Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 modifies the expression of proinflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes in elderly men and women.

We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat and supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) modifies expression of genes related with inflammatory response and endoplasmic reticulum stress in elderly persons. Twenty participants received three diets for 4 weeks each: Mediterranean diet + CoQ (Med + CoQ), Mediterranean diet (Med), and saturated fatty acid-rich diet (SFA). After 12-hour fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Med and Med + CoQ diets produced a lower fasting calreticulin, IL-1b, and JNK-1 gene expression; a lower postprandial p65, IKK-b, MMP-9, IL-1b, JNK-1, sXBP-1, and BiP/Grp78 gene expression; and a higher postprandial IkB-a gene expression compared with the SFA diet. Med + CoQ diet produced a lower postprandial decrease p65 and IKK-b gene expression compared with the other diets. Our results support the anti-inflammatory effect of Med diet and that exogenous CoQ supplementation in synergy with a Med diet modulates the inflammatory response and endoplasmic reticulum stress.