Co-Q10 May Offset Risk of Diabetes with Statin Use

Relative intensity of GLUT4 protein was decreased by 36% in simvastatin-treated adipocytes….

A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University suggests that treatment with coenzyme Q10 may offset the higher risk for developing diabetes in statin users.

Previous studies have shown that lipophilic statins, such as simvastatin, reduce the GLUT4 protein levels in adipocytes, whereas hydrophilic statins (pravastatin) do not. GLUT4 plays an important role in controlling blood glucose. Reductions in the expression of GLUT4 can contribute to insulin resistance and consequently the onset of type 2 diabetes. In addition, previous studies have noted a reduction in CoQ10 levels when patients are using statins.

In the present study, Shobana Ganesan, and colleagues studied the effects of simvastatin, pravastatin, and ezetimibe on GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes that were differentiated using a hormonal cocktail for 3 days. Cells were incubated as Control +CoQ10, Simvastatin + CoQ10, Ezetimibe + CoQ10, Pravastatin + CoQ10, and Simvastatin + Ezetimibe + CoQ10.

• A significant decrease in relative intensity of GLUT4 protein by approximately 36% was observed when adipocytes were treated with simvastatin.
• Pravastatin and ezetimibe did not statistically alter the relative intensity of GLUT4 protein.
• Ezetimibe + Simvastatin significantly reduced the relative intensity of GLUT4 protein.

Despite the need for additional research on CoQ10, the researchers believe these findings are a good first step toward finding a preventative strategy for statin-induced diabetes.

Ganesan S. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2013;doi:10.1089/met.2012.0177.