Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Administration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Report of a Case and Review

Objective: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) appears to be a promising agent in neurodegenerative disorders because they are associated with defects in the inner mitochondrial membrane and in oxidative phosphorylation. This report aims to highlight the role of CoQ10 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods: A 75 year old medical scientist (1 author TK) unbiased for treatment with CoQ10, volunteered for CoQ10 administration. He himself recorded his symptoms, mood, sensations, body weight, using limb Norris score, hand grip power for both hands. He received highly bioavailable CoQ10 in a dose of 500 mg twice daily initially followed by 200mg twice daily for treatment in 2005. (solubilized ubiquinol, Tishcon Corp. NY). His plasma CoQ10 level was obtained initially and after treatment with CoQ10. Results: He presented with weakness of left leg along with cramps in the left calf muscle with steppage gate in September 2000. He had wasting of muscles, fasciculations and exaggerated reflexes. He had rapid deterioration in hand grip power in the left hand and weakness in left lower limb followed by right limbs with inability in walking and routine activities. Treatment with ubiquinol in 2005, resulted in better hand grip power, mood and sensation within a month and in 2006, he reported that hand grip power and wasting of muscles are not progressing as rapidly as before administering CoQ10. Interpretations: Treatment with highly solubilized ubiquinol can provide benefit to patients with ALS. Further controlled trials would be necessary to confirm our findings.