Liposomal coenzyme Q10/vitamin C: An innovative approach to enhance bioavailability andanti-inflammatory effects in neurological diseases via in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal tests

Abstract

Internal or external stressors may trigger a systemic hyperactive immune re sponse that results in widespread dysregulation and the potential for irrevers ible damage to vital organs. The potential of antioxidants such as vitamin C (VitC) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to reduce these inflammatory reactions has been investigated by many researchers. Taking VitC and CoQ10 orally presents serious difficulties because of their limited absorption. The large molecular size and lipophilic structure of CoQ10 limit cellular transport and gastroin testinal absorption, while the complex pharmacokinetics of VitC frequently require the application of the vitamin intravenously to achieve therapeutic plasma levels.(1, 2) Liposomal drug delivery systems have been created to solve these problems by utilizing a phospholipid bilayer structure that improves stability and bioavailability. Liposomes improve therapeutic efficacy by pro viding controlled release, preventing environmental degradation of encapsu lated drugs, and facilitating effective transport of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. In this research, the liposomal CoQ10/VitC was produced, and their effects were investigated for oral administration. The CoQ10 and VitC release profiles demonstrate the limited stability of the supplement form, with reduced release at acidic pH values (1.2 and 4.5) and improved release at pH 6.8, reaching an increase of almost 80% at the end of 24 hours. However, the liposomal formulation offers stability even in acidic conditions and sustained release at all pH levels, exceeding 80% at neutral pH. In vitro cell efficiency of liposomes was evaluated on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, celi ac disease, and phenylketonuria cell lines and their anti-inflammatory effects, proven by performing Western blot and PCR, immunofluorescence imaging, and the measurement of ROS level experiments were conducted. In addition, in vivo toxicity assay was performed using Sprague Dawley rats and histologi cal analyses were performed. Liposomal CoQ10/VitC is considered to be a po tential functional food and beverage product.