Mighty mitochondria and PQQ: uses and benefits of PQQ

If you are anything like me, there's a good chance you've grown less fit compared to how you felt 10 years ago, at least when you have aged normally and are over 50 years old.

One of the major reasons for not feeling as fit as you once were, is that mitochondria, our own nuclear powerhouses are literally putting out less energy than before because they aren't functioning optimally once we grow older. One supplement I've not yet been using but see gain popularity is PQQ, which is why I wanted to explore it further.

Before we can understand how PQQ works, it is useful to know more about mitochondria.

Mitochondria as power generators

Mitochondria are the power generators of cells. They generate energy through our aerobic processes. They do this by breaking down glucose metabolites, fatty acids, and certain amino acids aerobically or in the presence of oxygen, to release energy. Aerobic energy release is a critical driver of athletic performance, especially in endurance sports. Mitochondrial energy production supports activities such as running and other endurance activity. When it comes to short duration bursts of activity, as seen with sprints that need fast twitch muscle fibers, additional anaerobic processes are employed by the body.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is coenzyme that is purported to help with mitochondria function, for instance, mitochondrial biogenesis. Recent studies suggest PQQ does this by activating genes that oversee mitochondrial protection, reproduction, and repair.

Mitochondria and ATP

Mitochondria are infinitesimally small and roughly the size of bacteria. They are seen in the cytoplasm of cells. They have a double-layered wall and the inner layer has multiple folds that are called cristae. These folds increase the surface area of the inner layer which is where energy production takes place. Energy is produced in the form of ATP. ATP is adenosine triphosphate and this is a molecule that functions like a rechargeable battery. The energy released from any metabolic process gets stored in this molecule and when the body requires energy, ATP is broken down to release energy.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone and mitochondria

As a quinone, PQQ possesses the chemical attributes to be a good agent in electron transfer reactions. It is also a cell-signalling molecule that seems to optimize mitochondrial production, even if there is limited evidence to suggest its direct involvement with ATP.

There is a hypothesis that these organelle (mitochondria) were originally bacteria themselves that found a place to live inside eukaryotic cells. This idea is strengthened by the fact that there is genetic material (DNA) inside the mitochondria that are independent of the DNA in the chromosomes of the cell nucleus. Mitochondria and the DNA within it are inherited from the mother which means endurance capacity is inherited maternally!

Mitochondrial enzyme production is triggered by endurance exercise. Mitochondrial density goes up with training. Optimal density of mitochondria in skeletal muscles is required for athletes to perform at their peak potential. Mitochondrial density increases in response to two stimuli in general
1) When calcium ion levels inside skeletal muscle cells go up – this happens during each muscle contraction and
2) When there is a deficiency of ATP molecules in the muscle cells – which happens when more ATP is being used up than are being synthesized as happens during intense exercise.

Control of mitochondrial oxygen utilization and respiratory control is central to all aspects of normal growth and development. In a broad setting, mitochondria are central to normal glucose, amino acid & fatty acid oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., antioxidant modulation, and ATP production, particularly during exercise.

The mechanisms for mitochondrial regulation involve changes in the number of mitochondria per cell, the assembly & disassembly of mitochondria, control of transport of substances into and out of mitochondria, as well as control on the levels of activity of mitochondrial-related enzymes. Indeed, the importance of mitochondria to energy regulation cannot be understated. Mitochondria generate most of the cell’s supply of ATP, which is the major source of a cell’s potential chemical energy.

Mitochondria and PQQ usage

Moreover, in addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are also important to cellular regulatory signalling, and the eventual programmed cell death (or apoptosis) and turnover of cells. The lifespan of all cells is directly linked to mitochondrial assembly and production. Such events can control new tissue growth, the response to infections, and nerve cell signalling and control. In the average adult, between 50 and 70 billion cells turnover each day due to apoptosis per programmed cell death. In a year, this can amount to the proliferation and subsequent destruction of a mass of cells equal to one’s body weight! When mitochondrial function at any level is compromised there can be a number of metabolic and health-related metabolic consequences. Examples are a decline in mitochondrial oxidative efficiency, which is thought to be a major underlying feature of the metabolic syndromes that can lead to increased blood pressure and lipid levels, poorer responses to inflammation and, when targeted and severe, neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia.

PQQ and health

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is receiving a lot of attention in the health and wellness spheres these days—and for good reason. Available in supplement form, this nutrient is one of the best-kept secrets in the nutritional supplement community. Once you read the information below, you’ll want to add PQQ to your daily regimen as well.

What exactly is PQQ?

PQQ is a multi-functional nutrient that is commonly found in plant foods. It was first discovered in 1964 as a cofactor for enzymatic reactions in bacteria, in which it serves a similar function to that of B vitamins for humans.

When something is a “cofactor,” it means that it helps enzymes accomplish their jobs. There’s a class of these cofactor molecules that transfer electrons during reactions, which helps mitochondria produce energy. Other examples of cofactors that transfer electrons that you’ve probably heard of include, CoQ10, vitamin C, and glutathione.

PQQ is a natural compound that already exists in our cells. Found in high levels in human breast milk, PQQ is presumed to be a non-vitamin growth factor. The main source of PQQ in mammals, however, is dietary. It’s commonly found in leafy vegetables, fruits, and legumes, especially soy. It’s also found in soil and interstellar dust.

What does PQQ do and how does it work?

The health benefits of PQQ—which we’ll cover shortly—are all derived from three primary functions that it provides.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action

PQQ is best known for its antioxidant activity. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage inflicted by harmful molecules called free radicals—a byproduct of inflammation. PQQ is an extremely potent antioxidant and is about 100 times more effective than vitamin C at eliminating free radicals. The antioxidant power of PQQ decreases inflammation and promotes the longevity of your heart, brain, liver, and other mitochondria-rich organs.

New mitochondrial growth

Mitochondria produce the vast majority of all cellular energy (ATP) and play an important role in our overall health. PQQ activates a key transcription factor protein (CREB) and directly stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, which is the growth and replication of new mitochondria. Stronger mitochondria, and more of them, produce more cellular ATP. The more energy in a cell, the better it does its job. For example, more energy in your heart cells makes your heartbeat stronger, while more energy in your skin cells allows your skin to heal faster from wounds.

Nerve cells support

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a small protein that plays a critical role in the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons. PQQ has been found to promote NGF production, with one study showing a 40-fold increase in NGF. Increased levels of NGF help to maintain the health of the brain and peripheral nerves and stimulate nerve regeneration.

What are the uses and benefits of PQQ?

As a powerful antioxidant, a stimulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and a trigger of nerve growth factor production, PQQ offers a wide range of health benefits. Studies have shown that PQQ can provide:
Neurological support

PQQ offers many neuroprotective benefits for the following conditions:

Head injuries and strokes

• Suppresses reactive nitrogen species, which spike in strokes and brain injuries. In this way, it provides protection against neuro-related injuries.
• Suppresses inflammatory cytokines
• Binds up damaged cells and neurotoxins, such as glutamate, in your brain
• Rescues hippocampal neurons
• Decreases the size of the damaged area in strokes and traumatic brain injuries

Alzheimer’s disease

• Blocks the damage of amyloid beta—the main component of the amyloid plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. PQQ acts after amyloid beta has already accumulated, helping cells recover from amyloid beta-induced oxidant stress, preventing neuronal cell death, and decreasing further production of reactive oxygen species.
• Protects the brain against neurotoxicity induced by powerful toxins, such as mercury and oxidopamine, that are suspected to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease
• Protects and rescues hippocampal memory cells

Parkinson’s disease

• Increases a protein called DJ-1. This protein, which increases cell function and survival by combating intensive oxidative stress, is important for brain health and function. DJ-1 mutations have been linked to the onset of rare inherited forms of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
• Protects the brain against neurotoxicity induced by powerful toxins, such as mercury and oxidopamine, that are suspected to play a role in Parkinson’s disease.
• Prevents the aggregation of alpha-synuclein proteins associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Dementia

• Prevents the aggregation of alpha-synuclein proteins associated with Lewy Body Dementia.

Heart support

PQQ improves blood circulation and cardiac function, supporting energy production in the heart and providing powerful antioxidant protection. It also offers the following benefits:

• Reduces the size of damaged areas in the heart from an acute heart attack.
• Protects against heart muscle dysfunction and reduces cellular damage.
• Helps heart muscle cells resist acute oxidative stress by preserving and enhancing mitochondrial function.

Joint support

Early research shows that PQQ has the potential to decelerate the deterioration of joints in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, two of the major causes of joint pain in elderly people. In studies, PQQ was effective at suppressing cartilage-degrading enzymes and inflammatory markers in human cells and in laboratory mouse models.

Liver support

PQQ aids the liver with fat metabolism, breaking down more fat and converting it into greater energy output. Studies indicate that it may also reverse acute and chronic liver injury, including damage from fatty liver disease.

Skin support

PQQ can be effective as anti-aging prevention not just for your brain, heart, and liver, but also as a cosmetic anti-aging treatment for your skin. PQQ has been shown to rejuvenate skin cells and rebuild healthy tissue for thicker skin and fewer wrinkles. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in many anti-aging creams.

What is the recommended dosing for PQQ?

Clinical research has found benefits associated with the following doses:

• One study showed that about 20mg decreased inflammation in men of average weight.
• Other research suggests that results may be seen from doses as low as 5mg.

Conclusion

It seems PQQ is really well worth taking daily and not just to boost energy levels. If you are like me, hesitant of taking yet another expensive supplement, it may be worthwhile to start at a lower dosage of 10mg considering positive results have also been found at lower dosages or use 20mg on alternate days along with a low-dosage co-enzyme Q10.