Improving the anti-ageing activity of coenzyme Q10 through protransfersome-loaded emulgel

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally produced organic molecule which acts as an antioxidant agent, including in skin anti-ageing, and plays a major role in the social determinants of health. However, its level in the body will decrease during ageing. Therefore, an external supplement is required to repair damaged skin, especially the skin dermis layer. This study aims to evaluate the use of a protransfersomal emulgel to improve the skin delivery and stability of CoQ10 which demonstrates low water solubility, poor permeability and instability. CoQ10 was initially dissolved in oleic acid at a weight ratio of 1:56. Protransfersome was then loaded with CoQ10 (Protransf-CoQ10) and prepared using a composition of L-α-Phosphatidylcholine and Tween 80 at a molar ratio of 85:15. The Protransf-CoQ10 was dispersed in an emulgel base consisting of Tween 80 and Span 80 to produce Protransf-CoQ10 emulgel. The in vivo studies of anti-aging activity and irritability were further evaluated by applying daily 200 mg of emulgels twice a day to a 4 cm2 section on the back of a UV-ray aging-induced male Balb/c mouse 20 min before irradiation. The results showed that Protransf-CoQ10 could transform into transfersomal vesicles with particle sizes of approximately 201.5 ± 6.1 nm and a zeta potential of − 11.26 ± 5.14 mV. The dispersion of Protransf-CoQ10 into emulgel base resulted in stable Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel during 28 days of observation at low temperatures. Moreover, the in vivo study revealed that Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel successfully increases the collagen density and number of fibroblast cells in UV radiation skin-aged induced-mice which reflects its potential for repairing the skin ageing process. In addition, the 24-h topical application of Protransf-CoQ10 Emulgel showed that no erythema or skin rash was observed during the study. In conclusion, loading CoQ10 into protransfersomal Emulgel successfully enhanced the stability and anti-ageing efficacy enabling its potential use as anti-ageing cosmetics.

Assessment of Physical, Mechanical, Biopharmaceutical Properties of Emulgels and Bigel Containing Ciclopirox Olamine

“…This may be due to the biphasic structure reinforced by the emulsifier or organogelator. Similar results were obtained with carbopol 940 emulgels [ 29 ].…”

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Coenzyme Q10 Protects Fibroblast Senescence Induced by Particulate Matter Preconditioned Mast Cells

“…Supplementation with the NAD + precursor NMN could trigger a sequence of events culminating in SIRT1 expression that also confers mitochondrial rejuvenation and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities in HDFs [ 36 , 37 ]. Coenzyme Q10 is a molecule that acts as an essential cofactor of the electron transport chain as well as an endogenous antioxidant [ 38 , 39 ]. Q10 supplementation blocked cellular senescence that could be associated with changes in redox states and mitochondrial function.…”

Dermatologic Manifestations of Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature

“…In addition to complex II, Coenzyme Q, an endogenously produced antioxidant, is an integral part of the electron transport chain; it accepts electrons from reducing equivalents and transfers them to electron acceptors, fostering biochemical ATP generation. An age-related impairment in Coenzyme Q 10 has been observed in various organs, including the skin [ 33 ]. Furthermore, an in vitro study demonstrated CoQ 10 inhibition increases oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to premature aging in human dermal fibroblasts [ 34 ].…”