No effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone on mouse body weight and energy metabolism - with the concomitant increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant ability

Sep 29, 2026

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and shows antioxidant properties. Because mitochondria are central to energy generation and metabolic regulation, the study investigates whether PQQ modulates energy expenditure and obesity development by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Male mice receiving normal or high-fat diets were supplemented with PQQ in drinking water for three months, with monitoring of intake, body weight, energy metabolism, and activity, followed by tissue collection and liver assessments.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages8

Reading Time20 min

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Introduction

PQQ properties and health benefits

Role of mitochondria and redox reactions in metabolism

Metabolism Open 29 (2026) 100433 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Metabolism Open journal [homepage:](homepage: www.sciencedirect.com/journal/metabolism-open)[ www.sciencedirect.com/journal/metabolism-open](homepage: www.sciencedirect.com/journal/metabolism-open) | No effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone on mouse body weight and energy metabolism with the concomitant increase in mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant ability
Lijun Zhang a,1, Yimin Xub,1, Yanyan Zhao a, Xiaochun Zhang a, Xiangyan Lianga, Zhuo Sun a, Ying Zhou a, Huan Liu a, Jinrui Chang a, Man Shia, Yufeng Zhao a,*
a Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China b College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI, USA | | | | --- | --- | --- | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | Keywords: Pyrroloquinoline quinone Energy metabolism Body weight | | Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and exhibits antioxidant properties. Since mitochondria play a crucial role in energy generation and metabolism, the present study aims to clarify whether PQQ is able to modulate energy expenditure and the development of obesity by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Male mice fed normal chow diet (NCD) or high fat diet (HFD) were supplemented with PQQ through drinking water for three months. Throughout this period, food and water intake, body weight, energy metabolic rate and the autonomous activity of the mice were measured. Then, the mice were sacrificed and the tissues were collected. Mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant capacity, and changes in gene expression were measured in liver tissue. The results showed that PQQ supplementation did not result in significant alterations in the food and water intake, body weight, and energy metabolic rate of the mice fed NCD or HFD although it significantly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant capabilities of liver and promoted autonomous activity in NCD mice. Moreover, it had no impact on the adipose tissue mass in mice fed NCD or HFD. While PQQ supplementation induced the changes in metabolism-related genes such as CPT1a, SCD1, FABP1, HK2, HK3 and PGK1 in liver, it is suggested PQQ supplementation may influence lipid and glucose metabolism. However, PQQinduced changes in hepatic gene expression and mitochondrial biogenesis are unable to alter systemic energy metabolism and adipose tissue accumulation in male mice. | 1. Introduction Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an aromatic orthoquinone that was first discovered in bacteria to act as a cofactor for redox enzymes, and it involves in various enzymatic reactions to regulate bacterial growth and proliferation [1–3]. Mammals are unable to synthesize PQQ and need to uptake it through dietary supplements [4]. Studies have shown that PQQ has biological activities and multiple health benefits in mammals [5]. Firstly, it stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and potentiates cell viability [6–8]. The reports indicate that the increase in the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) under PQQ treatment may be the reason for the stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis, and it is suggested that the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and the increased phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) after PQQ treatment may be involved in the elevation of PGC-1α activity [7,9,10]. Secondly, it possesses strong antioxidant ability to reduce cellular damage [11–13]. Because of these features, PQQ exhibits organ-protective effects in brain, heart, kidney, liver and et al. [14–17]. Mitochondria and redox reactions play a key role in the regulation of metabolism in mammals. Mitochondria undertake the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation process to oxidize energy substances such as sugars, fats, and amino acids for energy gen

FAQs

What was the main purpose of supplementing mice with PQQ in this study?

To determine whether PQQ can modulate energy expenditure and obesity development by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, and to evaluate related metabolic outcomes.

What diets and dosing strategy were used for the mouse experiments?

Male mice were fed either normal chow or a high-fat diet and given PQQ through drinking water for three months.

Did PQQ supplementation change systemic energy metabolism and adipose tissue accumulation?

PQQ did not significantly alter systemic energy metabolic rate or body weight outcomes, and it showed no impact on adipose tissue mass, despite increasing liver mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant capabilities.

Sep 29, 2026

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