The Evolution of Physical Performance throughout an Entire Season in Female Football Players.

Research on the evolution of performance throughout a season in team sports is scarce and mainly focused on men's teams. Our aim in this study was to examine the seasonal variations in relevant indices of physical performance in female football players. Twenty-seven female football players were assessed at week 2 of the season (preseason, PS), week 7 (end of preseason, EP), week 24 (half-season, HS), and week 38 (end of season, ES). Similar to the most common used conditioning tests in football, testing sessions consisted of (1) vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); (2) 20 m running sprint (T20); (3) 25 m side-step cutting maneuver test (V-CUT); and (4) progressive loading test in the full-squat exercise (V1-LOAD). Participants followed their normal football training procedure, which consisted of three weekly training sessions and an official match, without any type of intervention. No significant time effects were observed for CMJ height (p = 0.29) and T20 (p = 0.11) throughout the season. However, significant time effects were found for V-CUT (p = 0.004) and V1-LOAD (p = 0.001). V-CUT performance significantly improved from HS to ES (p = 0.001). Significant increases were observed for V1-LOAD throughout the season: PS-HS (p = 0.009); PS-ES (p < 0.001); EP-ES (p < 0.001); and HS-ES (p = 0.009). These findings suggest that, over the course of the season, female football players experience an enhancement in muscle strength and change of direction ability. However, no discernible improvements were noted in sprinting and jumping capabilities during the same period.

Resveratrol Regulates the Expression of Genes Involved in CoQ Synthesis in Liver in Mice Fed with High Fat Diet.

Resveratrol (RSV) is a bioactive natural molecule that induces antioxidant activity and increases protection against oxidative damage. RSV could be used to mitigate damages associated to metabolic diseases and aging. Particularly, RSV regulates different aspects of mitochondrial metabolism. However, no information is available about the effects of RSV on Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a central component in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Here, we report for the first time that RSV modulates COQ genes and parameters associated to metabolic syndrome in mice. Mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) presented a higher weight gain, triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol levels while RSV reverted TGs to control level but not weight or cholesterol. HFD induced a decrease of COQs gene mRNA level, whereas RSV reversed this decrease in most of the COQs genes. However, RSV did not show effect on CoQ9, CoQ10 and total CoQ levels, neither in CoQ-dependent antioxidant enzymes. HFD influenced mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy markers. RSV modulated the levels of PINK1 and PARKIN and their ratio, indicating modulation of mitophagy. In summary, we report that RSV influences some of the metabolic adaptations of HFD affecting mitochondrial physiology while also regulates COQs gene expression levels in a process that can be associated with mitochondrial dynamics and turnover.

Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype profile in amateur rugby players / Características antropométricas y somatotipo en jugadores amateur de rugby

INTRODUCTION: It has been proposed that body composition plays an essential role in sport performance. However, there are few studies that have analyzed body composition in amateur rugby players. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics, somatotype profile, fat and muscle components in rugby players from an amateur Spanish team. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Height, body mass, diameters, perimeters and skinfolds from thirty-one rugby players were measured. Fat and muscle components and somatotype profile were determined. Proportionality was determined with the z-phantom strategy. Descriptive statics (mean ± SD) and t-student were used. RESULTS: Mean body mass was 85.32 ± 14.36 kg, mean fat mass percentage was 12.35 ± 3.46%, mean muscle mass percentage was 50.29 ± 7.74% and mean somatotype was 4.50-5.80-0.95. The sum of six skinfolds was 92.92 ± 32.95 mm. Significant diffe-rences were observed between forwards and backs in body mass (95.24 vs 77.15 kg; p < 0.001), in sum of six skinfolds (107.67 vs 80.77 mm; p = 0.021), in body fat percentage (13.90 vs 11.07%; p = 0.021), in muscle mass percentage (45.16 vs 54.54%; p=<0.001) in endomorphy (5.31 vs 3.76; p = 0.013) and in ectomorphy (0.62 vs 1.33; p = 0.002). Regarding proportionality, differences were found in function on the position in on the field. CONCLUSION: Anthropometrical measures would be an adequate instrument to evaluate body composition in rugby. Anthro-pometric profile in rugby could be related to the specific position the field, although further studies would be necessary to confirm this idea. The level of professionalism could affect to the anthropometrics characteristics in rugby players

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se ha propuesto que la composición corporal juega un papel esencial en el rendimiento deportivo. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que hayan analizado la composición corporal en jugadores amateurs de rugby. OBJETIVO: El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar las características antropométricas, el somatotipo, el compartimento muscular y de grasa en jugadores amateurs de rugby de nacionalidad española. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se midió la altura, el peso, los diámetros, los perímetros y los pliegues corporales de treinta y un juga-dores. Se analizó los componentes de grasa y músculo y el somatotipo. Se determinó la proporcionalidad con el z-phantom. Se utilizaron métodos estadísticos descriptivos (mean ± SD) y t-student. RESULTADOS: El peso medio fue 85,32 ± 14,36 kg, el porcentaje de grasa medio fue 12,35 ± 3,46%, el porcentaje medio de masa muscular fue 50,29 ± 7,74% y el somatotipo medio fue 4,50-5,80-0,95. La suma de los seis pliegues corporales fue 92,92 ± 32,95 mm. Se observaron diferencias entre jugadores de ataque y defensa en el peso (95,24 vs 77,15 kg; p < 0,001), en la suma de los seis pliegues corporales (107,67 vs 80,77 mm; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de grasa corporal (13,90 vs 11,07%; p = 0,021), en el porcentaje de masa muscular (45,16 vs 54,54%; p = < 0,001) en la endomorfia (5,31 vs 3,76; p = 0,013) y en la ectomorfia (0,62 vs 1,33; p = 0,002). En cuanto a la proporcionalidad, se observaron diferencias en función de la posición de los jugadores en el campo. CONCLUSIÓN: Las medidas antropométricas serían un adecuado instrumento para evaluar la composición corporal en rugby. El perfil antropométrico en rugby podría estar relacionado con la posición ocupada en el campo de juego, aunque serían necesario más estudios para confirmar esta idea. El nivel de profesionalismo podría afectar a las características antropométricas de los jugadores de rugby

La expresión del complejo de síntesis de coenzima Q es regulada durante el envejecimiento / Regulation of the expression of coenzyme Q-synthesis complex during ageing

Introducción. El coenzima Q es un componente esencial para la actividad de la cadena de transporte de electrones mitocondrial. En su síntesis están implicados, al menos, 10 proteínas diferentes que conforman un complejo. Nuestro objetivo ha sido el de determinar la evolución de la expresión de los diferentes genes implicados en la síntesis de coenzima Q durante el envejecimiento en ratones. Material y métodos. El ARN mensajero (ARNm) de diferentes órganos (cerebro, hígado, riñón y músculo) de ratones jóvenes (8 meses), maduros (18 meses) y viejos (24 meses) fue extraído utilizando Trizol y analizado por PCR a tiempo real (qPCR) utilizando sondas específicas para los diferentes genes COQ que codifican para los miembros del complejo de síntesis del coenzima Q. Resultados. El hígado fue el órgano que presentó mayores cambios en cuanto a la expresión de ARNm respecto a la edad, afectando tanto a la amplitud de las variaciones como en la significatividad del cambio. En la mayoría de los genes, los niveles de ARNm fueron mayores en los animales maduros que en los jóvenes. Cuando comparamos los niveles de ARNm de los animales jóvenes y viejos solo se encontraron pequeñas reducciones de expresión. El riñón presentó un patrón similar al hígado en cuanto a la evolución de la expresión, aunque con menores incrementos en los animales maduros que los observados en el hígado. Cerebro y músculo esquelético presentaron las menores variaciones de expresión, siendo el músculo el que menores cambios presentó, aunque se observó un patrón similar al encontrado en hígado y riñón, con ligeros incrementos en animales maduros. Discusión. Nuestros resultados indican que la edad es un factor importante a tener en cuenta en el análisis de la expresión de los genes COQ. Además, la expresión de estos genes depende del órgano estudiado. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia del coenzima Q en el metabolismo celular y en el envejecimiento, es obligado un mayor estudio de la regulación génica de su maquinaria de síntesis (AU)

Introduction. Coenzyme Q is an essential component in the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its synthesis involves, at least, a complex of ten different proteins. In this study, an attempt is made to determine the evolution of the expression of the genes involved in coenzyme Q synthesis during mouse ageing. Material and methods. The messenger RNA (mRNA) of different organs, such as brain, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle from young (8 months), mature (18 months), and old (24 months) mice was extracted by using Trizol and was then analysed by real time PCR (qPCR) using specific primers for all the known components of the coenzyme Q-synthesis complex (COQ genes). Results. Liver showed the highest age-dependent changes in mRNA levels of the different components of Q-synthesis complex, affecting the extent of the variation as well as the significance of the change. In most of the cases, mRNA levels of the different components were higher in mature animals compared to young and old animals. When mRNAs of young and old animals were compared, only minor reductions of mRNA levels were found. Kidney showed a pattern similar to that found in liver as regards the changes in expression, although with lower increases in mature animals than those observed in the liver. Brain and skeletal muscle showed low variations, with muscle being the tissue with less changes, although a pattern similar to that found in liver and kidney was found, with slight increases in mature animals. Discussion. The results of this study indicate that ageing is an important factor affecting COQ gene expression, but its effect depends on the organ, and that mature animals show higher levels of mRNA than young and old animals. Taken into consideration the importance of coenzyme Q in cell metabolism and ageing, a more detailed study is needed to understand the gene regulation of the coenzyme Q-synthesis mechanisms during ageing (AU)

[Regulation of the expression of coenzyme Q-synthesis complex during ageing]. / La expresión del complejo de síntesis de coenzima Q es regulada durante el envejecimiento.

INTRODUCTION: Coenzyme Q is an essential component in the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Its synthesis involves, at least, a complex of ten different proteins. In this study, an attempt is made to determine the evolution of the expression of the genes involved in coenzyme Q synthesis during mouse ageing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The messenger RNA (mRNA) of different organs, such as brain, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle from young (8 months), mature (18 months), and old (24 months) mice was extracted by using Trizol and was then analysed by real time PCR (qPCR) using specific primers for all the known components of the coenzyme Q-synthesis complex (COQ genes). RESULTS: Liver showed the highest age-dependent changes in mRNA levels of the different components of Q-synthesis complex, affecting the extent of the variation as well as the significance of the change. In most of the cases, mRNA levels of the different components were higher in mature animals compared to young and old animals. When mRNAs of young and old animals were compared, only minor reductions of mRNA levels were found. Kidney showed a pattern similar to that found in liver as regards the changes in expression, although with lower increases in mature animals than those observed in the liver. Brain and skeletal muscle showed low variations, with muscle being the tissue with less changes, although a pattern similar to that found in liver and kidney was found, with slight increases in mature animals. DISCUSSION: The results of this study indicate that ageing is an important factor affecting COQ gene expression, but its effect depends on the organ, and that mature animals show higher levels of mRNA than young and old animals. Taken into consideration the importance of coenzyme Q in cell metabolism and ageing, a more detailed study is needed to understand the gene regulation of the coenzyme Q-synthesis mechanisms during ageing.

Protección antioxidante de zarzamora para disminuir daño muscular en atletas de elite / Proteção antioxidante da amora-preta para reduzir danos musculares em atletas de elite / Blackberry antioxidant protection to prevent muscle damage in elite athletes

La actividad física de alta intensidad o competencia puede generar daño muscular pudiendo afectar el rendimiento de los atletas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar si los antioxidantes presentes en la zarzamora favorecen el proceso de recuperación sobre el daño muscular en atletas a través de la cuantificación de creatincinasa (CK) y urea tras una semana de competencia. Se evaluó la CK y urea en plasma del grupo experimental (GE) y un grupo placebo (GP), en las siguientes etapas: (basal) previo a la ingesta del jugo, (pre) al inicio de la competencia, (final) al final de la competencia, (24h), (48h) y (72h) finalizado el último partido. En relación a la CK, se observaron diferencias significativas en el GE en las etapas de pre y la final con respecto a la basal (p < 0.05), en la toma final con respecto a la pre (p < 0.05) y en la toma 48h y 72h con relación a la final (p < 0.05). En el GP únicamente se encontraron diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) entre las tomas 48h y 72h con relación a la final. En la concentración de urea se presentó diferencia en las tomas final, 24h y 48 h con relación a la pre (p < 0.05), en el GP no hubo diferencias significativas en ninguna de las tomas. Estos resultados sugieren que el consumo de zarzamora contribuye a la recuperación del daño muscular (AU)

High intensity physical activity can provoke muscle damage and consequently affect athletes’ performance. The aim of this study was to determine if antioxidants contained in blackberry can stimulate athletes’ processes of recovery from muscle damage, using Creatine Kinase (CK) quantification and urea values after a week of competition as indicators. Participants were divided into an experimental (EG) and a placebo group (CG). In both groups, CK and urea in plasma were measured before, during and after competition. Significant differences were observed in EG at pre and post phases, compared to the basal (p < 0.05). Further, significant differences were found in the pre-post analysis of EG (p < 0.05), as well as after 48h and 72h compared with post-test (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found for CG (p < 0.05) at 48h and 72h compared to post-test. As regard to urea concentration, differences were shown at post-test, after 24h, and after 48h compared to pre-test (p < 0.05). CG showed no significant differences at any stage of the research. These results suggest that consumption of blackberries may contribute to muscle damage recovery (AU)

A atividade física de alta intensidade ou a competição pode levar a lesão muscular e pode afetar o desempenho dos atletas. O objectivo deste estudo foi determinar se antioxidantes presentes na amora-preta favorecem o processo de recuperação de danos musculares em atletas através da quantificação da creatina quinase (CK) e ureia após uma semana de competição. CK e ureia foi avaliada no plasma do grupo experimental (GE) e um grupo de placebo (GP), nos seguintes passos: (linha de base) antes da ingestão de sumo, (pré) no início da competição (final) para final da competição, (24h), (48h) e (72h) no término o último jogo. No que diz respeito a CK, tiveram diferenças significativas no GE no pré e último em relação ao basal (p< .05), na ingestão final sobre a pré (p < .05) e na ingestão 48h e 72h em relação à final (p < .05). No GP unicamente foram encontradas diferenças significativas (p < .05) entre as ingestões 48h e 72h em relação à final. Na concentração de ureia apareceu uma diferença nas ingestões finais, 24h e 48 h em relação ao pré (p < .05) no GP não houve diferenças significativas em nenhumas das ingestões. Estes resultados sugerem que o consumo de amorapreta contribui para a recuperação de lesões musculares (AU)

Estrés oxidativo y capacidad antioxidante en deportistas con dieta rica en antioxidantes con zarzamora (Rubus sp) / Estresse oxidativo e capacidade antioxidante nos atletas com dieta rica em antioxidantes com amora-preta (Rubus sp) / Oxidative stress in athletes with antioxidant-rich diet of blackberry (Rubus sp)

Objetivo. Identificar el comportamiento del Estrés Oxidativo (EO) en atletas con y sin la ingesta de dieta rica en antioxidantes durante el periodo competitivo. Métodos. Se evaluaron a 14 atletas de alto rendimiento del equipo de balonmano, quienes fueron distribuidos 7 en un grupo experimental y 7 en un grupo control (con y sin ingesta de zarzamora, respectivamente). El consumo de la bebida de zarzamora o placebo para ambos grupos, fue de una dosis diaria durante 15 días (7 días en la etapa de pre competencia, 7 días durante el periodo de competencia y una dosis 24h después de finalizar la competencia). Se cuantificó el EO (i.e. prueba d-ROMs, unidades Cornelli, U. Cor.) y la capacidad total antioxidante (CTA) en plasma (i.e. prueba PAT, unidades Carratelli, U. Carr.), en 4 momentos: (1) reposo (1 semana previa a competencia, antes del suministro de bebida); (2) pre competencia (una semana antes de la competencia); (3) al final de competencia y (4) a las 24 h después de la competencia. Resultados. En el grupo experimental, el EO disminuyó de manera significativa (p = .018) al comparar la toma en reposo con la toma previa a la competencia después de 7 días de la ingesta de la dieta rica en antioxidantes. El grupo control presentó aumentos significativos de la CTA en la toma previa a competencia (p = .028) así como al final de la misma (p = .046), con respecto a la toma en reposo. Conclusión. El EO se incrementa después de la competencia y estimula la CTA. La ingesta de la dieta rica en antioxidantes es favorable en el entrenamiento previo a la competencia ya que promueve la regulación del EO, disminuyendo los valores del mismo (AU)

Objective. Identify Oxidative Stress (OS) behavior in athletes with and without the intake of an antioxidant-rich diet during a competitive period. Methods.14 high-performance athletes of handball team were evaluated. Two groups were established: 7 in an experimental group (blackberry intake) and 7 in a control group (with and without the intake of blackberry, respectively). The intake of blackberry beverage or placebo for both groups was a daily dose for 15 days (7 days in the pre-competition stage, 7 days during the competition period and a dose 24h after the end of the competition). OS (i.e. d-ROMs test, Cornelli units, U.Cor.) and the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) (i.e. PAT test, Carratelli units, U. Carr.) on plasma, were quantified at 4 moments: (1) resting (1 week before the competition, before the beverage intake); (2) pre-competition (one week before the competition); (3) at the end of the competition; and (4) 24 hours after the competition. Results. On the experimental group, OS was significantly reduced (p =.018) comparing resting takes with the pre-competition, after 7 days of the antioxidant-rich diet. The control group had a significant rise on TAC presented in precompetition (p =.028) as well as at end of competition (p =.046) compared to the resting take. Conclusion. The OS rises after competition and stimulates the TAC. The intake of an antioxidant-rich diet is helpful on pre-competition training since it promotes the regulation of OS, diminishing its levels (AU)

Objetivo. Identificar o comportamento do estresse oxidativo (EO) em atletas com e sem a ingestão de dieta rica em antioxidantes durante o período competitivo. Métodos. Foram avaliadas 14 atletas de alto rendimento da equipe de handebol, que foram distribuídos em 7 num grupo experimental e 7 num grupo de controlo (com e sem ingestão de amora, respectivamente). O consumo da amora bebida ou placebo em ambos os grupos era uma dose diária durante 15 dias (7 dias no pré competição, 7 dias durante a competição e uma dose 24 horas depois de terminar a competição). O EO foi quantificado (i.e. prova d-ROMs, unidades Cornelli, U. Cor.) e a capacidade antioxidante total (CAT) no plasma (isto é, teste de PAT, unidades Carratelli, U. Carr.) em 4 fases: (1) repouso (uma semana antes da competição antes do fornecimento de bebida); (2) pré-competição (uma semana antes da competição); (3) no fim da competição e (4) às 24 h após a competição. Resultados. No grupo experimental, o EO diminuiu significativamente (p = 0,018) comparando a toma em repouso com a toma anterior à competição após 7 dias de ingestão da dieta rica em antioxidantes. O grupo de controlo teve aumentos significativos no CAT na toma previa à competição (p = .028) e no final da mesma (p = .046), com respeito à toma em repouso. Conclusão. O EO aumenta após da competição e estimula o CAT. A ingestão de dieta rica em antioxidantes é favorável no treinamento pré-competição, uma vez que promove a regulação da EO, diminuindo os valores do mesmo (AU)

Organ and tissue-dependent effect of resveratrol and exercise on antioxidant defenses of old mice.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress has been considered one of the causes of aging. For this reason, treatments based on antioxidants or those capable of increasing endogenous antioxidant activity have been taken into consideration to delay aging or age-related disease progression. AIM: In this paper, we determine if resveratrol and exercise have similar effect on the antioxidant capacity of different organs in old mice. METHODS: Resveratrol (6 months) and/or exercise (1.5 months) was administered to old mice. Markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation and glutathione) and activities and levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and transferase and thioredoxin reductases, NADH cytochrome B5-reductase and NAD(P)H-quinone acceptor oxidoreductase) were determined by spectrophotometry and Western blotting in different organs: liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, heart and brain. RESULTS: Both interventions improved antioxidant activity in the major organs of the mice. This induction was accompanied by a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and muscle of mice. Both resveratrol and exercise modulated several antioxidant activities and protein levels. However, the effect of resveratrol, exercise or their combination was organ dependent, indicating that different organs respond in different ways to the same stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that physical activity and resveratrol may be of great importance for the prevention of age-related diseases, but that their organ-dependent effect must be taken into consideration to design a better intervention.

Physical activity affects plasma coenzyme Q10 levels differently in young and old humans.

Coenzyme Q (Q) is a key lipidic compound for cell bioenergetics and membrane antioxidant activities. It has been shown that also has a central role in the prevention of oxidation of plasma lipoproteins. Q has been associated with the prevention of cholesterol oxidation and several aging-related diseases. However, to date no clear data on the levels of plasma Q during aging are available. We have measured the levels of plasmatic Q10 and cholesterol in young and old individuals showing different degrees of physical activity. Our results indicate that plasma Q10 levels in old people are higher that the levels found in young people. Our analysis also indicates that there is no a relationship between the degree of physical activity and Q10 levels when the general population is studied. However, very interestingly, we have found a different tendency between Q10 levels and physical activity depending on the age of individuals. In young people, higher activity correlates with lower Q10 levels in plasma whereas in older adults this ratio changes and higher activity is related to higher plasma Q10 levels and higher Q10/Chol ratios. Higher Q10 levels in plasma are related to lower lipoperoxidation and oxidized LDL levels in elderly people. Our results highlight the importance of life habits in the analysis of Q10 in plasma and indicate that the practice of physical activity at old age can improve antioxidant capacity in plasma and help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Modulation of endogenous antioxidant activity by resveratrol and exercise in mouse liver is age dependent.

Aging is a multifactorial process in which oxidative damage plays an important role. Resveratrol (RSV) and exercise delay some of the damages occurring during aging and increase life span and health span. We treated mice at different ages with RSV during 6 months and trained them during the last 6 weeks to determine if RSV and exercise induce changes in endogenous antioxidant activities in liver and if their effects depend on the age of the animal at the beginning of the intervention. Aging was accompanied by the increase in oxidative damage in liver especially affecting the glutathione-dependent system. Both RSV and exercise reversed the effect of aging and maintained high activities of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase activities in old animals. NAD(P)H: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase activity was also increased. Modulation of antioxidant activities was not completely accompanied by changes at the protein level. Whereas glutathione peroxidase 1 protein increased in parallel to the higher activity in old animals, NAD(P)H: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase protein decreased by RSV although the activity was enhanced. Our results indicate that RSV and exercise revert the effect of aging in liver of old animals maintaining higher antioxidant activities and decreasing oxidative damage. Short-term interventions are enough to produce beneficial effects of RSV or exercise at later ages.

Calorie restriction modifies ubiquinone and COQ transcript levels in mouse tissues.

We studied ubiquinone (Q), Q homologue ratio, and steady-state levels of mCOQ transcripts in tissues from mice fed ad libitum or under calorie restriction. Maximum ubiquinone levels on a protein basis were found in kidney and heart, followed by liver, brain, and skeletal muscle. Liver and skeletal muscle showed the highest Q(9)/Q(10) ratios with significant interindividual variability. Heart, kidney, and particularly brain exhibited lower Q(9)/Q(10) ratios and interindividual variability. In skeletal muscle and heart, the most abundant mCOQ transcript was mCOQ7, followed by mCOQ8, mCOQ2, mPDSS2, mPDSS1, and mCOQ3. In nonmuscular tissues (liver, kidney, and brain) the most abundant mCOQ transcript was mCOQ2, followed by mCOQ7, mCOQ8, mPDSS1, mPDSS2, and mCOQ3. Calorie restriction increased both ubiquinone homologues and mPDSS2 mRNA in skeletal muscle, but mCOQ7 was decreased. In contrast, Q(9) and most mCOQ transcripts were decreased in heart. Calorie restriction also modified the Q(9)/Q(10) ratio, which was increased in kidney and decreased in heart without alterations in mPDSS1 or mPDSS2 transcripts. We demonstrate for the first time that unique patterns of mCOQ transcripts exist in muscular and nonmuscular tissues and that Q and COQ genes are targets of calorie restriction in a tissue-specific way.