What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a vital component present in all eukaryotic organisms. It plays a significant role in the cell, particularly in the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is crucial for energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [1, 2, 3, 4].
CoQ10 is also an essential cofactor in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), a process that occurs in mitochondria and cell membranes in both reduced and oxidized forms [1]. It is synthesized in all cells by a specialized mitochondrial pathway, requiring at least 13 genes for its biosynthesis [5].
What does CoQ10 do?
CoQ10 has multiple functions in the body. It acts as an energy transfer molecule, especially in high-energy-demanding organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys [1]. It also serves as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) [4, 6].
In addition to its role in energy production and antioxidant defense, CoQ10 has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects, gene expression regulation, and lipid bilayer membrane stabilization [4]. It also plays a role in maintaining the electron transport chain and antioxidant defence, which are crucial for maintaining physical activity and extending the life cycle [3].
Moreover, CoQ10 has been linked to the prevention of DNA damage, with protective effects on several markers of oxidative DNA damage and genomic stability [7]. It has also been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and male infertility [2].
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body by both men and women. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly in the female reproductive system. Progesterone is recognized as a key physiological component of not only the menstrual cycle and pregnancy but also as an essential steroidogenic precursor of other gonadal and non-gonadal hormones such as aldosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and testosterone [8, 9].
What does Progesterone do?
Progesterone has a wide range of functions in the human body. In the context of female reproduction, it prepares the endometrium for the implantation process and maintains the gestational sac in the uterus. It also modulates the maternal immune system during pregnancy [10]. Progesterone plays a significant role in the early stages of pregnancy, helping to prepare the uterus for the fertilized embryo and ensuring the uterus has enough dilated blood vessels to feed the embryo as it implants and grows [11].
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