2013 Volume 56 Issue 4 Pages 385-389
Objectives: Coenzyme Q10 (also called ubiquinone) is a key component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain for adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Coenzyme Q10 is recognized as an intracellular antioxidant that protects cellular components from free radical-induced oxidative damage. In nearly every tissue of the human body, coenzyme Q10 levels decline with age. Because of coenzyme Q10's ubiquitous role in the body, its decline is believed to play a role in aging and the pathogenesis of many degenerative or chronic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of reduced coenzyme Q10 supplementation on clinical parameters, VSC and salivary antioxidant capacity in patients with periodontitis. Material and methods: This randomized, double blind, placebo controlled parallel study involved 45 adult patients with untreated periodontitis who were randomly assigned to the placebo group (n=25) or the reduced coenzyme Q10-supplemented group (150 mg/d, n=20). Intervention was administered for 12 weeks. Clinical measurements were recorded and saliva was collected for the antioxidant capacity test. Salivary antioxidant capacity was also measured using a chemiluminescence reader based on the Fenton reaction in which antioxidants are trapped by luminol, resulting in light emission. Results: Plaque control was significantly decreased in the coenzyme Q10 group. Salivary antioxidant activity was significantly reduced in the control group at week 8, whereas that in the coenzyme Q10 group was unchanged. VSC was slightly reduced in the coenzyme Q10 group. Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 supplementation could be beneficial for maintaining antioxidant capacity in patients with periodontitis.
