WITHDRAWN: Coenzyme Q10 for Parkinson's disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Nutritional Neuroscience

Background:

• Preclinical studies suggest coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) protects the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in Parkinson's disease (PD) models.
• Clinical trials have investigated CoQ10's neuroprotective effects in early to mid-stage PD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 compared to placebo in early and mid-stage Parkinson's disease patients using randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Main Methods:

• Searched multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and references for relevant RCTs.
• Included RCTs comparing CoQ10 to placebo in early/mid-stage PD patients; excluded cross-over studies.
• Two authors independently assessed quality and extracted data, resolving disagreements by consensus.

Main Results:

• Four RCTs with 452 patients met inclusion criteria.
• CoQ10 (1200 mg/d for 16 months) showed improvements in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) UPDRS and Schwab and England scores.
• Adverse events like pharyngitis and diarrhea were mildly elevated but not statistically significant; no difference in withdrawals due to adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• Coenzyme Q10 (1200 mg/d for 16 months) was well-tolerated in Parkinson's disease patients.
• Observed improvements in ADL UPDRS and Schwab and England scores require confirmation in larger trials.
• CoQ10's effects on other UPDRS subscores remain unclear.