Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat‑soluble vitamin‑like substance used for the treatment of a variety of disorders, including osteoporosis. The exact mechanism underlying CoQ10‑mediated protection against osteoporosis remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation, and therapeutic effects on a rat model of osteoporosis. Following treatment with different concentrations of CoQ10, cell proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), and expression of osteoblastogenic markers, were measured. Rats with osteoporosis subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) were treated with different concentrations of CoQ10. Serum levels of estrogen and bone metabolism markers were measured. Micro computed tomography scans were used to analyze morphological changes in bones. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‑trisphosphate 3‑phosphatase and dual‑specificity protein phosphatase PTEN (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol 4,5‑bisphosphate 3‑kinase (PI3K)/RAC‑alpha serine/threonine‑protein kinase(AKT), were determined. CoQ10 significantly increased the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in a dose‑dependent manner, with an increased expression of osteogenic markers. CoQ10 significantly decreased bone resorption but exhibited no effect on serum E2 levels in vivo. CoQ10 markedly enhanced bone formation. Furthermore, the abundance of p‑PI3K and p‑AKT increased while PTEN levels decreased in a dose‑dependent manner following administration of CoQ10. CoQ10 stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs and is effective for the treatment of OVX‑induced osteoporosis in rats. The above effects of CoQ10 may be mediated by activation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.