CoQ10 Supports Blood Flow and Mitochondrial Function

A new study reports that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) affects blood flow and mitochondrial function. Previous research suggests that optimal function of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that provide blood to the heart muscle allowing it to pump blood, depends on optimal function of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels and the mitochondria (the part of a cell that produces cellular energy). CoQ10 plays a critical role in the production of energy in the mitochondria. Thus, the researchers in this study examined the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on endothelial and mitochondrial function in subjects with suboptimal blood flow through the coronary arteries.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 56 subjects who had suboptimal blood flow through the coronary arteries, resulting in decreased pumping action of the heart. Half of the subjects received 300 mg per day of CoQ10 and the other subjects were given a placebo for 8 weeks. The subjects were evaluated for plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration; brachial flow-mediated dilation, which evaluated endothelial function by measuring blood flow in the arm; and plasma lactate/pyruvate ratio, which is a measurement of how efficient the cells are utilizing glucose and oxygen for synthesizing energy in the mitochondria.  The study also evaluated lipid levels; blood pressure; fasting blood sugar; hemoglobin A1c, which measures blood sugar control over the previous 3 months; C-reactive protein (CRP), a measurement of inflammation; serum superoxide dismutase and 8-isoprostane, which are measurements of oxidative stress; and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation.

The results of the study showed that compared to the placebo, the subjects receiving CoQ10 had significant increases in plasma CoQ10 concentration and flow-mediated dilation, indicating enhanced endothelial function. The subjects that were supplemented with CoQ10 also showed a decrease in the plasma lactate/pyruvate ratio, indicating enhanced mitochondrial function. There were no changes in the other parameters measured.

The investigators concluded that in these subjects, CoQ10 supports flow-mediated dilation and mitochondrial function. The enhancement of flow-mediated dilation correlated with the change in mitochondrial function, which suggest that CoQ10 enhanced endothelial function via reversal of suboptimal mitochondrial function.

Reference:

Dai YL, Luk TH, Yiu KH,  Wang M, Yip PM, Lee SW, Li SW, Tam S, Fong B, Lau CP, Siu CW, Tse HF. Reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction by coenzyme Q10 supplement improves endothelial function in patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial. Atherosclerosis. 2011 Jun;216(2):395-401.