Selenium and coenzyme Q₁₀ improve the systemic redox status while reducing cardiovascular mortality in elderly...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Serum free thiols (R-SH) indicate systemic redox status and are reduced by oxidative stress.
• Selenium and coenzyme Q10 may improve redox status.
• Reduced R-SH levels are linked to disease and potentially cardiovascular mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation's effect on serum free thiols.
• To investigate the association between serum free thiols and cardiovascular mortality risk in elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 434 elderly participants.
• Intervention: Selenium yeast (200 μg/day) + coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/day) or placebo for 48 months.
• Serum R-SH measured colorimetrically and adjusted for albumin; cardiovascular mortality assessed over 10 years.

Main Results:

• Combined selenium and coenzyme Q10 increased serum R-SH levels compared to placebo (P=0.002).
• Lowest quartile of baseline serum R-SH was associated with the highest cardiovascular mortality rate.
• Lower baseline R-SH levels significantly predicted increased cardiovascular mortality risk (HR 1.98, P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation improved serum R-SH levels in elderly individuals, suggesting reduced oxidative stress.
• Low serum R-SH levels are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in the elderly.