Coenzyme Q10 and lipid-related gene induction in HeLa cells.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that may have a therapeutic role in cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the cellular and molecular effects of 30 micromol/L Coenzyme Q10 in HeLa cells. Cell growth assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses, and Oil Red O staining were performed. Microarray experiments were performed in duplicate and analyzed on the basis of 2-fold changes in levels of gene expression. RESULTS: Coenzyme Q10 inhibited cell growth and led to apoptosis. Microarray analysis showed that 264 sequences were altered over time, with enrichment in lipid-related genes. Enhanced lipid accumulation was confirmed with Oil Red O staining. CONCLUSION: A lipid response to Coenzyme Q10 may affect mechanisms of growth inhibition in HeLa cells.