Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Is More Than an Antioxidant: A Vitamin-like Accessory Factor Important in Health and Disease Prevention

Abstract

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is associated with biological processes such as mitochondriogenesis, reproduction, growth, and aging. In addition, PQQ attenuates clinically relevant dysfunctions (e.g., those associated with ischemia, inflammation and lipotoxicity). PQQ is novel among biofactors that are not currently accepted as vitamins or conditional vitamins. For example, the absence of PQQ in diets produces a response like a vitamin–related deficiency with recovery upon PQQ repletion in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, potential health benefits, such as improved metabolic flexibility and immuno-and neuroprotection, are associated with PQQ supplementation. Here, we address PQQ’s role as an enzymatic cofactor or accessory factor and highlight mechanisms underlying PQQ’s actions. We review both large scale and targeted datasets demonstrating that a neonatal or perinatal PQQ deficiency reduces mitochondria content and mitochondrial-related gene expression. Data are reviewed that suggest PQQ’s modulation of lactate acid and perhaps other dehydrogenases enhance NAD+–dependent sirtuin activity, along with the sirtuin targets, such as PGC-1α, NRF-1, NRF-2 and TFAM; thus, mediating mitochondrial functions. Taken together, current observations suggest vitamin-like PQQ has strong potential as a potent therapeutic nutraceutical.

Maternal Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Supplementation Improves Offspring Liver Bioactive Lipid Profiles throughout the Lifespan and Protects against the Development of Adult NAFLD

“…Several lines of evidence indicate that activation of AMPK–SIRT1 signaling pathway plays a major role in the suppression of lipogenesis and leads to a subsequent reduction in TG levels in HFD-fed mice [ 72 ]. PQQ promotes production of NAD+ and increases SIRT1 activity in hepatocytes [ 73 ] and animal tissues [ 74 , 75 , 76 ]. Further, a recent study demonstrated that PQQ supplementation inhibited the nuclear translocation and activity of SREBP-1c via AMPK activation, which led to a reduction in lipogenesis in HFD-fed mice [ 77 ].…”

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ): a novel approach to managing chronic inflammatory response syndrome and mitochondrial dysfunction

“…27 PQQ is a redox cofactor that has garnered significant attention for its potential to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate age-related conditions. Jonscher et.al., 28 make the case for the fact that PQQ shortage mimics vitamin deficiency and recovers dose-dependently with PQQ supplementation. PQQ supplementation may therefore enhance metabolic flexibility and offer immune and neuroprotection as well as Sirtuin-3 modulation and is a promising medicinal nutraceutical.…”

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Chemistry, Biology, and Biosynthesis

“…PQQ is an established dietary supplement based on antioxidant and mitochondrial enhancement effects which translate to a variety of posited health-related outcomes, albeit with limited clinical evidence. , Rucker et al . have summarized the diverse biological effects of the quinone in plants, in animals, and in humans, − and there is now a steady stream of clinical studies of PQQ. In a discussion of prolonging healthy aging, Ames places PQQ in a group of 10 “longevity vitamins”, described as compounds which support improving health and protect longevity, yet are not requirements for survival …”