Coenzyme Q10 improves the survival and reduces inflammatory markers in septic patients

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) administration to patients in the early phase of sepsis to determine its effect on the markers of inflammation and the clinical outcomes of septic patients. BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that CoQ10 levels were decreased in septic patients and worsening of mitochondrial dysfunction was observed. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial septic patients (n=40) received 100 mg CoQ10 twice a day for seven days added to standard treatment of sepsis. As a primary endpoint levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at baseline, third and 7th day after the intervention. Secondary endpoints included assessment of clinical scores and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline inflammatory and oxidative injury markers between the groups. TNF-alpha and MDA levels decreased significantly in the CoQ10 group on the 7th day of the study (P:0.003 for both). There was a significant difference in the in-hospital mortality in the CoQ10 group compared to the control group (P:0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CoQ10 has a positive effect on clinical parameters as well as mitochondrial dysfunction when administered in the early phase of sepsis (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 38).