Coenzyme Q10 and rikkunshito prevent age-related changes in mouse otolith morphology and function.

Keita Ueda, Takao Imai, Tadao Okayasu, Tatsuhide Tanaka, Kouko Tatsumi, Akio Wanaka, Tadashi Kitahara

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nara Medical University, Japan.Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nara Medical University, Japan. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Otoliths play an important role in maintaining body balance, and age-related decline in theis function and morphological integrity can lead to falls. In recent years, the herbal medicine rikkunshito (RKT) and the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been studied for their anti-aging properties; however, their effects on otoliths remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether RKT and CoQ10 can prevent age-related functional and morphological changes in otoliths. To this end, 30 male and 30 female 8-week-old C57BL6N mice were used in this study. The mice were divided into three groups: a control group, CoQ10 group (0.2 % CoQ10 special diet), and RKT group (3 % RKT special diet). At 80 weeks of age, micro-computed tomography (μCT) images were taken and analyzed for otolith volume and CT number. Furthermore, eye movements induced by the linear vestibulo-ocular reflex (LVOR) were analyzed to assess otolith function.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

Rikkunshito and coenzyme Q10 can prevent age-related changes in mouse otolith morphology and function. The study addresses potential interventions that may mitigate age-related decline in balance, which is a significant concern in aging populations.

Author of this paper? Send a correction.