Coenzyme Q10 and mortality in chronic heart failure

Coenzyme Q10 and mortality in chronic heart failure

Coenzyme Q10 and mortality in chronic heart failure: Lower Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ₁₀₎) levels have been linked to mortality in chronic heart failure in a study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology [1]. CoQ₁₀ is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial electron transport and myocardial energy supply. It participates in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.

An earlier study using myocardial biopsies had shown that class IV patients had lower levels of CoQ₁₀ than class I (P<0.01). Those in classes III and IV had a lower levels than in classes I and II (P<0.0001) [2].

Low total cholesterol has been linked with higher mortality in heart failure. Plasma CoQ₁₀ levels are associated with LDL cholesterol levels and this might be a link between the two.

The study by Sarah L Molyneux, Christopher M Florkowski, Peter M George, Anna P Pilbrow, Christopher M Frampton, Michael Lever and A Mark Richards included 236 patients hospitalised for heart failure and found that CoQ₁₀ is an independent predictor of mortality [1]. The median follow up was 2.69 years and median age at admission was 77 years. The authors go on to recommend controlled intervention studies with CoQ₁₀ as low CoQ₁₀ levels might be detrimental to prognosis in chronic heart failure.

Reference

1. Sarah L Molyneux, Christopher M Florkowski, Peter M George, Anna P Pilbrow, Christopher M Frampton, Michael Lever, A Mark Richards. Coenzyme Q10: an independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Oct 28;52(18):1435-41.
2. K Folkers, S Vadhanavikit, S A Mortensen. Biochemical rationale and myocardial tissue data on the effective therapy of cardiomyopathy with coenzyme Q10. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1985 Feb;82(3):901-4.