The effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on serum levels of lactate, pyruvate, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and nitric oxide in women with migraine. A double blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), as a supplement with a special role in mitochondrial electron transport chain, could be used as a successful migraine preventative therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on lactate, pyruvate, Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in addition to migraine attacks in women with migraine. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 46 patients diagnosed with migraine. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo group (n = 23) and/or intervention group (n = 23), supplemented with 400 mg/day of CoQ10. The duration of the intervention was 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention, in order to measure serum levels of CoQ10, lactate, pyruvate, MMP-9 and NO. Results: Treatment with CoQ10 significantly reduced serum concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, MMP-9 and NO while CoQ10 concentrations increased after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in lactate/pyruvate ratio in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group (p > 0.05). The results of this study showed that CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks compared with placebo receiving group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the current trial, 12 weeks of oral CoQ10 supplementation demonstrated positive effects on control of migraine attacks, mitochondrial function, serum levels of NO and MMP-9 as an involvement factors in the pathophysiology of migraines. © 2018 Elsevier GmbH