Coenzyme Q: Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease

Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, 308 Funkhouser Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0054, E-mail: ckchow{at}pop.uky.edu

edited by Valerian E Kagan and Peter J Quinn, 2001, 408 pages, hardcover; $99.95. CRC Press, LLC, Boca Raton, FL.

Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone 10) is a lipid-soluble compound composed of an oxidation-reduction-active quinoid moiety and a hydrophobic side chain made up of isoprenoid units. The compound plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production, and can act as a free radical scavenger or chain-breaking antioxidant. A unique feature of coenzyme Q10 not shared by most endogenously synthesized compounds is that its content in certain organs (eg, liver and spleen) can be greatly augmented by exogenous administration. Coenzyme Q is currently generating much research interest and has become one of the most popular dietary supplements in the United States. This increased interest is partly the result of findings suggesting that risk of chronic disease can be reduced by enhancing cellular antioxidant potential, and that endogenous coenzyme Q may not be adequate for maintaining optimal health.

The book Coenzyme Q: Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease, edited by Kagan and Quinn, attempts to summarize the latest developments in coenzyme Q research. Each chapter was prepared by researchers recognized in their respective fields. The book consists of 3 parts: part 1, molecular mechanisms of coenzyme Q; part 2, nutritional aspects of coenzyme Q; and part 3, health effects of coenzyme Q. Part one covers chemical and physical properties (3 chapters), biochemical mechanisms in electron transport (3 chapters), antioxidant mechanisms (4 chapters), and prooxidant mechanisms (1 chapter). Part 2 focuses on biosynthesis and nutritional sources (2 chapters) and dietary supplementation and plasma and tissue concentrations (2 chapters). Part 3 includes coenzyme Q status and oxidative stress (2 chapters), cardiovascular pathology (4 chapters), liver injury (2 chapters), physical performance and training (3 chapters), and aging (1 chapter).

The book as a whole is well written and well referenced, especially the chapters on the chemical and physical properties of coenzyme Q and its functions in mitochondrial and extramitochondrial electron transport. Also well written are chapters concerning the antioxidant and prooxidant mechanisms of coenzyme Q and the genetic analysis of coenzyme Q biosynthesis. Partly because of the nature of the subject areas and the availability of information, the chapters in part 3 are not as informative as those in part 1. In part 3, only cardiovascular and liver diseases are sufficiently covered. Certain relevant areas, such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, and mitochondrial diseases, are not addressed or are not addressed adequately. In light of the increasing use of coenzyme Q by many as a dietary supplement, the book's value would have been enhanced if more information had been included on the biological effects and consequence of supplemental use of coenzyme Q. Also, not all chapters were prepared with the same format. Two chapters (20 and 27), for example, are presented in an original research article format and the length of several chapters is 8 pages. Similar to the case for most books with multiple authors, delay in publication time is largely responsible for the lack of more recent references.

In summary, the publication of the book Coenzyme Q: Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease is timely and the book should serve as an excellent reference for biochemists, nutritionists, clinicians, and other biomedical researchers interested in coenzyme Q. It complements other coenzyme Q publications well.