Mitocell PQQ is an antioxidant supplement that helps to increase energy levels in the body. It also promotes growth of neurons and enhances the immune system. The supplement is gluten free, vegan, and beneficial for vegetarians. A recent study showed that it has an effect on several oxidative stress-induced cell damage.

In this study, the protective effects of PQQ were assessed in an auditory cell line, HEI-OC1. An H2O2-induced premature senescence model was used to test the protective effects of PQQ pretreatment. During PQQ pretreatment, mitochondrial function was preserved and cell viability was enhanced.

The study investigated the role of CREB and SIRT1 in the protection of HEI-OC1 cells from mitochondrial senescence. These signaling molecules are required for activation of PGC-1a, which is an important factor involved in the regulation of the activity of NRF-1 and NRF-2.

The synthesis of superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals are known to contribute to oxidative stress and dysfunction in the mitochondria. PQQ is a powerful antioxidant that is particularly effective in neutralizing hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. This is due to the uncoupling effect of PQQ.

PQQ exposure led to a significant increase in mRNA expression of PGC-1a. It was detected by a fluorescence microplate reader. Moreover, PQQ exposure increased cellular oxygen consumption. However, it did not affect cellular reactive oxygen species. Among the antioxidant enzymes, PQQ induced a significant increase in MTT reduction.

The increase in MTT reduction was inhibited by transfection with a CREB-specific siRNA. The reduction of CREB protein expression in the transfected group inhibited the increases in MTT reduction induced by PQQ.