[Effects of coenzyme Q10 or combined with micronutrients on antioxidant defense system in rats]

In order to evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CQ) or combined with carotenoids (lycopene and lutein, LL) or/and mineral nutrients (zinc and selenium, ZS) on the antioxidant defense system, The rats were randomized into 6 groups: control, CQ [CQ 10 mg/(kg x d)], CQ+ ZS[CQ 10 mg/(kg x d), Zn 1 mg/(kg x d), Se 4 microg/(kg x d)], CQ+ LL [CQ 10 mg/(kg x d), Lutein 1 mg/(kg x d), Lycopene 2 mg/(kg x d)], CQ + ZS + LL [CQ 10 mg/(kg x d), Zn 1 mg/(kg x d), Se 4 microg/(kg x d), Lutein 1 mg/(kg x d), Lycopene 2 mg/(kg x d)] and VE [VE 2 mg/(kg x d)], and then fed with a diet based on AIN-76 rodent diet but containing 4% lard as well as 4% corn oil. The supplement were given by oral for 8 weeks, and the plasma and liver antioxidant enzymes activity, malondialdehyde levels and lymphocyte DNA damage were determined. The results showed that the groups treated with CQ had a higher plasma SOD and TOAC level and liver SOD and GPX activity than those of the control group. Combination treatments further enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced MDA levels & DNA damage. Most of the parameters had reached statistical significance in comparison with the control. These findings suggested that CQ exerted antioxidative effects in rats, and when it was supplemented in combination with other antioxidants, the effects were raised to some extent.