Pyrroloquinoline quinone modulates mitochondrial quantity and function in mice.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Mitochondrial Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is essential for normal growth and metabolism.
• PQQ deficiency is linked to elevated plasma glucose and impaired mitochondrial function.
• PQQ is known to stimulate mitochondrial complex 1 activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dietary PQQ on mitochondrial function and growth in young mice.
• To determine PQQ's role in regulating plasma glucose and amino acid levels.
• To assess PQQ's protective effects against mitochondrial complex 1 inhibition.

Main Methods:

• Supplementation of a basal diet with PQQ in weanling mice.
• Analysis of liver mitochondrial content, respiratory control, and quotients.
• Measurement of plasma glucose, alanine, glycine, and serine concentrations.
• Assessment of PQQ's effects on mice exposed to diphenylene iodonium (DPI).
• In vitro studies using fibroblasts and hepatocytes to track PQQ uptake and retention.

Main Results:

• PQQ-deficient mice exhibited reduced liver mitochondrial content and impaired respiratory function.
• Dietary PQQ normalized elevated plasma glucose, alanine, glycine, and serine levels in weanling mice.
• PQQ supplementation protected against weight loss and detrimental effects of DPI exposure.
• Fibroblasts and hepatocytes demonstrated PQQ uptake and mitochondrial retention.

Conclusions:

• Dietary PQQ significantly influences mitochondrial amount and function in developing mice.
• PQQ plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, particularly in perinatal and weanling stages.
• PQQ supplementation offers a potential strategy to support mitochondrial health and counteract metabolic disturbances.