Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Antioxidant Enzyme and Lipid peroxide Activities in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

Oxidative stress has been reported to provide neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous lipid-soluble antioxidant. Up-to-date, no intervention studies have investigated coenzyme Q10 supplementation in MS. The purpose of this study was to investigate oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxide activities in women with MS following administration of coenzyme Q10 (300 mg/day).

This study was designed as a single-blinded, randomized, parallel placebo-controlled study. Women with MS (n=30) were randomly assigned to placebo (n=15) or coenzyme Q10 (300 mg/day) (n=15) group. The intervention was completed within eight weeks. Plasma coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, GPX, TAC) were assessed. Data were analyzed using two independent-samples tests (Mann-Whitney U) (P<0.05).

The antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD) (P = 0.001) and coenzyme Q10 (P = 0.002) significantly increased. However, no significant differences were reported for serum levels of MDA, GPX and TAC between the two groups (P > 0.05) after eight weeks of coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that a dose of 300 mg/d of coenzyme Q10 can improve antioxidant enzyme system with no effects on peroxidation lipid (MDA) and DESS in women with MS.