Measuring Coenzyme Q and C-Reactive Protein May Help Monitor Status of Patients with Cardiomyopathy
The concentration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a key intermediate of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and is responsible for the body’s production of energy in every cell containing a mitochondria. C-reactive protein is a plasma protein, an acute phase protein produced by the liver and fat cells. It rises dramatically during inflammatory conditions and is used as marker not only for inflammation but heart disease as well. Unfortunately, C - reactive protein is not a good specific marker for heart disease risk.
Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a common illness associated with high mortality and a poor quality of life. It is a serious disease where the heart muscle becomes inflamed and doesn’t work as well. Symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, fainting and angina. Some people may have arrhythmias and heart murmur.
In patients presenting with congestive heart failure nearly one-quarter have idiopathic dilated Cardiomyopathy. Although a number of causes have been hypothesized (drugs, toxins, infections, etc) for most, a cause cannot be identified. One question here is which patients should be treated with anti-inflammatory agents to provide additional clinical benefit. That is where good clinical markers come in.
There is extensive evidence that C-reactive protein may be used with coenzyme Q to be used as specific markers of oxidative stress, vascular inflammation and dilated CMP. These markers together are better used to monitor the status of CMP patients.
In a study involving 28 patientswith chronic stable heart disease, significantly decreased levels of plasma coenzyme Q10, total albumin and significantly increased levels of C - reactive protein were found in CMP patients as compared to controls. The authors stated that in this study evidence of decreased antioxidant status was determined by using the coexisting tests of both C - reactive protein and Coenzyme Q as markers in monitoring the status of the treatment of CMP patients.
More research on a larger cohort of subjects is needed over a longer period of time.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
