Plasma coenzyme Q10 is increased during gestational diabetes

ObjectivesTo determine plasma CoQ10 concentration in the course of gestational diabetes mellitus.Study designThe assessment was provided longitudinally during the third trimester of pregnancy in 40 women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 40 normal controls. CoQ10 was measured with the HPLC method. CoQ10 results were also normalized to plasma cholesterol concentration (nmoles/mmoles). Plasma samples were collected longitudinally throughout the third trimester.ResultsNo statistically significant difference of plasma CoQ10/cholesterol levels between GDM patients and controls at 28–32 and 32–36 weeks of gestation, this difference was significant in late pregnancy (36–40 weeks), similarly, in the same gestational period, there was an increased level of HOMA-IR as index of insulin resistance ORAC as index of oxidative stress.ConclusionsSince coenzyme Q10 is believed to be an important cellular antioxidant defence, higher levels of CoQ10 in GDM patients may be a compensatory mechanism, in response to an activated oxidative stress, probably associated to hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance.