Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of coenzyme Q10 on arterial endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease.BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Methods and resultsThe search included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE to identify studies up to 1 July 2011. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials on the effects of coenzyme Q10 compared with placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Five eligible trials enrolled a total of 194 patients. Meta-analysis using random-effects model showed treatment with coenzyme Q10 significantly improvement in endothelial function assessed peripherally by flow-mediated dilatation (SMD 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00-2.4, p < 0.0001). However, the endothelial function assessed peripherally by nitrate-mediated arterial dilatation was not significantly improved by using fix-effects model (SMD −0.19, 95% CI: −1.75 to 1.38, p = 0.81).ConclusionCoenzyme Q10 supplementation is associated with significant improvement in endothelial function. The current study supports a role for CoQ10 supplementation in patients with endothelial dysfunction.