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Coenzyme Q10 in dilated cardiomyopathy
U Manzoli1, E Rossi, G P Littarru
1Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Tissue Reactions
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation improved symptoms and heart function in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. This suggests CoQ10 deficiency is reversible and supplementation aids heart failure treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with reduced myocardial coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels.
- CoQ10 deficiency may contribute to the pathophysiology of DCM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of oral CoQ10 in patients with DCM.
- To assess the impact of CoQ10 on clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and CoQ10 levels in DCM patients.
Main Methods:
- Thirty DCM patients received oral CoQ10 (100 mg/day) for two months.
- Clinical (NYHA class) and echocardiographic (ejection fraction, ventricular volumes) assessments were performed before and after treatment.
- Plasma and myocardial CoQ10 levels were measured.
Main Results:
- 47% of patients showed symptom regression and improved NYHA class.
- Ejection fraction significantly increased (0.31 to 0.37, p<0.001).
- Plasma CoQ10 levels increased significantly (p<0.0001), with 95% of patients showing improvement.
Conclusions:
- CoQ10 deficiency in DCM appears reversible with oral supplementation.
- Therapeutic response correlates with baseline plasma and myocardial CoQ10 levels.
- CoQ10 may be a valuable adjunct therapy for chronic heart failure in DCM.