The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 5–10% of women at reproductive-age. Studies suggest that long term metabolic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS might be related to the presence of a low grade chronic inflammatory condition .Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays an important role in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid and protein oxidation as an antioxidant. The favorable effects of CoQ10 supplementation on metabolic profiles and inflammatory markers have previously been reported. To our knowledge, there is no clinical study reporting the effects of CoQ10 on inflammatory markers in PCOS patients. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on serum concentration of inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 43 overweight and obese women with PCOS diagnosed based on Rotterdom criteria. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 200 mg CoQ10 capsules per day (n=22) or placebo (n=21) for eight weeks. Anthropometric measures including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, body composition (fat mass, fat free mass and total body water) and physical activity were assessed at baseline and the end of the study. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin were also measured. Data were analyzed using chi Square, paired t-test, independent samples t-test and ANCOVA. Results: At the end of study, CoQ10 supplementation caused a significant reduction in weight, body mass index and hip circumference (p = 0.01, p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively) compared with placebo group. In addition, changes in proportion of fat mass and fat free mass in the supplemented women were significantly different from those in the placebo group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). CoQ10 supplementation resulted in significant decreases in serum levels of TNF-α (p = 0.009), hs-CRP (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.007), VCAM-1(p = 0.002) and E-selectin (p=0.006) compared with placebo. We did not observe any significant changes in serum ICAM-1. Conclusion: Overall, CoQ10 supplementation for 8 weeks among overweight and obese women with PCOS has beneficial effects on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction factors.