Beneficial Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Streptozotocin-Induced Type I Diabetic Rats

The present investigation was undertaken to study the benefical effects of Coenzyme Q10 in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic rats. STZ-diabetes produced a significant increase in fasting glucose levels that was associated with decrease in serum insulin levels. STZ also produced hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceredemia, increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Treatment with Coenzyme Q10 produced a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels without affecting insulin levels. Coenzyme Q10 was also found to decrease significantly AUCglucose and no significant change in AUCinsulin values in STZ-diabetic rats. Treatment with Coenzyme Q10 also caused decrease in serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride levels and an increase in HDL levels. Coenzyme Q10 treatment also reduced lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. The elevated blood pressure in diabetic rats was also lowered. Our data suggest that Coenzyme Q10 has beneficial effects in diabetes induced complications.