make up cell membranes and are used for energy storage. They also can be hormones and vitamins. Lipids are often called ‘fats’, however, fats are only one type of lipid.

Metabolism - All of the processes of the body including those that build up (anabolism) and breakdown (catabolism) molecules in the body. Drug metabolism is the process the body uses to break down (deactivate) a drug for elimination form the body.

Mevalonic Acid - A compound used by the body to make cholesterol and other steroids.

Mitochondria - A cell structure often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell” because that is where the food we eat is turned into energy. All cells, with the exception of red blood cells, have mitochondria. Mitochondria convert the energy found in the food we eat into a small energy rich molecule called ATP that all cells can use.

Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain - The energy currency of the body, ATP, is made in the mitochondria, from the food we eat, through a series of chemical reactions called the electron transport chain. Electrons are transported through a series of compounds in what is known as the electron transport chain. Each time electrons are transferred from one compound to another, the energy generates a proton gradient that provides the energy to produce ATP.

Multicenter - In clinical studies, when the same study is performed in patient found in more than one study center.

Myeloma - A tumor of antibody-producing cells that are normally found in the bone marrow.

Neurodegenerative Diseases - Disease that results from the deterioration of nerve cells such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Neuron - The nerve cells which make up the central nervous system that communicate to each other by transmitting electrical signals to other neurons.

Neutrons - A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom, except hydrogen, it has no electrical charge; it is neutral.

Nucleic Acids - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), the molecules the body uses to store and transmit genetic information.

Open Label - In clinical studies, when the patient knows which drug treatment they are being given.

Oxidative Phosphorylation - The process during which nutrients are broken down into ATP using the oxygen we breathe.

Oxidative Stress - A term for damage to animal or plant cells, tissues and organs caused by free radicals and other pro-oxidant molecules. It is often defined as an imbalance between too many pro-oxidants and not enough antioxidants.

Oxidized - Oxidation is the loss of an electron. Molecules that have the ability to oxidize other molecules are also known as pro-oxidants, oxidizing agents, oxidants or oxidizers. When the oxidant removes electrons from the other molecule, it becomes reduced.

Ozone - A molecule of three oxygen atoms present in low concentrations throughout the Earth’s atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere it prevents harmful ultraviolet light form reaching the Earth’s surface. At ground level ozone is associated with respiratory problems, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Pancreas - An organ located near the stomach that makes digestive enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin and glucagon.

Pantothenic Acid - Also called vitamin B5, is an antioxidant water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

pH - A measurement of acidity or alkalinity of a solution like blood or water.

Placebo-Controlled - Refers to a clinical trial in which the effectiveness of an experimental drug is compared to that of placebo (contains no useful medicinal content) group.

Platelet - Cells involved in blood clotting.

Progesterone - a steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol, involved in the regulation of the processes of the female reproductive system.

Pro-Oxidant - A substance that can produce oxygen byproducts of metabolism that can cause damage to cells.

Prospective - A study that collects data after the study begins; unlike a retrospective study which analyzes data that has already been collected.

Proteins - Chains of amino acids used by the body for many things including: cell movement (muscles), structures (hair), enzymes (biological catalysts), hormones (insulin), energy storage (egg albumin), transport of oxygen (hemoglobin), and antibodies (immune system).

PTS™ - The lead compound in the family of Ubisol-Aqua™ solubilizers.

Pulmonary Edema - Swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the lungs.

P Value - A measure of significance. A p value that is deemed significant if it is p<0.05 (read, p is less than .05). If the p value is less than 0.05, the difference between the treatment groups is considered statistically significant. It means that there is less than a 5% chance that the difference between the two treatment groups occurred by chance and that the difference between the two groups is most likely attributable to a treatment effect rather than chance. If the p value is greater than .05 (p>0.05), then it is likely that the difference between the two treatment groups occurred by chance.

Randomized - A method of assignment in which individuals have a random chance of being assigned to one group or another.

Range- Describes the highest and lowest number in the data set.

Reactive Oxygen Species - Atoms or molecules with highly reactive unpaired electrons that are generally pro-oxidants. Also referred to as free radicals and are associated with cell damage. Free radicals are neutralized in the body by anti-oxidants.

Recommended Daily Allowance - The average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 to 98 percent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. RDA is now incorporated into the DRI. For more information please refer to the International Food Information Council.

Reduced - Reduction is the gaining of an electron. Molecules that have the ability to reduce other molecules are also known as reducing agents, reductants or reducers. When the reducing agent gains electrons from the other molecule, it becomes oxidized.

Remacemide - A drug used treat Parkinson’s disease.

Reperfusion Injury - The damage to tissue that is caused when the blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of no or reduced blood flow.

Safety - Relates to the detection, evaluation, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects of drugs during short and long term use.

Statistically Significant - A mathematical measure to describe if there is a difference between groups. The difference is said to be “statistically significant” if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone.

Striatal Spiny Neurons - A type of medium sized neuron in the striatum that when destroyed, may cause problems with movement.

Standard Deviation (SD) and Standard Error (SE) - Mathematically complex calculations. What you need to know is that large SD and SE indicate a lot of variability in the data, and small SD and SE indicate that the data values are clustered closely around the mean.

Statin - A group of drugs that reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the body.

Substantia Nigra - Dark gray matter deep within the brain where cells make the neurotransmitter dopamine for movement control. Degeneration of cells in this region may lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Subcutaneous - Under the skin.

Synthetic - A substance that is made a chemical process, it generally does not apply to substances created by naturally occurring biological processes.

Testosterone - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol that is the primary hormone involved in the development of male sex characteristics. Testosterone is also present at a significantly lower level in women.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) - The highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects for almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increased above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases.

Ultraviolet Light - Electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays.

United States Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDA) - Was devised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nutritional labeling of processed foods and vitamin products. The USRDA lists the percentage of each of 19 essential nutrients that are contained per serving of the labeled product. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the amount of nutrients and calories recommended for most healthy individuals (of any age) to consume in their daily diet to meet the requirements of the body.

Unsaturated Fats - A fat with one or more double bond in the fatty acid chain and liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats are commonly found in avocados, nuts, soybeans, canola oil and olive oil. Saturated fats have no double bonds in the fatty acid chain and are solid at room temperature such as butter and animal fat.

Ubiquinol - The reduced form of coenzyme Q₁₀.

Ubiquinone - The oxidized form of coenzyme Q₁₀.

Villus> - Hair-like protrusions into the intestine — emanating from the wall of the intestine. The purpose of the villi is to slow the passage of food, and to allow food particles to be captured in among these finger-like villi — so that the blood inside the villi can absorb the nutrients in the food.

Vitamin - A molecule required by the body in minute amounts for proper health. In general, vitamins cannot be made by the body.

X-Rays - A form of electromagnetic radiation primarily used in medicine to produce radiographic images. Is also a form of ionizing radiation which can be dangerous.