Coenzyme Q10 and its therapeutic potencies against COVID-19 and other similar infections: A molecular review

New lethal Coronavirus infectious disease (COVID19), currently, has been converted to a disastrous pandemic worldwide. There is, now, no definite treatment for the disease and tens thousands of people have been died due it. The disturbance of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a huge cytokine storm, altered metabolic pathways, severe mitochondrial dysfunction and huge oxidative stress are essential causes in molecular pathology of COVID19. Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor in the electron transport chain of the phosphorylative oxidation system. CoQ10 is a powerful lipophilic antioxidant wih anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties which has been tested for the management and prevention of a variety of diseases specially diseases with inflammatory pathogenesis. CoQ10 as a free radical scavenger and a membrane stabilizer, prevents phospholipid peroxidation, and regenerates vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and vitamin C (ascorbate). although the effect of CoQ10 on gene expression still is not well understood but studies suggest that several genes specially genes contributing in inflammatory response, cell proliferation and mitochondrial function. The cardio-protective role of CoQ10 in improving viral myocarditis and drug induced cardiotoxicity has been determined in different studies. CoQ10 could also improve the interference in the RAS system caused by COVID19 infection through exerting anti-Angiotensin II effects and decreasing oxidative stress. CoQ10 raises the cellular metabolism and the patient’s response to oxygenation through improving the mitochondrial dysfunction via stabilizing the plasma membrane, sustaining the function of the NA+/K+ ATPase, and regulating the oxidative phosphorylation system. CoQ10 passes easily through Brain Blood Barrier (BBB) and as a neuroprotective agent can reduce oxidative stress and modulate the immunologic reactions, which could decrease systemic inflammation, prevent BBB damage and neuronal apoptosis in COVID19 patients. Accordingly, CoQ10 supplementation could prevent the COVID19-induced morbidities and has a potential protective role against the deleterious consequences of the disease specially in patients under mechanical ventilation.