Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) is an antioxidant– supporting cardiovascular and cognitive function, and increasing energy production. It has been shown to fight reactive oxygen species, regulate cell signaling and balance redox reactions (Nascent Health Sciences, 2013). PQQ is found in a variety of vegetables and fermented foods such as parsley, green peppers, spinach, potatoes, carrots, broad beans, fermented soybeans, miso, and tofu. It is also present in green tea, oolong tea, and human breast milk. The recommendation for adults is 0.3 mg of PQQ/kg body weight/day for adults, approximately 20 mg/day for those weighing 147 pounds (Nascent Health Sciences, 2013). Although PQQ is present in a variety of foods, the amounts of PQQ is minimal. Therefore, supplementation is a potential alternative. Nakano et al. (2009) studied the efficacy and safety of PQQ, administered alone or in combination with CoQ10, and showed no adverse side effects. Studies have also been done on PQQ toxicity and Nakano et al. (2009) found no toxicity among participants ingesting 60 mg/day for a 4 week period.
Studies have shown that PQQ plays a beneficial role in nerve regeneration and repair. It stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production and has shown to have an effect on attention, information identification, and processing abilities. Koikeda, Nakano, and Masuda (2011) found that diets deficient in PQQ, can lead to impaired memory, learning, and other brain functions. Interestingly, PQQ has enhanced effects with the addition of CoQ10 supplementation (Koikeda, Nakano, and Masuda, 2011). The positive effects of PQQ on cognitive function has lead to further research on PQQ and its role in Parkinson’s Disease. PQQ inhibits aggregation of alpha-synuclein, resulting in improved peripheral neuropathy (Nascent Health Sciences, 2013).
PQQ is also important for mitochondrial production and protection. Furthermore, an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis, leads to an increase in energy. Functional mitochondrial biogenesis has been shown to increase longevity, improve energy utility, and protect against reactive oxygen species. If mitochondrial biogenesis is not functioning properly, or if there is a depletion or mutation in mitochondrial DNA, cardiomyopathy may develop. Additionally, conditions such as lactic acidosis, developmental delay, failure to thrive, and/or impaired neurological function could result from dysfunctional mitochondrial biogenesis (Chowanadisai, 2009).
Jia et al. (2015) found that PQQ is important for reducing oxidative stress, which is associated with fibrogenesis of the liver. Liver fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension. PQQ acts as an anti-fibrotic agent and a reactive oxygen specie scavenger, and resultantly suppresses oxidative stress. Jia et al. (2015) found that “PQQ efficiently restrained oxidative stress and hepatic fibrogenesis in mouse models through suppressing hepatocyte death, hepatic inflammation, as well as cytokine-induced activation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). PQQ also suppressed the up-regulation of RACK1 in activated HSCs in vivo and in vitro.” Haematopoietic stem cells undergo hematopoiesis, to form all blood cellular components. With that being said, Xiong et al. (2011) found PQQ to be an effective radioprotective agent by enhancing haemopoietic recovery.
PQQ is a friend to our body– particularly to our brain, vasculature, and liver. Not only can PQQ reduce oxidative stress, but also can regulate cell signaling and balance redox reactions. Although PQQ is found in a variety of food, supplementation can help to meet the Nascent Heath Sciences (2013) recommended daily intake of PQQ.
References
Chowanadisai W., Bauerly K., Tchaparian E., Wong A., Cortopassi G., & Rucker R. (2010). Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through Camp Response Element-Binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased Pgc-1alpha Expression. J. Biol. Chem, 285 (1), 142–152.
Jia, D., Duan, F., D., Peng, P., Ruan, Y., & Sun, L. (2015). Pyrroloquinoline-Quinone Suppresses Liver Fibrogenesis in Mice. PLoS ONE. http://doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121939.
Koikeda T, M. Nereno, & K. Masuda. (2011). Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt improves higher brain function. Medical Consultation & New Remedies, 48(5): 59-67.
Nakano M., Ubukata K., Yamamoto T., & Yamaguchi H. (2009). Effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on mental status of middle-aged and elderly persons. FOOD Style, 21: 13(7): 50-3.
Nascent Health Sciences. (2013). Retrieved June 22, 2017, from https://www.nascent-health.com/.
Xiong, X.-H., Zhao, Y., Ge, X., Yuan, S.-J., Wang, J.-H., Zhi, J.-J., … Zhang, W.-C. (2011). Production and Radioprotective Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 12(12), 8913–8923. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms12128913.
Written by Nicole Lindel ~ Nutrition Education Master’s Student at Columbia University