Issue 99 Item 9 Coenzyme Q10 Improves Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes

CoQ10 supplementation improves endothelial function in dyslipidemic patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study assessed whether dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 improves endothelial function of the brachial artery in patients with Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia.

A total of 40 patients with Type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were randomized to receive 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 or placebo orally for 12 weeks. Endothelium-dependent and independent function of the brachial artery was measured as flow-mediated dilatation and glyceryl-trinitrate-mediated dilatation, respectively. A computerized system was used to quantitate vessel diameter changes before and after intervention. Arterial function was compared with 18 non-diabetic subjects. Oxidative stress and plasma antioxidant status was assessed.

The results showed that diabetic patients had impaired flow-mediated dilation, but preserved glyceryl-trinitrate-mediated dilation, of the brachial artery compared with non-diabetic subjects. Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery increased by 1.6 % with coenzyme Q10 and decreased by -0.4 % with placebo (p = 0.005); there were no group differences in the changes in pre-stimulatory arterial diameter, post-ischemic hyperemia or glyceryl-trinitrate-mediated dilation response.

Coenzyme Q10 treatment resulted in a threefold increase in plasma coenzyme Q10 (p < 0.001) but did not alter plasma F2-isoprostanes, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, lipid concentrations, glycemic control or blood pressure.

In conclusion, Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves endothelial function of conduit arteries of the peripheral circulation in dyslipidemic patients with Type 2 diabetes. The mechanism could involve increased endothelial release and/or activity of nitric oxide due to improvement in vascular oxidative stress. Diabetologia (2002) 45: 420-426