Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a key role in the development and progression of microvascular and macrovascular complications in pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutraceutical with a known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential effect of CoQ10 on ED and various metabolic parameters. Methods: This prospective randomized open-label study was conducted on 49 pediatric outpatients aged 8-18 years old with at least 1-year history of T1DM. Seven healthy non-diabetic children who did not receive treatment were included as a healthy-control group. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into either group I (n=25); received 100 mg of CoQ10 in addition to standard insulin treatment or group II (n=24); received standard insulin treatment only. The levels of; soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and quality of life were assessed for both groups at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Results: At baseline, compared to an age-matched healthy-control group sICAM-1 levels were significantly elevated in diabetic patients (P = 0.042). No significant difference was observed in sICAM-1, HbA1c, FBG, lipid profile, serum creatinine, ALT, AST and quality of life between the two study groups after three months of treatment. A positive correlation was found between sICAM-1 and HbA1c throughout the study period (r = 0.308, p = 0.0054).