The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Clinical Medicine: Part I

This review discusses the potential role of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer, periodontal disease, gastric ulceration, obesity, muscular dystrophy, and allergy. The effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on immune function and physical performance is also reviewed. Controlled trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the treatment of periodontal disease. Promising (although anecdotal) clinical results have been reported for cases of cancer, AIDS, and muscular dystrophy. CoQ10 is of theoretical value as a treatment for gastric ulceration and allergies; however, CoQ10 treatment of these conditions has not been tested in humans. There is limited evidence that CoQ10 may enhance immune function and improve physical performance in certain circumstances. The value of CoQ10 as a treatment for obesity remains speculative. (Alt Med Rev 1996;1:11-17.) Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the human body. Because of its ubiquitous presence in nature and its quinone structure (similar to that of vitamin K), CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. The primary biochemical action of CoQ10 is as a cofactor in the electron-transport chain, the series of redox reactions that are involved in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the body’s major form of stored energy). Since most cellular functions are dependent on an adequate supply of ATP, CoQ10 is essential for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs. Although CoQ10 can be synthesized “in vivo”, situations may arise in which the body’s synthetic capacity is insufficient to meet CoQ10 requirements. Susceptibility to CoQ10 deficiency appears to be greatest in cells that are metabolically active (such as those in the heart, immune system, gingiva, and gastric mucosa), since these cells presumably have the highest requirements for CoQ10. Tissue deficiencies or subnormal serum levels of CoQ10 have been reported to occur in a wide range of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, periodontal disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, CoQ10 levels decline with advancing age, and this decline might contribute in part to some of the manifestations of aging. A need for supplemental CoQ10 could theoretically result from (1) impaired CoQ10 synthesis due to nutritional deficiencies, (2) a genetic or acquired defect in CoQ10 synthesis or utilization, or (3) increased tissue needs resulting from a particular illness. Since oral administration of CoQ10 can increase tissue levels of the nutrient,1 it is possible to correct CoQ10 deficiency