The simplest way to explain PQQ—or pyrroloquinoline quinone—is to compare it to the engine of a car. Without PQQ, many cellular metabolic processes won’t be driven to completion. This non-protein chemical, called a cofactor or coenzyme, can be described as a helper molecule. It aids enzymatic reactions that fuel biochemical processes. PQQ is especially important to mitochondrial health and is a key factor in cellular and metabolic function. Like many biochemicals involved in mitochondrial chemistry, it also possesses powerful antioxidant properties. The human body constantly recycles PQQ, yet many people are in dire need of this important molecule.
The Function of PQQ
Scientists have observed that PQQ activates cell-signaling pathways and stimulates the regeneration of mitochondria in aging cells, a process referred to as mitochondrial biogenesis. Until recently, only aerobic exercise, strict caloric restriction, and certain medications were understood to have this effect. PQQ also neutralizes oxidizing agents (free radicals and reactive oxygen species) through its antioxidant activity. [1] The molecule gives researchers hope for finding ways of achieving healthy living with the possibility of slowing the aging process.
Here are a few of the benefits of PQQ:
Mitochondrial Health
Promotes Brain Health
PQQ prompts CREB, a protein that regulates DNA function and gene expression. CREB stimulates new mitochondrial growth and plays an important role in the formation of neural pathways and long-term memory. This has made PQQ of special interest in Alzheimer’s disease research. Amyloid-beta peptides (aka Abeta) figures prominently into neural cell death associated with dementia. Researchers tested PQQ on Abeta. They found it recovered cells from Abeta-induced cell death and reduced the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). [2]
Supports Heart Function
Researchers have isolated PQQ for testing on heart cells. So far, studies in animal models indicate that PQQ protects against oxidative stress through its rejuvenating effects. [3] Further research on human subjects is needed to understand if it has specific heart health benefits, or if it simply provides overall health benefits by stimulating mitochondrial function.
Supplementing with PQQ
PQQ is a powerful coenzyme with impressive antioxidant properties that supports and protects cells. For this reason, PQQ is one of the main ingredients in Cell Fuzion™, my advanced formula to protect and energize mitochondrial function and guard against DNA damage.
Do you use PQQ? How has it impacted you?
References (3)
- Chowanadisai W1, Bauerly KA, Tchaparian E, et al. Pyrroloquinoline quinone stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation and increased PGC-1alpha expression. J Biol Chem. 2010 Jan 1;285(1):142-52. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.030130.
- Zhang JJ1, Zhang RF, Meng XK. Protective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Neurosci Lett. 2009 Oct 30;464(3):165-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.08.037.
- Tao R1, Karliner JS, Simonis U, et al. Pyrroloquinoline quinone preserves mitochondrial function and prevents oxidative injury in adult rat cardiac myocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Nov 16;363(2):257-62.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 