Positive Health Online

Abstract

GAZDIK and co-workers, Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Bratislava, report decreased levels of coenzyme Q10 in patients with bronchial asthma .

Background

It is generally accepted that free radicals play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma . Thus antioxidant supplementation may be a promising adjuvant therapy . The aim of this study was to assess coenzyme Q10, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, malondialdehyde, and eosinophil cationic protein in the blood of asthmatics .

Methodology

56 patients aged 19 – 72 years suffering from allergic asthma were enrolled, as well as 25 healthy volunteers . Vitamin and enzyme activities were measured in blood samples.

Results

CoQ10 was decreased in asthmatics as compared to healthy controls (p = 0.001). alpha-tocopherol was decreased in asthmatics as well if less drastically. No changes were seen in beta-carotene concentrations. Decreased CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol were correlated .

Conclusion

The study finds suboptimal concentrations of CoQ10 in asthmatics and suggests a rationale for its supplementation.

References

Gadzik F, Gvozdjakova A, Nadvornikova R, Repicka L, Jahnova E, Kucharska J, Pijak MR, Gadzikova K, et al. Decreased levels of coenzyme Q(10) in patients with bronchial asthma. Allergy 57 (9): 811-814, Sep 2002.

Comment

Again, an extremely promising clinical result, particularly regarding CoQ10, and, to a lesser extent, vitamin E.