Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increases antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system in which a higher oxidative stress may contribute to its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trail to determine the effect of CoQ10 supplement (500 mg/day, n = 24) versus placebo (controls, n = 24) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after a 12-week intervention to analyze malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] activity. RESULTS: Forty-five subjects with MS completed intervention study. After 12 weeks, CoQ10-treated patients had significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.013); and decrease in MDA levels (P=0.003) compared with controls. Despite the significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on plasma TAC (p = 0.010), no significant differences were found between the two groups. CoQ10 supplementation did not affect GPx activity. CONCLUSION: Present study suggests that CoQ10 supplements at a dose of 500 mg/day can decrease oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.