Coenzyme Q10 Decreases TNF-α and IL-2 Secretion by Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Alleviating effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: results from an umbrella meta-analysis

Introduction: Although several meta-analyses support the positive effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, the results of some other studies reject such effects. Methods: Therefore, in this umbrella meta-analysis, we performed a comprehensive systematic search in such databases as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar up to January 2023. Results: Based on standardized mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (ESSMD = -0.39; 95% CI: 0.77, -0.01, p = 0.042) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (ESSMD = -1.17; 95% CI: 1.55, -0.79, p < 0.001), while it increased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ESSMD = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.61, 1.81, p < 0.001) and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (ESSMD = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.37, 1.79, p = 0.003). However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant reducing effect on tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) (ESSMD = -0.70; 95% CI: 2.09, 0.68, p = 0.320) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (ESSMD = -0.85; 95% CI: 1.71, 0.01, p = 0.053). Based on weighted mean difference analysis, CoQ10 supplementation considerably decreased TNF-α (ESWMD = -0.46, 95% CI: 0.65, -0.27; p < 0.001), IL-6 (ESWMD = -0.92, 95% CI: 1.40, -0.45; p < 0.001), and CRP levels (effect sizes WMD = -0.28, 95% CI: 0.47, -0.09; p < 0.001). Discussion: The results of our meta-analysis supported the alleviating effects of CoQ10 on markers of inflammation cautiously. However, CoQ10 had antioxidant effects regarding the improvement of all the studied antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=323861, identifier CRD42022323861.

Clinical and biochemical assessment of the effect of topical use of coenzyme Q10 versus topical corticosteroid in management of symptomatic oral lichen planus: randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous immunologically mediated condition that has a great adverse effect on oral functions. Corticosteroids are still the first drugs of choice used in the treatment of OLP; however, they have extensive medical side effects. The present study was carried out to assess the clinical therapeutic effect of the topical use of coenzyme Q10 (coQ10 or ubiquinol) versus topical corticosteroids in the management of symptomatic OLP and to determine whether the effect, if any, was due to the powerful antioxidant activity of coQ10.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a randomized, double blinded controlled trial at the Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Egypt. The study was conducted on 34 patients suffering from symptomatic OLP. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: intervention group (I),who received topical CoQ10 in the form of mucoadhesive tablets (40% CoQ10) 3 times daily for one month and control group (II),who received topical corticosteroid (kenacort in Orabase: triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% 5-g adhesive paste - dermapharm), 4 times daily for one month. Patients were evaluated at one-week intervals using the clinical parameters (score) of pain (VAS) and lesion size. Additionally, salivary levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected in both groups before and after treatment using ELISA. All recorded data were analysed using independent t test, ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for lesion size and salivary level of MDA data and Mann-Whitney U test and Friedman test for VAS data.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a significant reduction in pain and the size of the lesions (p ≤ 0.05) with no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05), and this clinical improvement was associated with a reduction in the salivary levels of MDA in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The topical use of CoQ10 mucoadhesive tablets was as effective as the topical use of triamcinolone acetonide, and its clinical effect was associated with a reduction in the salivary level of MDA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was registered at www.

CLINICALTRIAL

gov (NCT04091698) and registration date: 17/9/2019.

Coenzyme Q10 and Its Therapeutic Potencies Against COVID-19 and Other Similar Infections: A Molecular Review

Purpose: New lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), currently, has been converted to a disastrous pandemic worldwide. As there has been found no definitive treatment for the infection in this review we focused on molecular aspects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and possible therapeutic potencies of CoQ10 against COVID-19 and similar infections. Methods: This is a narrative review in which we used some authentic resources including PubMed, ISI, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane, and some preprint databases, the molecular aspects of CoQ10 effects, regarding to the COVID-19 pathogenesis, have been analyzed and discussed. Results: CoQ10 is an essential cofactor in the electron transport chain of the phosphorylative oxidation system. It is a powerful lipophilic antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory supplement which has been tested for the management and prevention of a variety of diseases particularly diseases with inflammatory pathogenesis. CoQ10 is a strong anti-inflammatory agent which can reduce tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other inflammatory cytokines. The cardio-protective role of CoQ10 in improving viral myocarditis and drug induced cardiotoxicity has been determined in different studies. CoQ10 could also improve the interference in the RAS system caused by COVID-19 through exerting anti-Angiotensin II effects and decreasing oxidative stress. CoQ10 passes easily through blood-brain barrier (BBB). As a neuroprotective agent CoQ10 can reduce oxidative stress and modulate the immunologic reactions. These properties may help to reduce CNS inflammation and prevent BBB damage and neuronal apoptosis in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: CoQ10 supplementation may prevent the COVID-19-induced morbidities with a potential protective role against the deleterious consequences of the disease, further clinical evaluations are encouraged.

An overview on role of nutrition on COVID-19 immunity: Accumulative review from available studies

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) conveys a serious global threat to health and economy. A common predisposing factor for development to serious progressive disease is presence of a low-grade inflammation, e.g., as seen in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure. Micronutrient deficiencies may also contribute to the development of this state. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the role of the nutrition to relieve progression of COVID-19. According PRISMA protocol, we conducted an online databases search including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and web of science for published literatures in the era of COVID-19 Outbreak regarding to the status of nutrition and COVID-19 until December 2021. There were available studies (80 studies) providing direct evidence regarding the associations between the status of nutrition and COVID-19 infection. Adequate nutritional supply is essential for resistance against other viral infections and also for improvement of immune function and reduction of inflammation. Hence, it is suggested that nutritional intervention which secures an adequate status might protect against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - coronavirus-2) and mitigate its course. We also recommend initiation of adequate nutritional supplementation in high-risk areas and/or soon after the time of suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2. Subjects in high-risk groups should have high priority for applying this nutritive adjuvant therapy that should be started prior to administration of specific and supportive medical measures.

Shared genetic risk factors and causal association between psoriasis and coronary artery disease

Psoriasis and coronary artery disease (CAD) are related comorbidities that are well established, but whether a genetic basis underlies this is not well studied. We apply trans-disease meta-analysis to 11,024 psoriasis and 60,801 CAD cases, along with their associated controls, identifying one opposing and three shared genetic loci, which are confirmed through colocalization analysis. Combining results from Bayesian credible interval analysis with independent information from genomic, epigenomic, and spatial chromatin organization, we prioritize genes (including IFIH1 and IL23A) that have implications for common molecular mechanisms involved in psoriasis and CAD inflammatory signaling. Chronic systemic inflammation has been associated with CAD and myocardial infarction, and Mendelian randomization analysis finds that CAD as an exposure can have a significant causal effect on psoriasis (OR = 1.11; p = 3×10^-6) following adjustment for BMI and waist-hip ratio. Together, these findings suggest that systemic inflammation which causes CAD can increase the risk of psoriasis.

Ubiquinol ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and increases expression of miRNA-34a in a rat model of pulmonary hypertension

Introduction: In this research, we evaluate the effect of intravenously administrated solubilized ubiquinol on 4-week monocrotalin-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats.

Materials and methods: To reproduce the model, some male Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with alcohol solution of monocrotaline 60 mg/kg and the rest – with alcohol solution (Control). Those with monocrotaline (MCT) were divided into 3 groups. They underwent intravenous administration of 1% ubiquinol solution 30 mg/kg (MCT-Ubiquinol), the vehicle (MCT-Vehicle) and saline (MCT-saline) three times on days 7, 14 and 21, depending on the group. The hemodynamic parameters were measured in anesthetized rats on day 29. Right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary arteries reactivity and expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-34a were estimated after euthanasia.

Results and discussion: All MCT-groups demonstrated an increase in right ventricle systolic pressure and hypertrophy in comparison with the control group. An increase in lung weight was shown in MCT-Vehicle and MCT-Saline; however, the MCT-Ubiquinol indicators did not differ from those of the Control. There was an increased vasodilatation response to acetylcholine at concentrations of 1*10-6M and 1*10-5M in MCT-Ubiquinol in contrast to the other two MCT-groups. A significantly lower level of expression of miRNA-34a was observed in MCT-Ubiquinol.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a triple ubiquinol injection influences pulmonary changes and endothelium-depended vasodilatation, which contributes to pulmonary vascular tone and reactivity. A decrease in miRNA-34a expression in MCT-Ubiquinol group demonstrates the ubiquinol anti-inflammatory properties.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammation, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled- trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are associated with breast cancer. CoQ10 as an adjuvant treatment with conventional anti-cancer chemotherapy has been demonstrated to help in the inflammatory process and OS. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation on levels of inflammatory markers, OS parameters, and matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase, up to December 2020 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on OS biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and MMPs/TIMPs. From 827 potential reports, 5 eligible studies consisting of 9 trials were finally included in the current meta-analysis. Quality assessment and heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the PRISMA checklist protocol and the I² statistic, respectively. Fixed and random-effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis of the pooled findings for inflammatory biomarkers of OS and MMPs showed that CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day for 45-90 days) significantly decreased the levels of VEGF [SMD: - 1.88, 95% CI: (- 2. 62 to - 1.13); I² = 93.1%, p < 0.001], IL-8 [SMD: - 2.24, 95% CI: (- 2.68 to - 1.8); I² = 79.6%, p = 0.001], MMP-2 [SMD: - 1.49, 95% CI: (- 1.85 to - 1.14); I² = 76.3%, p = 0.005] and MMP-9 [SMD: - 1.58, 95% CI: (- 1.97 to - 1.19); I² = 79.6%, p = 0.002], but no significant difference was observed between CoQ10 supplementation and control group on TNF-α [SMD: - 2.30, 95% CI: (- 2.50 to - 2.11); I² = 21.8%, p = 0.280], IL-6 [SMD: - 1.56, 95% CI: (- 1.73 to - 1.39); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.683], IL-1β [SMD: - 3.34, 95% CI: (- 3.58 to - 3.11); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.561], catalase (CAT) [SMD: 1.40, 95% CI: (1.15 to 1.65); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.598], superoxide dismutase (SOD) [SMD: 2.42, 95% CI: (2.12 to 2.71); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.986], glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [SMD: 2.80, 95% CI: (2.49 to 3.11); I² = 0.0%, p = 0.543]], glutathione (GSH) [SMD: 4.71, 95% CI: (4.26 to 5.16); I² = 6.1%, p = 0.302] and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) [SMD: - 3.20, 95% CI: (- 3.53 to - 2.86); I² = 29.7%, p = 0.233].

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings showed that CoQ10 supplementation reduced some of the important markers of inflammation and MMPs in patients with breast cancer. However, further studies with controlled trials for other types of cancer are needed to better understand and confirm the effect of CoQ10 on tumor therapy.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-lipaemic effects of daily dietary coenzyme-Q10 supplement in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The dietary model of metabolic syndrome has continued to aid our understanding of its pathogenesis and possible management interventions. However, despite progress in research, therapy continues to be challenging in humans; hence, the search for newer treatment and prevention options.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of dietary CQ₁₀ supplementation on metabolic, oxidative and inflammatory markers in a diet-induced mouse model of metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

Mouse groups were fed standard diet (SD), high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet, and SD or HFHS diet (with incorporated CQ₁₀) at 60 and 120 mg/kg of feed respectively. At the completion of the study (8 weeks), blood glucose levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, plasma insulin, leptin, adiponectin, TNF-α, IL-10, serum lipid profile, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were assessed. The liver was either homogenised for the assessment of antioxidant status or processed for general histology.

RESULTS

Dietary CQ₁₀ mitigated HFHS diet-induced weight gain, decreased glucose, insulin and leptin levels; and increased adiponectin levels in mice. Coenzyme-Q₁₀ improved the antioxidant status of the liver and blood in HFHS diet fed mice, while also decreasing lipid peroxidation. Lipid profile improved, level of TNF-α decreased and IL-10 increased following CQ₁₀ diet. A mitigation of HFHS diet-induced alteration in liver morphology was also observed with CQ₁₀.

CONCLUSION

Dietary CQ₁₀ supplementation mitigates HFHS diet-induced changes in mice possibly through its anti-oxidant, anti-lipaemic and anti-inflammatory potential.

Impact of coenzyme Q10 on inflammatory biomarkers and its role in future therapeutic strategies

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is an important component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The finding that multiple chronic diseases show lower levels of CoQ10 has led to the possibility that CoQ10 supplementation could be an effective approach to ameliorate or prevent disease progression. In this review, we discuss the state of the art regarding the role of CoQ10 in health and disease and describe the latest clinical studies which have tested the effects of CoQ10 supplementation in inflammatory diseases. The results of these studies indicate that individuals suffering from inflammation-related diseases show improvement under the CoQ10 supplementation protocol. However, these results have been inconsistent, leading to the need for additional studies at the preclinical and clinical levels, involving a greater number of subjects and different treatment regimes.

The Impact of Pre-Cooling and CoQ10 Supplementation on Mediators of Inflammatory Cytokines in Elite Swimmers

Chronic intensive exercise and hyperthermia may cause immune system function disturbance. We aimed to investigate the effect of 14-day coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) supplementation and pre-cooling strategy on serum changes of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes, leukocyte counts (WBC), and stress hormones (catecholamine and cortisol) responses in elite swimmers during competition phase. Thirty-six healthy males were randomly selected and divided into four groups of CoQ₁₀, precooling, supplementation with precooling, and control. Blood sampling was done pre and post (before and after acute recoding bout) administration of CoQ₁₀ and pre-cooling. There was no significant statistical difference among groups for the indices levels of IL-10, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, catecholamine, cortisol, MPO, XO, and WBC counts at the pre sampling (P > 0.05). While, pre-cooling and control groups show a significant increase indices levels compared to the supplementation and supplementation with precooling groups in the post-sampling (two stages), (P ˂ 0.05). Short-term oral CoQ₁₀ supplementation prevents adverse changes mediators of inflammatory cytokines following heavy swimming trainings and acute recording bout. In addition, pre-cooling strategy individually has no desired effect on the mediators of inflammatory cytokines.

Coenzyme Q10 in acute influenza

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this investigation was to determine if acute influenza infection is associated with depletion of CoQ10 compared to healthy controls and to determine any associations between CoQ10 levels and illness severity and inflammatory biomarkers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed serum CoQ10 concentrations of patients with acute influenza enrolled in a randomized clinical trial prior to study drug administration. Patients were enrolled at a single urban tertiary care center over 3 influenza seasons (December 27, 2013 to March 31, 2016). Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare CoQ10 levels between influenza patients and healthy controls. Correlations with inflammatory biomarkers and severity of illness were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

We analyzed CoQ10 levels from 50 patients with influenza and 29 controls. Overall, patients with acute influenza had lower levels of CoQ10 (.53 μg/mL, IQR .37-.75 vs .72, IQR .58-.90, P = .004). Significantly more patients in the influenza group had low CoQ10 levels (<.5 μg/mL) compared to controls (48% vs 7%, P < .001). Among influenza patients, there were significant but weak correlations between CoQ10 levels and IL-2 (r = -.30, P = .04), TNF-alpha (r = -.35, P = .01) and VEGF (r = .38, P = .007), but no correlation with IL-6, IL-10, VCAM or influenza severity of illness score (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in patients with acute influenza infection and that these levels had significant although weak correlations with several inflammatory biomarkers.

Coenzyme Q10 for the Protection of Lacrimal Gland against High-Dose Radioiodine Therapy-Associated Oxidative Damage: Histopathologic and Tissue Cytokine Level Assessments in an Animal Model

PURPOSE

To evaluate protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in lacrimal glands against high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI)-associated oxidative damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage but no medication. Group 3 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage and 30 mg/kg/day CoQ10 intraperitoneally. CoQ10 was started at day one just before RAI administration and continued for five days. Seven days after RAI therapy, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG), and Harderian (HG) lacrimal glands were removed bilaterally for histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments.

RESULTS

Abnormal lobular pattern, acinar fibrosis, lipofuscin-like accumulations, perivascular infiltration, cell size variation, abnormal cell outlines, irregular nucleus shapes in all lacrimal gland types (p < 0.05 for each), periductal fibrosis, periductal and periacinar fibrosis in EG (p = 0.01, 0.044, respectively) and in HG (p = 0.036, 0.044, respectively), periductal infiltration in HG (p = 0.039) and IG (p = 0.029), acinar atrophy in EG (p = 0.044), and cell shape variation in IG (p = 0.036) were observed more frequently in group 2 than in other groups. RAI caused significant increase in TNF-α, IL-6, nuclear factor kappa B, and total oxidant status, and decrease in IL-2, IL-10, and total antioxidant status levels (p < 0.05 for each). Addition of CoQ10 decreased all cytokine levels, increased nuclear factor kappa B levels more, and increased total antioxidant status levels significantly (p < 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

RAI administration causes prominent inflammatory response in lacrimal glands. Addition of CoQ10 ameliorates the oxidative damage and protects lacrimal glands both in histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments. Protection of lacrimal glands against oxidative damage may become a new era of CoQ10 use in the future.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aims of this meta-analysis were to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on inflammatory mediators including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by analyzing published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed to identify eligible RCTs. Data synthesis was performed using a random- or a fixed-effects model depending on the results of heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were displayed as weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Seventeen RCTs were selected for the meta-analysis. CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduced the levels of circulating CRP (WMD: -0.35mg/L, 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.05, P=0.022), IL-6 (WMD: -1.61pg/mL, 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.58, P=0.002) and TNF-α (WMD: -0.49pg/mL, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.06, P=0.027). The results of meta-regression showed that the changes of CRP were independent of baseline CRP, treatment duration, dosage, and patients characteristics. In the meta-regression analyses, a higher baseline IL-6 level was significantly associated with greater effects of CoQ10 on IL-6 levels (P for interaction=0.006). In conclusion, this meta-analysis of RCTs suggests significant lowering effects of CoQ10 on CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. However, results should be interpreted with caution because of the evidence of heterogeneity and limited number of studies.

Effect of rosuvastatin on plasma coenzyme Q10 in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency has been associated with statin-induced myopathy, and supplementation with CoQ10 may reduce inflammation markers. The effects of statins on CoQ10 and its anti-inflammatory properties have not been investigated in HIV-positive patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of rosuvastatin on CoQ10 and CoQ10/LDL ratio over 24-week SATURN-HIV trial, explore the associations between CoQ10 levels and markers of vascular disease, inflammation, and immune activation, and assess whether changes in CoQ10 affected the anti-inflammatory effects of statin therapy or were associated with myalgia symptoms.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the SATURN-HIV trial, a 96-week randomized clinical trial of 10 mg daily rosuvastatin vs. placebo in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. We assessed the statin treatment effect on CoQ10 levels and CoQ10/LDL ratios and whether changes in these markers were related to myalgias. Relationships between CoQ10, subclinical vascular disease, and biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation were explored using Spearman correlations and multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 147 patients were included. Median age was 46 years; 78% were male and 68% African American. At baseline, CoQ10 levels and CoQ10/LDL ratio were modestly correlated with markers of HIV disease, immune activation, and carotid distensibility. After 24 weeks of statin therapy, CoQ10 levels decreased (p = 0.002 for between group difference) and CoQ10/LDL ratio increased (p = 0.036). In the statin treatment arm, we did not find evidence of a relationship between changes in CoQ10 or CoQ10/LDL ration and changes in markers of inflammation or immune activation. There was a borderline statistically significant association between changes in CoQ10 and myalgia symptoms [OR 4.0 per 0.1 mg/L decrease in CoQ10, p = 0.07].

CONCLUSION

Twenty-four weeks of 10 mg daily rosuvastatin decreases CoQ10 concentration and increases CoQ10/LDL ratio in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on the ratio of TH1/TH2 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis in C57BL/6

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is known as a progressive central nervous system inflammatory disease. Certain factors, such as interleukins, inflammatory cells, and oxidative stress are supposed to involve in MS etiology. Because of the important role of oxidative stress, antioxidant therapy for MS has received more attention. Although coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) acts as an antioxidant, there is a lack of enough research on its effects on MS. Therefore, the present research was designed. Methods: C57BL/6 female adult mice (n = 30) were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into trial and control groups. To induce MS, routine procedure for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was used, and scoring was performed based on clinical signs. By detecting score one, CoQ10 administration was started (10 mg/kg/three weeks). By using ELISA and real-time PCR, the brain levels of TNF-, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-12 were studied. Statistical tests were used to analyze the data and the P value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Clinical symptoms in EAE animals were significantly decreased (P<0.05) as compared to control ones. In addition, the level of the TNF- was significantly decreased following CoQ10 administration versus IL-10. The ratio of TH1/TH2 interleukins in treated animals was significantly less than that in non-treated animals (P<0.01). Conclusion: Our findings showed that CoQ10 is capable of suppressing the inflammatory pathway of MS.

The reduced form of coenzyme Q10 improves glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: an open label pilot study

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) provides the energy for vital cellular functions and is known to act as an antioxidant. We conducted an open label study to examine the clinical effects of supplementation of the reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, in addition to conventional glucose-lowering agents in patients with type 2 diabetes. Nine subjects (3 males and 6 females) with type 2 diabetes and receiving conventional medication were recruited. The subjects were assigned to receive an oral dose of 200 mg ubiquinol daily for 12 weeks. The effect of ubiquinol on blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic control, oxidative stress, and inflammation were examined before and after ubiquinol supplementation. In addition, five healthy volunteers were also assigned to receive an oral dose of 200 mg ubiquinol daily for 4 weeks to examine the effects of ubiquinol on insulin secretion. In patients with diabetes, there were no differences with respect to blood pressure, lipid profile, oxidative stress marker, and inflammatory markers. However, there were significant improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin (53.0 ± 4.3 to 50.5 ± 3.7 mmol/mol, P = 0.01) (7.1 ± 0.4 to 6.8 ± 0.4%, P = 0.03). In healthy volunteers, the insulinogenic index (0.65 ± 0.29 to 1.23 ± 0.56, P = 0.02) and the ratio of proinsulin to insulin were significantly improved (3.4 ± 1.8 to 2.1 ± 0.6, P = 0.03). The results of our study are consistent with the suggestion that the supplementation of ubiquinol in subjects with type 2 diabetes, in addition to conventional antihyperglycemic medications, improves glycemic control by improving insulin secretion without any adverse effects