Levels of coenzyme Q10 in asthmatics.
BACKGROUND
The contribution of free oxygen radicals in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is generally accepted. The modulation of antioxidative defence by supplementation with antioxidants represents additive approach in complex management of the disease. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and malondialdehyde (end-stage parameter of lipid peroxidation) in asthmatics (As).


METHODS
Fifty six As (15 males and 41 females) aged from 19 to 72 yrs (mean age 46 yrs) were enrolled into the study. The control group comprised of 25 healthy volunteers (16 males, 9 females) aged 25-50 years.


RESULTS
Concentrations of CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol, decresed significantly both in plasma and whole blood, compared with healthy volunteers (p < 0.009, p < 0.004; p < 0.035, p < 0.001, respectively). The level of MDA was elevated, but not statisticaly significantly. No changes were seen in beta-carotene levels. Positive correlation was found between concentrations of CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest possible contribution of suboptimal concentrations of CoQ10 on antioxidative dysbalance in As and provide rationale for its supplementation with clinical evaluation. (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 39.).
Gazdik
F
F
Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia. gazdik@upkm.sk
Gvozdjakova
A
A
Horvathova
M
M
Weissova
S
S
Kucharska
J
J
Pijak
M R
MR
Gazdikova
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000097:blood*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood
D000975:Antioxidants; D019207:beta Carotene; D014451:Ubiquinone; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol