The aim of this thesis was to investigate the penetration features of the hydrofobized hyaluronic acid – based polymeric micelles using Nile red as carried tracer. Furthermore, to implement basic characterization of polymeric micelles for potential cosmetic applications using Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as carried substance. It was found that the size of the polymeric micelles with carried CoQ10 did not exceed 100 nm. Applied delivery systems based on hydrophobic hyaluronic acid were suitable for potential topical application. Delivery systems with Nile Red as carried tracer demonstrated excellent penetration features. We assume that delivery systems with CoQ10 will exhibit similar penetration features. An issue has appeared whether the carrier breaks or proceeds along with NR to the skin. Moreover, another experiments have been designed which could also verify the penetration features of these systems.

Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla During Experimental Endotoxemia Sepsis is a complex pathophysiologic state resulting from an exaggerated whole-body inflammatory response to infection or injury. Metabolic disturbances, abnormal regulation of blood flow and diminished utilization of oxygen at the cellular level may account for tissue damage and lead to multiple organ failure and death. As the primary site of cellular energy generation is the mitochondrion, it presents itself as an important target for the septic cascade. In this regard, the notion that bioenergetic failure due to mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to organ failure during sepsis has received attention. We established the low frequency fluctuations in the systemic arterial pressure signals are related to the sympathetic neurogenic vasomotor tone, and reflect the functional integrity of the brain stem. Their origin is subsequently traced to the premotor sympathetic neurons at the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), whose neuronal activity is intimately related to the ¡§life-and-death¡¨ process. Based on a rat model of experimental endotoxemia that provides continuous information on changes in neuronal activity in the RVLM, the present study was undertaken to evaluate whether changes in mitochondrial respiratory functions are associated with death arising from sepsis. We also evaluated the efficacy of a new water-soluble coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone) formula in the protection against fatality during endotoxemia by microinjection into bilateral RVLM. Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla During Experimental Endotoxemia in the Rat We investigated the functional changes in mitochondrial respiratory chain at the RVLM in an experimental model of endotoxemia that mimics systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Experiments were carried out in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats that were maintained under propofol anesthesia. Intravenous administration of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 30 mg/kg) induced progressive hypotension, with death ensued within 4 hours. The sequence of cardiovascular events during this LPS-induced endotoxemia can be divided into a reduction (Phase I), followed by an augmentation (Phase II; ¡§pro-life¡¨ phase) and a secondary decrease (Phase III; ¡§pro-death¡¨ phase) in the power density of the vasomotor components (0-0.8 Hz) of systemic arterial pressure (SAP) signals. Enzyme assay revealed significant decrease of the activity of NADH cytochrome c reductase (Complex I+III) and cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) in the RVLM during all 3 phases of endotoxemia. On the other hand, the activity of succinate cytochrome c reductase (Complex II+III) remained unaltered. Neuroprotective Effects of Coenzyme Q10 at Rostral ventrolateral Medulla Against Fatality During Experimental Endotoxemia in the Rat CoQ10 is a highly mobile electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain that also acts as an antioxidant. We evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of CoQ10 against fatality in an experimental model of endotoxemia, using a novel water-soluble formulation of this quinone derivative. In Sprague-Dawley rats maintained under propofol anesthesia, intravenous administration of E. coli LPS (30 mg/kg) induced experimental endotoxemia. Pretreatment by microinjection bilaterally of CoQ10 (1 or 2 mg) into RVLM significantly diminished mortality, prolonged survival time, and reduced the slope or magnitude of the LPS-induced hypotension. CoQ10 pretreatment also significantly prolonged the duration of Phase II endotoxemia and augmented the total power density of the vasomotor components of SAP signals in Phase II endotoxemia. The increase in superoxide anion production induced by LPS at the RVLM during Phases II and III endotoxemia was also significantly blunted. Conclusion The present study revealed that selective dysfunction of respiratory enzyme Complexes I and IV in the mitochondrial respiratory chain at the RVLM is closely associated with fatal endotoxemia. CoQ10 provides neuroprotection against fatality during endotoxemia by acting on the RVLM. We further found that a reduction in superoxide anion produced during endotoxemia at the RVLM may be one of the mechanisms that underlie the elicited neuroprotection of CoQ10. These findings therefore open a new direction for future development of therapeutic strategy in this critical, complicated and highly fatal condition known as sepsis.

Ectotherms such as frogs must either function within environments with temperatures amenable to their physiological needs, or find means to reduce the impact of temperature on their activities. Recent studies on reptile and amphibian feeding have shown convergent use of elastic recoil to drive feeding movements, thereby decoupling temperature's effects on muscle from movement and allowing the animals to feed over broader temperature ranges. Rana pipiens specimens (n=5) were exposed to three ambient temperatures (10°, 15°, and 25° C) at which feeding behavior was imaged at 6000 Hz. The image sequences yielded detailed kinematic and dynamic information for jaw, tongue, and body movements, including velocity, acceleration, power, duration, and excursion. Previously published studies have examined feeding in ranid frogs; however, those studies employed slower frame rates that did not permit analysis of instantaneous accelerations and velocities, and depressor and jaw-tongue complex mass specific power outputs in Rana feeding have not yet been established. Specimens were dissected for morphological measurement and calculation of mass-specific dynamics relative to the m. depressor mandibulae and the center of mass of the jaw-tongue complex. Previous studies on tongue projection in Bufo terrestris have shown that the rapid jaw depression that inertially elongates the tongue relies on elasticity in the depressor muscles. Further, because this movement is elastically driven, it is less sensitive to temperature than a completely muscle-driven movement would be. Because Rana also feeds through inertial elongation of the tongue (as does Bufo, in which the mechanism is convergent), I hypothesized that Rana would demonstrate thermal insensitivity in its feeding kinematics and dynamics in a pattern similar to that documented in Bufo. Experimental results indicated that portions of the feeding cycle related to the initial, ballistic phase were at least moderately thermally insensitive. At all temperatures studied, Rana reached approximately half of the depressor mass-specific power of Bufo, demonstrating that Bufo's depressor mass-specific power output is not the minimum value necessary for inertial elongation. I further hypothesize that thermal independence and power output in excess of that achievable by muscle alone during the initial, ballistic mouth opening phase of feeding suggests the involvement of an elastic mechanism convergent with that of Bufo terrestris.

Thesis (MNutrition (ITE))--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background Statins are drugs of known efficacy in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. However, statin-induced myopathy, an adverse effect of statins in up to 15% of its users, has warranted a reduction in the prescription dose or discontinuation of the drug. The exact mechanism of statin-induced myopathy is unknown, but the potential of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as treatment has been recognized due to decreased human plasma CoQ10 levels found after statin use and the concomitant role of CoQ10 in muscle function. Objectives This systematic review assessed the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on: the severity of statin-induced myopathic symptoms, levels of plasma creatine kinase, intramuscular and plasma CoQ10, as well as whether any adverse effects of CoQ10 supplementation such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or headaches were experienced. Search methods Two searches for studies were conducted in The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (inception to March 2011 and inception to November 2011), MEDLINE (inception to March 2011 and inception to November 2011), Web of Science (inception to March 2011 and inception to November 2011), Science Direct (inception to March 2011 and inception to February 2012), Wiley Online Library (inception to March 2011 and inception to February 2012), Springerlink (inception to April 2011 and inception to February 2012), EBSCOhost [Academic Search Premier and CAB abstracts (inception to March 2011 and inception to February 2012), CINAHL (inception to March 2011 and inception to November 2011)], Scopus (inception to March 2011 and inception to November 2011) and Google Scholar (inception to March 2011 and inception to February 2012). Reference lists of articles were hand searched for relevant clinical trials. Only trials with a full text were included in the review. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included with adult participants (mean of 18-64.99 years) of all race/ethnic groups and gender on statin therapy with reported myopathic symptoms from an unknown cause. The intervention was in the form of a pure oral supplement of CoQ10 irrespective of dose, duration and frequency, and the control in the form of a placebo, a similar antioxidant, or no intervention. Outcomes included the severity of myopathic symptoms, levels of plasma creatine kinase (U/L), intramuscular CoQ10 (μmol/kg) and plasma CoQ10 (μmol/L), as well as adverse effects of CoQ10. Data collection and analysis The principle investigator and one independent reviewer selected the studies, extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration‘s tool for assessing risk of bias. Authors of relevant clinical trials were contacted for additional information. Results Two RCTs were included in the review, totaling 76 participants. A meta-analysis could not be performed, thus the review is narrative. There were an insufficient number of RCTs to confirm whether routine supplementation of CoQ10 improves statin-induced myopathic symptoms. Conclusions More and larger RCTs are required to determine the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation in statin-induced myopathy. Consensus needs to be reached regarding the definition and measurement instrument/s of myopathy so that results of future studies can easily be compared and synthesized. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond Statiene is medikasie bekend vir die effektiewe behandeling van hipercholesterolemie. Statien-geïnduseerde miopatie is egter 'n newe-effek wat voorkom in tot 15% van gebruikers, wat 'n vermindering in die voorgeskrewe dosis of staking van die medikasie tot gevolg het. Die presiese meganisme van statien-geïnduseerde miopatie is onbekend, maar die potensiaal van Koënsiem Q10 (CoQ10) is geïdentifiseer as 'n moontlike behandeling aangesien menslike plasma CoQ10 vlakke verlaag na die gebruik van statiene en as gevolg van die rol van CoQ10 in spierfunksie. Doelwitte Hierdie sistematiese literatuuroorsig het die effek van CoQ10 supplementasie bepaal op: die graad van statien-geïnduseerde miopatiese simptome, plasma kreatien kinase vlakke, intra-muskulêre en plasma CoQ10 vlakke, asook die teenwoordigheid van enige newe-effekte van CoQ10 supplementasie soos abdominale pyn, naarheid en braking of hoofpyne. Soektogstrategie Twee soektogte vir studies is uitgevoer in The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot November 2011), MEDLINE (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot November 2011), Web of Science (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot November 2011), Science Direct (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot Februarie 2012), Wiley Online Library (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot Februarie 2012), Springerlink (ontstaan tot April 2011 en ontstaan tot Februarie 2012), EBSCOhost [Academic Search Premier en CAB abstracts (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot Februarie 2012), CINAHL (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot November 2011)], Scopus (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot November 2011) en Google Scholar (ontstaan tot Maart 2011 en ontstaan tot Februarie 2012). Verwysingslyste van artikels is ook met die hand nagegaan vir relevante kliniese proewe. Slegs kliniese proewe waarvan die volteks beskikbaar was, is ingesluit in die oorsig. Seleksiekriteria Ewekansige gekontroleerde proewe (EGP) is ingesluit met volwasse deelnemers (gemiddeld 18-64.99 jaar) van alle rasse/etniese groepe en geslag op statien-terapie met gerapporteerde miopatie simptome van onbekende oorsaak. Die intervensie was 'n suiwer orale supplement van CoQ10 ongeag die dosis, duurte en frekwensie, en die kontrole 'n plasebo, soortgelyke antioksidant, of geen intervensie. Uitkomste het ingesluit: die graad van miopatie simptome, vlakke van plasma kreatien kinase (U/L), intra-muskulêre CoQ10 (μmol/kg) en plasma CoQ10 (μmol/L), sowel as newe-effekte van CoQ10. Dataversameling en -analise Die hoof ondersoeker en een onafhanklike hersiener het die seleksie van studies en data-ekstraksie onderneem en die risiko vir sydigheid geassesseer deur gebruik te maak van die Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Outeurs van relevante kliniese proewe is geraadpleeg vir addisionele inligting Resultate Twee EGP is ingesluit in die oorsig met 'n totaal van 76 deelnemers. 'n Meta-analise kon nie uitgevoer word nie, dus is die oorsig beskrywend. Daar was te min EGP om te bewys dat roetine supplementasie van CoQ10 statien-geïnduseerde miopatiese simptome verbeter. Gevolgtrekkings Meer en groter EGP is nodig om die effektiwiteit van CoQ10 supplementasie in statien-geïnduseerde miopatie te bepaal. Konsensus moet bereik word ten opsigte van die definisie en metingsinstrument/e van miopatie sodat die resultate van toekomstige studies makliker vergelyk en verwerk kan word.

Orientador: Fábio Ermínio Mingatto / Banca:Elisa Maria de Sousa Russo / Banca: Luzia Helena Queiroz / Resumo: Os músculos esqueléticossão tecidos dinâmicos que podem alterar suas características fenotípicas proporcionando melhor adaptação funcional com estímulos variados. A habilidade de adaptação do tecido muscular durante o crescimento e exercício é dependente de mudanças qualitativas e quantitativas na expressão induzida pelos diversos estímulos. A L-tiroxina é um hormônio produzido pela glândula tireoide e tem sido utilizada como modelo experimental para estimulação de estresse oxidativo no músculo esquelético. A Coenzima Q10 (CoQ10) é uma provitamina lipossolúvel sintetizada endogenamente e naturalmente encontrada em alimentos como a carne vermelha, peixes, cereais, brócolis e espinafre. Apresenta propriedade antioxidante e potencial no tratamento de doenças degenerativas e neuromusculares. No presente trabalho foi avaliado o efeito protetor da CoQ10 no músculo sóleo frente aos danos provocados pela L- tiroxina. Os ratos foram distribuídos em quatro Grupos de seis animais cada: Grupo 1 (G1, controle); Grupo 2 (G2, coenzima Q10); Grupo 3 (G3, L-tiroxina) e Grupo 4 (G4, coenzima Q10 e L-tiroxina). Após a eutanásia, o sangue dos animais foi colhido e foi analisada a atividade sérica das enzimas creatina quinase (CK) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). No homogenato do músculo sóleo foram avaliados fatores relacionados ao estresse oxidativo. A CoQ10 protegeu o músculo sóleo e favoreceu a manutenção da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes glutationa redutase e glutationa peroxidase, da concentração de glutationa reduzida e oxidada, além de evitar a lipoperoxidação. Os resultados indicam que a CoQ10 protege o músculo sóleo de ratos dos danos oxidativos provocados pela L-tiroxina. / Abstract: Skeletal muscles are dynamic tissues that can alter their phenotypic characteristics providing better functional adaptation to different stimulus.The hability to adapt the muscle tissue during growth and exercise is dependent on qualitative and quantitative changes in expression induced by various stimuli. L-thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and has been used as an experimental model for stimulation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.CoQ10 is a fat-soluble provitamin endogenously synthesized and naturally found in foods like red meat, fish, grains, broccoli and spinach.Features antioxidant properties and potential in the treatment of degenerative diseases and neuromuscular diseases.The present study evaluated the protective effect of CoQ10 in the soleus muscle against damage caused by L-thyroxine .The rats were divided in to four groups of six animals each: Group 1(G1, Control); Group 2(G2, coenzyme Q10); Group 3 (G3, L-thyroxine) and Group 4 (G4, coenzyme Q10 and L -thyroxine) .After euthanasia, blood was collected and serum was analyzed activity of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).In the soleus muscle homogenate factors related to oxidative stress were evaluated. CoQ10 protected the soleus muscle and favored the maintenance of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, the concentration of reduced and oxidized glutathione, and prevent lipid peroxidation. The results indicate that CoQ10 protects rat soleus muscle from oxidative damage caused by L- thyroxine / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-13T12:10:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-07-11. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-07-13T12:25:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000836295.pdf: 546084 bytes, checksum: 707b6f452fbf564a1f958ea9e2517ddd (MD5) / Os músculos esqueléticossão tecidos dinâmicos que podem alterar suas características fenotípicas proporcionando melhor adaptação funcional com estímulos variados. A habilidade de adaptação do tecido muscular durante o crescimento e exercício é dependente de mudanças qualitativas e quantitativas na expressão induzida pelos diversos estímulos. A L-tiroxina é um hormônio produzido pela glândula tireoide e tem sido utilizada como modelo experimental para estimulação de estresse oxidativo no músculo esquelético. A Coenzima Q10 (CoQ10) é uma provitamina lipossolúvel sintetizada endogenamente e naturalmente encontrada em alimentos como a carne vermelha, peixes, cereais, brócolis e espinafre. Apresenta propriedade antioxidante e potencial no tratamento de doenças degenerativas e neuromusculares. No presente trabalho foi avaliado o efeito protetor da CoQ10 no músculo sóleo frente aos danos provocados pela L- tiroxina. Os ratos foram distribuídos em quatro Grupos de seis animais cada: Grupo 1 (G1, controle); Grupo 2 (G2, coenzima Q10); Grupo 3 (G3, L-tiroxina) e Grupo 4 (G4, coenzima Q10 e L-tiroxina). Após a eutanásia, o sangue dos animais foi colhido e foi analisada a atividade sérica das enzimas creatina quinase (CK) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). No homogenato do músculo sóleo foram avaliados fatores relacionados ao estresse oxidativo. A CoQ10 protegeu o músculo sóleo e favoreceu a manutenção da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes glutationa redutase e glutationa peroxidase, da concentração de glutationa reduzida e oxidada, além de evitar a lipoperoxidação. Os resultados indicam que a CoQ10 protege o músculo sóleo de ratos dos danos oxidativos provocados pela L-tiroxina. / Skeletal muscles are dynamic tissues that can alter their phenotypic characteristics providing better functional adaptation to different stimulus.The hability to adapt the muscle tissue during growth and exercise is dependent on qualitative and quantitative changes in expression induced by various stimuli. L-thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and has been used as an experimental model for stimulation of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle.CoQ10 is a fat-soluble provitamin endogenously synthesized and naturally found in foods like red meat, fish, grains, broccoli and spinach.Features antioxidant properties and potential in the treatment of degenerative diseases and neuromuscular diseases.The present study evaluated the protective effect of CoQ10 in the soleus muscle against damage caused by L-thyroxine .The rats were divided in to four groups of six animals each: Group 1(G1, Control); Group 2(G2, coenzyme Q10); Group 3 (G3, L-thyroxine) and Group 4 (G4, coenzyme Q10 and L -thyroxine) .After euthanasia, blood was collected and serum was analyzed activity of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).In the soleus muscle homogenate factors related to oxidative stress were evaluated. CoQ10 protected the soleus muscle and favored the maintenance of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, the concentration of reduced and oxidized glutathione, and prevent lipid peroxidation. The results indicate that CoQ10 protects rat soleus muscle from oxidative damage caused by L- thyroxine

Bakgrund: Av de kroniska sjukdomarna i världen orsakar hjärt-kärlsjukdomarna 17,5 miljoner dödsfall per år. Läkemedel som används för prevention mot hjärt-kärlsjukdomar är bl.a. statiner. Enligt Socialstyrelsen hämtade 455 716 patienter ut läkemedel från läkemedelsgruppen statiner från apoteken år 2011. Mellan åren 1988-2012 har Swedis (biverkningsdatabas) fått inrapporterat 24 biverkningsrapporter relaterat till statiner och neurologiska biverkningar som berör syftet i studien (perifer neuropati, polyneuropati, neuropati). Syfte: Studiens syfte var att sammanställa vetenskapliga publikationer rörande statiners direkta påverkan på perifera nervsystemet och eventuella förklaring till uppkomsten av neuropati. Resultat: De teorier som finns om hur statinbehandling kan ge neuropati säger att statiner, som ger en störd kolesterolsyntes, leder till rubbning i kolesterolrika neuronala membran. Även en minskad syntes av coenzymet ubiquinon ses, vilket påverkar mitokondriernas respiratoriska kedja och stör energiflödet till olika neuron. Statinbehandling har vidare visats öka risken att utveckla perifer neuropati. En ökad risk syns vid högre doser än rekommenderade samt vid långtidsbehandling. Statinbehandling vid diabetesrelaterad neuropati har däremot visats förbättra överledningshastigheten i motornerver med 5 % (P<0,05). Statinbehandling hos diabetes mellitus (DM) typ 2 patienter har visats ha en skyddande effekt från att utveckla perifer neuropati. Slutsats: Behandling med statiner ökar i takt med att vår tids folksjukdom, hjärt-kärlsjukdom, ökar. När behandling med statiner ökar, rapporteras samtidigt en bredare biverkningsprofil. Med statinbehandling ökar troligen risken för att utveckla neuropati speciellt vid användning av högre doser än rekommenderade samt vid långtidsbehandling. Däremot får statinbehandlade patienter med DM typ 2 en bättre nervöverledningsförmåga och ett skydd mot att utveckla perifer neuropati. En patientgrupp som därför troligen har god nytta av statinbehandling är DM typ 2-patienter. Att använda statiner till andra patientgrupper kanske istället kan leda till neuropati. Således kan skillnader mellan patientgrupper föreligga. Fler studier krävs dock för att bekräfta dessa resultat. / Background: Cardiovascular disease is one of the chronic diseases that afflict the world with 17.5 million deaths per year, in particular coronary heart disease and stroke. The National Board in Sweden reported for 2011 that 464 847 patients collected drugs from the pharmacies that affect the serum lipid levels. The most collected drugs were statins standing for 455 716. The rare side effects (1/10 000) affecting the CNS (central nervous system) and the PNS (peripheral nervous system) were headache, parastesies, dizziness, peripheral neuropathy and polyneuropathy. Between the years of 1988 to 2012, the Swedis (a database of side effects) reported 258 adverse reactions related to statins and neurological side effects. Within the neurological side effect reports there were three groups related to the purpose in this study; peripheral neuropathy (2), polyneuropathy (10) and neuropathy (12). Objective: The purpose of this study was to collate scientific publications regarding the direct effects of the statins on the peripheral nervous system. It was also to present a possible explanation for the onset of neuropathy. Results: The theories concerning development of neuropathy with statin therapy includes a disturbed cholesterol synthesis, leading to disruption of cholesterol-rich neuronal membrane. Also, a decreased synthesis of ubiquinone coenzymes, which affect the electron transport of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, was shown. This in turn disturbs the flow production of energy (ATP) in the various neurons. Electrophysiological measurements were performed in many studies that showed changes in both sensory and motor nerves after treatment with statins. Statin therapy was shown to increase the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. An increased risk was seen at higher doses than recommended, and in long term treatment. Statin treatment of diabetic neuropathy was shown to improve nerve conduction velocity in motor nerves with 5% (P <0.05). Statin therapy in type 2 DM (diabetes mellitus) patients was shown to have a protective effect from developing peripheral neuropathy. Larebs database in the Netherlands reports that the reporting odds ratios (ROR) were 3.7. The WHO reports that ROR was 2.86. Conclusion: Change of the nerve membrane in conjunction with a reduced cholesterol synthesis alters membrane composition thus function. A reduced cholesterol synthesis also seems to disturb the mitochondrial respiratory chain due to decreased levels of the coenzyme Q10, which in turn can cause neuropathy. Statin therapy increases the risk of developing neuropathy, especially when using higher than recommended doses and in long-term treatment. In contrast, statin-treated patients with DM type 2 got a better nerve conduction and protection against the development of peripheral neuropathy. A group of patients who probably therefore have good benefit of statin therapy is the DM type 2 patients. The use of statins to other groups of patients might instead cause neuropathy. More studies are needed to confirm the results. The frequency of reported adverse event reports involving statins and neuropathy is higher than other reported side effects.

Introduction: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble substance (ubiquinone) which has a bright orange color in appearance and is widely distributed (ubiquitous) in animals and many bacteria. CoQ10’s presence is most prevalent in mitochondria and it is involved in aerobic cellular respiration and aides in converting ingested nutrients into a readily accessible form of energy, specifically ATP (adenosine triphosphate). CoQ10 is supplied through our diets and can be found more in dark leafy green vegetables, fish and organ meats. CoQ10 supplementation should be beneficial due to its characteristic antioxidant scavenging of free radicals that our body produces while in the cellular respiration process for generating energy from nutrients. Although CoQ10 has great antioxidant benefit, a challenge remains for supplement manufacturers to deliver a sufficient does of this sparingly soluble molecule. Dietary supplements do not have the significant FDA oversight that exists for legend drugs, resulting in significant variability within and between brands. The main hypothesis of this project is that commercially available CoQ10 supplements don’t deliver a sufficient mass of CoQ10 when compared to the labelled quantity. Methods: To test this hypothesis, the group purchased and tested 14 commercially available CoQ10 supplements with each serving containing 100 mg of active, choosing a variety of drug delivery systems (DDS) and also included one in-house product, which contained 70 mg of active. The DDSs examined consisted of 7 soft shell gelatin (SSG) capsules (the most common type available), 3 hard shell gelatin (HSG) capsules, 3 tablets (tab), 1 powder, and 1 suspension. Each DDS was placed into a 500 mL volumetric flask (VF) into an aqueous of 0.1 N HCl acid and 0.1% Tween 80, using a standard FDA dissolution method. To facilitate drug release, the contents were removed from the HSG capsules; the SSG capsules were perforated; and the tabs were broken/crushed. After this, a magnetic stir bar was placed into each flask and all DDS samples were vigorously stirred for 30-45 minutes, including being inverted every 10 minutes to further facilitate dissolution of CoQ10 from each DDS. Filtered samples were obtained and the samples were analyzed by a reverse-phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography that was previously developed by this research group. Results and Conclusions: Only two of the 15 products evaluated had significant availability (mean > 50%) of CoQ10; one soft gelatin capsule (Product A, dissolved a mean of 68.57%), and the suspension (Product K, dissolved a mean of 56.71%). All of the other products averaged less than 4% dissolution of the labelled amount (range of values 0.19% to 3.64%). The in-house formulated HSG capsule (Product Q) released a mean amount equal to 8.11% of label (more than twice the percentage of the poorly performing commercial products). The consistency of the products was also variable, with product A having a range of 1.7 to 192 mg of CoQ10 released; Product K had a range of 35.8 to 76.1 mg of drug released. The group concluded that there are acceptable products available, but that most have significant performance issues.

Cardiovascular disease and cardiac events are common and serious health conditions in the United States. Nutrition therapy can play a significant role in the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease, which includes cardiac events. This study examined the dietary supplement knowledge and recommendations made by registered dietitians (RDs), cardiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to treat patients after experiencing a cardiac event. Over 75 cardiologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in the Tricities area of Tennessee and 3,000 RDs nationwide were asked to complete a 15-question web-based survey. Over 280 RDs and only one cardiologist responded. Findings suggest RDs are aware of evidence supporting dietary supplementation in the treatment of general heart health and cardiac events. Additionally, RDs make dietary supplement recommendations as treatment for patients who have experienced a cardiac event, specifically omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil, coenzyme Q10, and plant sterols.

One of the matchless ironies of the human body is its requirement for the highly reactive oxygen molecule, which has been clearly implicated in many diseases and the aging processes. Oxidants produced by metabolic processes damage cells by starting chemical chain reactions including oxidation of DNA and proteins as well as lipid peroxidation. Damage to DNA can cause mutations and lead to cancer if not reversed by DNA repair mechanisms. Damage to proteins causes enzyme inhibition, denaturation and protein degradation. Lipid peroxidation can cause cell lysis as well as creating mutagenic and carcinogenic by-products. The human body contains antioxidants and enzymes that together work to prevent oxidative damage to cellular components. By and large antioxidants either prevent these reactive oxygen species from being formed or remove them before they cause damage. There are many theories currently that tout the superior nature of diverse antioxidant combinations. One such theory is by Dr. Lester Packer of The University of California at Berkley. Dr. Packer puts forth the hypothesis that there is a superlative combination of five antioxidants that have the ability to "recharge" one another both in the blood plasma and intracellularly. This would result in a greater quality of antioxidant protection for an extended time. The current study evaluates Dr. Packer's theory of antioxidant combination from his book The Antioxidant Miracle. The decay rate of the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, lipoic acid, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10 alone and in combination were determined using the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay. The majority of the antioxidants retained activity for longer periods of time when tested alone, rather than in combination as Dr. Packer's theory would suggest. The assay was also preformed (using the same antioxidants and combinations) on oxidatively damaged Raji cancer cells. Cell viability and uptake of antioxidants into the cytoplasm were monitored. Finally, a variety of multivitamins were subjected to the ORAC assay and their antioxidant capacity compared to that of the "Packer Combination". The results suggest that multivitamins are superior antioxidants than the Packer ratio listed in The Antioxidant Miracle.