Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant, and Anti-Lipaemic Effects of Daily Dietary Coenzyme-Q10 Supplement in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Background: The dietary model of metabolic syndrome has continued to aid our understanding of its pathogenesis and possible management interventions. However, despite progress in research, therapy continues to be challenging for humans; hence, the search for newer treatment and prevention options continues. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary CQ10 supplementation on metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory markers in a diet-induced mouse model of metabolic syndrome. Methods: Mouse groups were fed a Standard Diet (SD), High-Fat High-Sugar (HFHS) diet, and SD or HFHS diet (with incorporated CQ10) at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed. At the completion of the study (8 weeks), blood glucose levels, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, plasma insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-10, serum lipid profile, and Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) levels were assessed. The liver was either homogenised for the assessment of antioxidant status or processed for general histology. Results: Dietary CQ10 mitigated HFHS diet-induced weight gain, decreased glucose, insulin, and leptin levels, and increased adiponectin levels in mice. Coenzyme-Q10 improved the antioxidant status of the liver and blood in HFHS diet-fed mice while also decreasing lipid peroxidation. Lipid profile improved, level of TNF-α decreased, and IL-10 increased following CQ10 diet. A mitigation of HFHS diet-induced alteration in liver morphology was also observed with CQ10. Conclusion: Dietary CQ10 supplementation mitigates HFHS diet-induced changes in mice, possibly through its anti-oxidant, anti-lipaemic, and anti-inflammatory potential.