[Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 in cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin]

Cardiotoxicity induced by adriamycin and protective effect by coenzyme Q10 were studied in 80 closely-followed patients receiving chemotherapy with adriamycin. Serial electrocardiograms were recorded immediately before and after the administration of adriamycin each times. The electrocardiographic parameters (heart rate, P-Q duration, QRS-duration, QRS voltage and QTc-duration) were analyzed. In patients treated with adriamycin alone, QTc-duration was prolonged significantly. On the other hand, in patients treated with adriamycin plus coenzyme Q10, QTc-duration was not significantly prolonged. This Suggests that coenzyme Q10 may reduce negative inotropic action induced by adriamycin. Further, the QRS voltage was also significantly decreased in patients treated with adriamycin alone, but was not decreased in patients treated with adriamycin plus coenzyme Q10. These findings suggest that some electrocardiographic changes due to adriamycin may be prevented by coenzyme Q10.