Journals: Withdrawal Effect in Myocardium

CoQ10 Long-Term Supplementation

May Result in Withdrawal Effect in Myocardium

Author: Kalenikova, E;   Pp.13.492

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Basic Medicine,

Department of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia

Cardiology Research Center, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

Objective: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is used as cardioprotector. CoQ10 is endogenous substance and long-term administration of exogenous CoQ10 can influence on its tissue biosynthesis. The aim of the study was to examine the possibility of replenishment of coenzymes Q myocardial level by long-term supplementation with solubilized CoQ10 and to estimate myocardial CoQ content after discontinuation of supplementation.

Design and Methods: Male conscious Wistar rats (n = 30) were supplemented with solubilized CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day per os; Kudesan solution, “Akvion”, Russia). Serum and myocardial levels of CoQ9, CoQ10 were measured after 3 weeks (n = 6), 6 weeks (n = 8) of administration and 2 weeks (n = 8), 6 weeks (n = 8) after discontinuation. Tissue samples were collected 3–4 h after the last administration. Age-matched rats served as control. Myocardial levels of CoQ were estimated in supernatants of homogenates. Assay carried out using HPLC with electrochemical detection after liquid extraction with ethanol-hexane mixture. Statistical analysis was performed with two-tailed t-test.

Results: Serum CoQ10 level after 3 and 6 weeks of supplementation was 10 time higher than in control rats. 2 weeks after discontinuation serum CoQ10 level was 3 time higher than in control group and 6 weeks after discontinuation CoQ10 level was not different from control values. CoQ9 serum concentration did not differ between groups. Myocardial content of CoQ10 increased by 40% and 60%, CoQ9 – by 75% and 50% after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, correspondently. Discontinuation of CoQ10 supplementation evoked the fall of CoQ9 (by 50%) and CoQ10 (by 60%) levels below the control values in 2 weeks; recovery to the control levels was detected in 6 weeks.

Conclusion: Results demonstrate CoQ10 withdrawal effect in rat myocardium. These data have to take account of long-term treatment the patients with cardiovascular diseases.