What is CoQ10?Heart Energy Engine and More.

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Effects of Statin Drugs on CoQ10(Co Q 10).

Coenzyme Q10 CAS 303-98-0 photo picture image Cholesterol biosynthesis is a complex metabolic process. At least 26 steps are involved in its production, and it shares a common pathway with CoQ10 synthesis. It is produced from acetyl-CoA, just like the isoprenoid side chain of CoQ10. Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) is one of the next substrates down the synthesis chain, requiring the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase to form the mevalonate compound.

 In the United States, millions of Americans are taking cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs known as statins (Pravachol?,Zocor?,Lipitor?,etc.). Statins are a class of pharmaceuticals that are used to lower cholesterol levels,primarily LDL cholesterol. They are sometimes referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors,because they block this key enzyme, which is responsible for the body's production of cholesterol. Essentially, it inhibits the endogenous production of cholesterol.

 Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by statin drugs at the mevalonate level will inevitably decrease the levels of both cholesterol and CoQ10. The cholesterol-lowering medications interfere with the body's ability to produce CoQ10, because these drugs also block the manufacture of other substances necessary for body functions including CoQ10. Ironically, the drugs are taken to lower cholesterol, but at the same time CoQ10, which protects the heart, is produced on a much smaller scale. People taking statin drugs can develop CoQ10 deficiencies and may require supplementation. Several studies revealed a possible dose-related and significant decrease in CoQ10 serum levels as a result of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor treatment (e.g., simvastatin, pravastatin, lovastatin) alone. In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial hypercholesterolemic patients received either lovastatin or pravastatin over a period of 18 weeks. At the end of the study period, the total serum level of CoQ10 declined by about 25 percent in the lovastatin and pravastatin groups.

 Supplementing with CoQ10 is necessary to prevent its depletion in the body while on these drugs. Furthermore, the LDL cholesterol that is limited by statin drugs is one of the primary transport compounds for CoQ10 in humans. Clearly, statins deliver a double-threat to CoQ10 status through their limitation of production and transport of this important cofactor.

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citations1.What is CoQ10?Heart Energy Engine and More.

last edit date:13th,May.2009.