Q10 deficiency disrupts cholesterol balance and nerve cells in the brain
Q10 plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism and serves as an important antioxidant that protects cells. A Q10 deficiency can therefore lead to a wide range of clinical symptoms, including ones affecting the brain, nervous system, and cognitive abilities. In the body, Q10 is synthesized via the same biochemical pathway as cholesterol, and the brain is actually the most cholesterol-rich organ. This highlights a close connection between Q10, cholesterol, and the function of nerve cells. A study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine shows that a lack of Q10 can negatively affect the shape and function of nerve cells. It's important to note that aging and cholesterol-lowering statins inhibit the body’s own production of Q10.
Q10 is a fat-soluble compound that is essential for cellular energy metabolism, as it functions as a coenzyme in the mitochondria’s ATP production. Q10 also acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells, including the mitochondria, from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Q10 is also involved in several other biological processes, including the regulation of cholesterol balance.
Cholesterol is a vital substance that the body primarily produces endogenously in accordance with its own needs. Cholesterol is crucial for the strength and function of cell membranes and for the formation of vitamins, steroid hormones, and more.
Cholesterol is especially important for nerve cells, as it is part of their protective myelin sheaths. The brain is therefore the most cholesterol-rich organ, containing about 20% of the body's total cholesterol.
In the body, cholesterol is produced from simple molecules through several intermediate steps and enzymes via the same synthesis pathway as Q10. Briefly, this begins with the coenzyme HMG CoA, which plays a role in the formation of mevalonate and FPPS (farnesyl pyrophosphate). From FPPS and other enzymatic processes, cholesterol and Q10 are produced via two branches of the so-called mevalonate pathway.
As shown, there is a close link between Q10 and cholesterol. The aim of the new study was therefore to investigate whether a Q10 deficiency affects the formation of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in nerve cells.
In the study, researchers used nerve cells developed from stem cells, among others, and induced Q10 deficiency through pharmacological manipulation of the mevalonate pathway.
The study revealed that Q10 deficiency led to the following changes in nerve cells:
- Alterations in cholesterol balance
Cholesterol exists in different forms. In the bloodstream, it is carried bound to lipoproteins, primarily LDL and HDL. It is important to maintain the right balane between LDL and HDL levels in the blood. - Changes in fatty acid oxidation
Cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress - an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Oxidation of cholesterol and other fatty acids can trigger chain reactions inside and among cells, potentially leading to cellular dysfunctions, atherosclerosis, and other disturbances. - Changes in phospholipid synthesis
Phospholipids are fats found in all cell membranes. They provide structural integrity and regulate the uptake and release of substances in cells. Phospholipids also bind polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which have many physiological functions. Nerve cells are particularly rich in DHA, which plays a critical role in cognitive functions. - Changes in sphingolipid synthesis
Sphingolipids are important components of cell membranes and regulate numerous cellular processes. Nerve cells are especially rich in sphingolipids, and disturbances in their function are associated with many neurological disorders.
According to the researchers, these changes are caused by cellular Q10 deficiency and related molecular defects. The results of the study indicate that Q10 deficiency in nerve cells can alter lipid balance and affect the composition and function of cell membranes. This is the first study ever to specifically investigate Q10’s importance for the lipid balance in cell membranes and nerve cell degeneration caused by Q10 deficiency. The researchers find that this knowledge sheds new light on Q10’s therapeutic potential.
Q10 requirements throughout life and relevant supplementation
The greater the energy turnover in an organ, the more Q10 is found in its cells. For this reason, organs like the brain and heart contain relatively large amounts of Q10.
There are no official daily recommendations for Q10 intake, and we are expected to produce most of it ourselves, as dietary intake only provides small amounts. However, after the age of 20, our natural Q10 synthesis gradually declines. As a result of this, the Q10 content in the heart drops to about 40% by the age of 80 years. Levels in nerve cells also decrease over time.
In addition, cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) inhibit the body’s production of Q10 by blocking coenzyme HMG CoA, which is also required for Q10 synthesis. Alendronate, typically used to treat osteoporosis and certain diseases, can also impair Q10 production.
Numerous studies have used pharmaceutical-grade Q10 supplements (100-200 mg daily), which ensure high bioavailability.
- Scientists such as Bruce H. Lipton consider the cell membrane to be the cell’s “brain” because it initiates most of its activities.
- The membranes of nerve cells contain many lipids, including cholesterol, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA.
- Q10 deficiency alters lipid metabolism in nerve cells.
- Dysfunction in the lipid metabolism in nerve cells is caused by changes in cholesterol metabolism.
- Abnormalities in the cholesterol balance are closely related to cellular Q10 levels.
- Imbalances in the lipid-rich membranes of nerve cells can affect their shape and function.
Q10’s protective effect on neurological diseases
In the following article, you can read more about Q10’s role in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, Parkinson’s disease, migraine, fibromyalgia, and other neurological conditions.
»Q10’s protective effect against neurological diseases«
References:
Alba Pesini et al. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency disrupts lipid metabolism by altering cholesterol homeostasis in neurons. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2025
Shokufeh Bagheri et al. Neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 on neurological diseases: a review article. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2023
Bruce Lipton. Intelligente celler. Borgen.
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