Abstract
Purpose: Antioxidant vitamin and coenzyme Q10 deficiency as well as oxidative damage have been observed in patients with chronic renal failure. In this study, we examine whether treatment with coenzyme Q10 can improve renal function in chronic renal failure. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Subjects ( n = 21) with available records of chronic renal failure on dialysis or not on dialysis (serum creatinine 5 mg dl -1 or above) were randomly divided into intervention ( n = 11) and control ( n = 10) groups by blindly selecting a card. The intervention group was administered coenzyme Q10 (60 mg thrice daily) and the placebo group inert fibre (cellulose, 1 g thrice daily) for a period of 4 weeks. Results: The coenzyme Q10 group showed a significant reduction in serum creatinine, blood urea and a significant increase in creatinine clearance and urine output compared to the placebo group after the 4-week trial period, while the baseline values of these parameters were comparable between the two groups. The frequency of dialysis and the proportion of subjects on dialysis were comparable at baseline. However, after 4 weeks, the subjects on dialysis were significantly fewer in the coenzyme Q10 group than the placebo group (36.2% vs. 90.0% , p < 0.02). Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins A, E and C and beta-carotene showed a significant increase whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, diene conjugates and malondialdehyde showed a significant reduction in the coenzyme Q10 group compared to the control group. Conclusions: Treatment with coenzyme Q10 improves renal function in patients with chronic renal failure and decreases the need for dialysis in patients on chronic dialysis. Long-term follow-up in a large number of patients would be necessary to confirm these results.