Only transient increase of serum CoQ subset 10 during long-term CoQ10 therapy in mitochondrial ophthalmoplegia.

BACKGROUND

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is frequently administered in mitochondrial diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction and CoQ10 treatment was also proposed in neurodegenerative disorders as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsons disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with mitochondrial CPEO were treated with CoQ10 (dosage: 0.60 1.80 mg/kg body wt) in an open trial. Serum levels of CoQ10 were monitored before and after 6-9 and 12-15 months of CoQ10 therapy. CoQ10 concentration in muscle was measured in all patients before treatment.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment CoQ10 concentration in muscle was normal in all patients. Eight patients completed the study after 12-15 months. Prior to treatment there was no correlation between CoQ10 in muscle and serum. There was no inverse correlation of serum lactate with CoQ10 in muscle before and in serum before and during therapy. CoQ10 serum level and body weight related CoQ10 dosage correlated significantly after 6-9 months but not after 12-15 months (p = 0.043 and n. s., respectively). During continued administration of CoQ10 the CoQ10 serum level was increased 2.76 +/- 1.00-fold after 6-9 months (range: 1.04-3.80). but returned to 1.70 +/- 0.98-fold after 12-15 months (range: 0.91-3.83). Serum lactate did not significantly change during treatment. There was no effect of CoQ10 treatment on signs and symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The only transient increase of CoQ10 in serum has to be considered in any low dose long-term treatment with CoQ10.