Abstract
Multiple biological activities of coenzyme Q10 have been demonstrated, opening up opportunities for research and development. However, the biological action of potassium polyacrylate and its effect on the mitochondrial permeability transition pores are both poorly understood. Therefore, this study investigated the in vitro antioxidative potential of potassium polyacrylate (PCK) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and their effects on mitochondrial permeability transition pores. In vitro antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activities were assessed using standard methods, and lipid peroxidation was also determined. Mitochondrial swelling was evaluated as the change in absorbance under succinate-energized conditions. Cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ATPase activity were assessed. The results showed that PCK and CoQ10 significantly scavenged DPPH and nitric oxide radicals in a concentration-dependent manner and demonstrated a better ferricreducing antioxidant potential. PCK exhibited a high DPPH radical scavenging ability with the lowest IC(50) value of 54.05 µg/mL while CoQ10 exhibited higher reducing power with the IC(50) value of 82.14 µg/mL.Both were also found to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. In addition, PCK and CoQ10 significantly (p<0.05) prevented lipid peroxidation, modulated the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pores and caused no significant release of cytochrome c. However, CoQ10 showed a mild inductive effect on mPT pores at higher concentrations. PCK and CoQ10 also increased mitochondrial ATPase activity. The results of this study suggest that both PCK and CoQ10 may be helpful in the treatment of diseases such as neurological disorders where excessive apoptosis is associated with excessive tissue degradation.