Idebenone

Idebenone, a well-appreciated mitochondrial protectant, exhibits protective efficacy against neurotoxicity and can be used for the research of Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease. Idebenone (oxidised form) has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the enzymatic metabolism of arachidonic acid in astroglial homogenates (IC₅₀=16.65 μM)^[1]. Idebenone, a coenzyme Q10 analog and an antioxidant, induces apoptotic cell death in the human dopaminergic neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y cells^[2]. Idebenone quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier. In Vitro: Idebenone, a compound with protective efficacy against neurotoxicity both in in vitro and in in vivo models, exists in two different oxidative states: the ubiquinol-derivative (reduced idebenone) and the ubiquinone-derivative (oxidised idebenone)^[1].
Idebenone (oxidised form) preferentially inhibits cyclooxygenase vs. lipoxygenase metabolism (IC₅₀ ratio lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase: 3.22)^[1].
Idebenone (oxidised form) behaves similarly as indomethacin and piroxicam—two typical anti-inflammatory agents^[1].
Idebenone (oxidised form) inhibits total arachidonic acid metabolism, cyclooxygenase metabolism, lipoxygenase metabolism, lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase with IC₅₀s of 16.65±3.48, 14.44±2.99, 46.51±7.20, and 3.22 μM^[1].
Idebenone (1-10 μM; for 24-72 h) has no effect on the cell viability of SHSY-5Y cells^[2].
Idebenone (25 μM or higher concentrations; for 24-72 h) shows significant reduction in cell viability of SHSY-5Y cells^[2].
Idebenone (30 μM) induces up-regulation of BAX expression and the caspase-3 activity^[2].
In Vivo: Idebenone (oxidised form) is a compound with protective efficacy against cerebrovascular disorders in vivo, including cerebral ischemia and hypertension-induced vascular lesions^[1].