Coenzyme Q10 level in plasma of children with inflammatory process

Bozena Mikołuć1, Joanna Karpińska, Radosław Motkowski

  • 1Department of Propedeutics of Pediatrics, Medical Academy of Białystok, Poland.

Insights

Plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in children with inflammation are independent of sex. CoQ10 levels correlate with leukocytosis, calcium, and magnesium, suggesting other biochemical markers may also influence ubiquinone levels.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is vital for cellular energy production.
  • Understanding CoQ10 levels in pediatric inflammatory conditions is crucial for assessing cellular health.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the biochemical factors influencing CoQ10 levels in acutely inflamed children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in children experiencing acute inflammatory processes.
  • To investigate the relationship between CoQ10 levels and various biochemical parameters in this pediatric cohort.
  • To identify potential biochemical determinants of ubiquinone levels in children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 43 children (ages 1 month to 9 years) with acute inflammation was studied.
  • Plasma CoQ10 levels were quantified using a novel High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet detection.
  • Results were expressed as molar concentration (μmol/l plasma).

Main Results:

  • Plasma CoQ10 concentration (median--0.8 μmol/l) was found to be independent of sex.
  • CoQ10 levels demonstrated a significant correlation with leukocytosis, calcium, and magnesium concentrations.
  • Biochemical markers including transferrin, amylase, and serum glutamic transaminase were suggested as potential determinants of plasma CoQ10.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma CoQ10 levels in children with acute inflammation are not influenced by sex.
  • Leukocytosis, calcium, and magnesium levels are key biochemical factors associated with CoQ10 ubiquinone levels in this population.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the role of transferrin, amylase, and serum glutamic transaminase in modulating CoQ10 plasma levels.

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