Efficacy of CoenzymeQ10 in inhibiting monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in rats

Gout is a type of arthritis, which could result from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints. It can cause redness, burning pain, inflammation of joints especially in big toe. In this study, we have looked for anti-arthritic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation in rats and compared it with that of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. The evaluation was done by measuring the paw volume, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, lysosomal enzymes (β-glcuronidase, β-galactosidase, N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, acid phosphatase) activities and histopathological studies. Paw volume, the levels of lysosomal enzymes, lipid peroxidation were significantly (P<0.05) increased and the antioxidant activity status was in turn decreased in monosodium urate crystal-induced rats. CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/b.w. orally) treated monosodium urate crystal-induced rats showed near normal activities of lysosomal enzymes, reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, near normal paw volume and antioxidant status. CoQ10 was also able to minimize mononuclear cell infiltration and damage to articular cartilage. Current study indicates that CoQ10 possesses anti-inflammatory effect against gouty arthritis and can be used to treat acute form of gouty arthritis.