Ubisol-Q10 as a Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease in a Transgenic Mice Model

Submitter and Co-author information

Alexandra M. Marginean Ms., University of WindsorFollow

Type of Proposal

Oral presentation

Streaming Media

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Pandey

Start Date

24-3-2015 1:00 PM

End Date

24-3-2015 1:50 PM

Importance of the Project

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive, fatal and degenerative neurological disease affecting over 500 000 Canadians according to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society. While advancing age is a prime risk factor for AD and that majority of those affected are over 65 years old, early-onset Alzheimer’s plagues about 5% of these cases. AD is an overall condition where the brain no longer functions properly due to a loss of brain cell connections. This leads to impairments in memory, behaviour and thinking. The impact of AD cases on Canada is estimated to increase 2.5 times by 2038 yet there has been no breakthrough in finding a cure or slowing the progression of the disease. This research aims to find a possible mechanism of treatment for preventing this neurological damage of AD.

Existing State of Knowledge

Primary research conducted by Beal and his team of researchers has shown evidence that oxidative damage may be a mechanism in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance of reactive oxygen species production and a low level of antioxidant activity. The increase of oxidative stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction through modifications in lipids and proteins and ultimately the mitochondria plays a role in the suicide of the cell. However, antioxidants can be used to stabilize the mitochondria and prevent neural loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been prospective in treating neurodegenerative diseases like AD. CoQ10 is found as an important compound in the electron transporter chain in the mitochondria, ultimately reducing free-radical generation and protecting neurons from degeneration. Studies have previously used oil-soluble formulas of CoQ10 for prevention of neurodegeneration, however, for practical purposes, the dosage required was too high. Rather, a water-soluble formula of CoQ10 requires a lower dosage (Ubisol-Q₁₀) while maintaining the same neural protection effects. The main purpose of this research is to determine if using Ubisol-Q₁₀ helps the treatment in the transgenic mice model of AD.

Research Question

This project aims to discover whether the water-soluble formula of Ubisol-Q10 shows therapeutic benefits in AD mouse models by preventing neurodegeneration.

Methodology

A transgenic mice model of AD will be used as the model organism of the study. The mice are placed into three treatment groups; one group receiving ‘Liquid Gold’ treatment, the second group receiving Ubisol-Q₁₀ treatment and the third group, as control, receiving water treatment. The amount and level of neurodegeneration in each group will be compared using amyloid plaques immunohistochemistry.

Your Findings

We expect to find that the water-soluble Ubisol-Q10 treatment group will be exhibit neuroprotection and see less neurodegeneration than the control group that receives water when comparing the immunohistochemistry of amyloid plaques.