23. Level of Cellular Stress No Treatment Control Group Study 1: Synergistic Effects of CoQ10 and Colorless Carotenoids on Cellular Stress in Fibroblasts The first bar (Control Group) represents human fibroblasts not stressed with interleukin-1 (IL-1), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The second bar (No Treatment) represents human fibroblasts stressed with IL-1, but left unprotected by CoQ10 or colorless carotenoids. The third bar (CoQ10) represents human fibroblasts stressed with IL-1 and protected by CoQ10. The fourth bar (Colorless Carotenoids) represents human fibroblasts stressed with IL-1 and protected by colorless carotenoids. The fifth bar (CoQ10 and Colorless Carotenoids) represents human fibroblasts stressed with IL-1 and protected by both CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids.
24. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that a combination of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids is more effective in reducing the effects of cellular stress (often caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants) than either one alone. Carotenoids alone inhibited cellular stress indicators by 47 percent; however, the combination of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids showed almost a 70 percent inhibition in cellular stress indicators. Study 1: Synergistic Effects of CoQ10 and Colorless Carotenoids on Cellular Stress in Fibroblasts
25. The chart to the left shows the effect of potassium hydroxide (KOH), a strong base that oxidatively degrades the bioavailability of CoQ10, with and without the protection of colorless carotenoids. The first bar (Control) represents the base bioavailability of CoQ10. The second bar (KOH) represents the bioavailability of CoQ10 in the presence of KOH, an oxidative agent. The third bar (Carotenoids and KOH) represents the bioavailability of CoQ10 in the presence of KOH and colorless carotenoids. + KOH Study 2: CoQ10 Bioavailability in the Presence of KOH and Colorless Carotenoids CoQ10 Bioavailability
26. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that colorless carotenoids are able to protect CoQ10 from oxidative degradation caused by environmental stressors (free radicals from UV radiation and environmental pollutants). This enhanced protection promotes CoQ10 bioavailability, enabling cells to produce optimal levels of cellular energy. With adequate energy stores cells are able to maintain a healthy and more youthful appearance. Study 2: CoQ10 Bioavailability in the Presence of KOH and Colorless Carotenoids