Biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical study on the therapeutic effects and mechanism of coenzyme Q10 in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background and purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, and elevated blood sugar levels. Several studies have explored the therapeutic potential of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) in managing diabetes, but no reports have examined the possible mechanism of CoQ₁₀ in T2DM. Here, we reported that CoQ₁₀ protects pancreatic β-cell structure and function by modulating the expression of mir-33a/mir-21/SREBP1 and described more detailed tissue alterations.

Experimental approach: The study randomly divided rats into three groups (n = 10): control, diabetic, and diabetic + CoQ₁₀. The diabetic + CoQ₁₀ group consisted of diabetic rats that were concurrently administered CoQ₁₀ (20 mg/kg/i.p.) three days/week for eight weeks. In addition to microscopic examination, the study involved evaluating glucose, insulin, and oxidative profiles in the serum and analyzing the levels of cholesterol, mir-33a, mir-2i, and SREBP1 in pancreatic tissue.

Findings/results: Our results revealed that CoQ₁₀ restores glucose/insulin homeostasis, oxidative parameters, cholesterol levels, and the expressions of mir-33a, mir-21, and SREBP1. In addition, the CoQ₁₀-treated diabetic rats showed increased active β-cells compared to the diabetic group. The immunohistochemical examination of insulin revealed a higher quantity and larger size of pancreatic islets in the experimental group.

Conclusion and implications: The restoration of β-cell integrity following treatment with CoQ₁₀ may elucidate the therapeutic benefits of this compound in diabetes management, potentially through its influence on the pancreatic expression of mir-33a/mir-21/SREBP1, subsequently maintaining healthy tissue.