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Comparison of coenzyme Q10 plasma levels in obese and normal weight children

Thomas Menke1, Petra Niklowitz, Gideon de Sousa

  • 1Vestische Kinderklinik Datteln, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str. 5, D-45711 Datteln, Germany. th.menke@t-online.de

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|October 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity does not lower coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in children. Obese children, even with insulin resistance, maintain normal CoQ10 plasma concentrations, suggesting it

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is linked to lower lipophilic antioxidant levels, potentially impairing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) protection.
  • Obese individuals with insulin resistance show increased oxidized LDL.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipophilic antioxidant that inhibits LDL oxidative damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plasma levels in obese children versus normal-weight children.
  • To investigate the relationship between CoQ10 levels and insulin resistance in obese children.

Main Methods:

  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plasma concentrations were measured in 67 obese children (BMI > 97th percentile) and 50 normal-weight children.
  • Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA).
  • CoQ10 levels were analyzed in relation to plasma cholesterol concentrations.

Main Results:

  • After adjusting for plasma cholesterol, no significant difference in CoQ10 levels was found between obese and normal-weight children.
  • No significant difference in CoQ10 levels was observed between insulin-resistant and non-insulin-resistant obese children.

Conclusions:

  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plasma levels are not reduced in obese children.
  • CoQ10 levels in obese children are not associated with insulin resistance.
Abstract

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