The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Pro-Inflammatory Factors and Adiponectin in Mildly Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract. Introduction: There is considerable evidence that hypertension may increase the levels of cytokines via endothelial stimulation and may stimulate inflammatory reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation on pro-inflammatory factors and adiponectin in mildly hypertensive patients. Methods: This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out during 2012 - 2013 in Yazd. Sixty mildly hypertensive patients were randomly divided into two groups: placebo (PG, n = 30) and coenzyme Q10 (QG, n = 30). The QG was given 1 capsule containing 100 mg Q10 per day. The PG was given 1 capsule of the same size and color as the Q10 capsules, but it contained 100 mg of lactose. Plasma pro-inflammatory factors (IL6, IL2, and TNF-α), adiponectin, and hs-CRP were determined before and after the intervention. Results: The mean enhancement in adiponectin of QG was significantly higher than PG (from 21.1 ± 14.5 to 24.2 ± 15.5 ng/ml, P = 0.04). Significant declines in the median of IL6 (from 23 to 16 pg/ml, P = 0.001) and in the mean of hs-CRP were also observed in QG after intervention (from 3.53 ± 3.36 to 2.62 ± 2.51 mg/L, P = 0.03). In the two groups, no significant statistical changes were seen in the median of TNF-α and IL2. Conclusion: Daily supplementation of 100 mg coenzyme Q10 can be effective in decreasing some pro-inflammatory factors, such as IL6 and hs-CRP, and in increasing adiponectin.