Mitoquinone (MitoQ)

Mitoquinone (MitoQ) is a ubiquinone-derived antioxidant that can covalently attach to a lipophilic triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation, specifically targets mitochondria.^[1] MitoQ is usually stored within mitochondria in vivo in order to prevent and protect the cellular damage induced by mitochondrial ROS overproduction and oxidative stress.^[2]

In vitro experiment it shown that washed platelets incubated with MitoQ 10 µM (4.8% ± 0.8%) markedly increased calcein-negative population (cytotoxic effect) compared to a non-treated control group; MitoQ 10 μM (8.5% ± 2.2%) induced a significant increase in PS exposure on the platelet membrane when compared to the basal control.^[3] In addition, MitoQ (5 μM) inhibited collagen and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in PRP samples. In the meanwhile, MitoQ at 2.5 and 5 μM produced a obvious decrease in ROS production generated by antimycin A or collagen on platelet.^[3]

In vivo, treatment with 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg MitoQ can alleviate mouse lung histologic changes induced by CS (Cigarette smoke).^[1] In vivo experiment it shown that mitoquinone treatment with 10 mg/kg/day by gavage after 4 weeks, liver structure obiviously improved in association with a significant decrease in collagen deposition. In the meanwhile, mitoquinone treatment determined a significant reduction in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, TIMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13 gene expressions were decreased by Mitoquinone treatment.^[4]

References:
[1]. Yang D, et al. Mitoquinone ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 2021 Jan;90:107149.
[2]. Chen W, et al. Inhibition of Mitochondrial ROS by MitoQ Alleviates White Matter Injury and Improves Outcomes after Intracerebral Haemorrhage in Mice. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Jan 4;2020:8285065.
[3]. Méndez D, et al. Mitoquinone (MitoQ) Inhibits Platelet Activation Steps by Reducing ROS Levels. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Aug 27;21(17):6192.
[4]. Turkseven S, et al. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant mitoquinone attenuates liver inflammation and fibrosis in cirrhotic rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2020 Feb 1;318(2):G298-G304.