Coenzyme Q1O And The Heart

Abstract

Coenzyme Q1O (ubiquinone) is normally present in every plant and animal cell. It is synthesised in all body tissues and to resolve the controversy in nomenclature, it should be called antioxidant because of its free radical scavenging action. Coenzyme Q1O deficiency can occur due to insufficient intake, impairment in biosynthesis or excessive utilization by the body tissues or any combination of the three. While die tary deficiency may be a risk factor of diseases due to free radical stress, there is a greater endogenous consumption of coenzyme Q1O in certain diseases associated with ischaemia and reperfusion and oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q1O deficiency has been observed among patients with conjestive heart failure, angina pectoris, coronary art ery disease cardiomyopathy, hypertension, mitral valve prolapse and after coronary revascularization. Coenzyme Q1O is involved in the manufactue of ATP which is pot entially useful in preventing cellular damage during ischaemia - reperfusion. The clinical benefits are mainly due to its ability to improve energy production, antioxid ant activity, and membrane stabilizing properties. Several uncontrolled studies and about ten randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that treatment with coenzyme Q could be beneficial in patients with congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and preservation of myocardium. Coenzyme Q10 is normally present in the low density lipoprotein cholesterol and inhibits its oxid ation. It also regenerates vitamin E apart from its direct antioxidant activity. The dosage of coenzyme Q10 varies between 30 - 300mg/day in different indications. Epigastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and increase in SGOT and LDH are modest side effects of treatment.