Nantong, China—Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) can help prevent chronic heart failure (CHF) by regulating mitochondrial function, according to a new study published inCardiovascular Diagnosis & Therapy.

The study explains that myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction—the failure of the mitochondira in the heart—is the leading cause of CHF. This dysfunction is caused by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, disruption of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, and reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.

The current study investigated the effects of PQQ on mitochondrial function in a cardiac pressure overload model in rats. After creating cardiac pressure overload, rats received the rats were given either saline or PQQ in low, medium, and high doses for twelve weeks. The researchers also created anin vitromodel of CHF, looking for more clarity regarding the function of PQQ.
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The researchers found that PQQ pretreatment improved pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and cell hypertrophy, thus preventing CHF. PQQ also preventing mitochondrial morphology damage. The researchers concluded that PQQ can prevent calcium overload, thereby reducing ROS production and protecting mitochondrial membrane potential.

Nascent Health Sciences released a statement regarding the study, as the company provided the samples of PQQ used by the researchers. Thomas Schrier, VP of Sales, said in the statement: “For the first time ever, the positive benefits of the powerful antioxidant PQQ on Myocardial Mitochondrial Dysfunction and CHF have been demonstrated. The researchers at Nantong University were specifically looking for treatment options to target mitochondrial function in the heart, and have now found conclusive evidence that PQQ’s ability to stimulate Mitochondrial Biogenesis can prevent cardiac damage and promote heart health.”