The role of coenzyme Q10 in the protection of bone health during aging

Abstract Oxidative stress has been related to osteoporosis and other pathologies at the bone. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a lipid-soluble antioxidant present in cell membranes, has been suggested in vitro to reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the same time to prevent or reduce osteoclastogenesis. Also, it promotes osteoblast differentiation and proliferation and matrix mineralization. Thus it has been suggested that this effect on osteoclastogenesis could be a consequence of the reduction of intracellular ROS. The protective effect of CoQ10 against bone loss has been also demonstrated in rodents. Age-associated changes in systemic markers of oxidative damage in animals treated with CoQ10 suggest that this antioxidant can reduce not only intracellular ROS alleviating oxidative damage but also osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption triggered by different signals. Additionally, it has been suggested that oxidative stress is the main mechanism explaining bone alterations both in aged rodents and in those with acute sex steroid deficiency.