Biochemical rationale and myocardial tissue data on the effective therapy of cardiomyopathy with coenzyme Q10.

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Abstract
The tissue levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in endomyocardial biopsy samples and blood from 43 patients with cardiomyopathy were determined by steps of extraction, purification, and HPLC [high performance liquid chromatography]. The biopsy samples were obtained from the patients after a routine heart catheterization. Six patients were of class I, 18 of class II, 11 of class III and 8 of class IV (classified according to guidelines of the New York [USA] Heart Association). True control biopsies of healthy hearts are not available for ethical reasons, but the data of the 4 classes by severity of disease may be justifiably compared. Patients of class IV had lower (P < 0.01) levels of CoQ10 than those of class I. Patients of classes III and IV had a lower (P < 0.001) level than those of classes I and II. Biopsy samples were obtained from 5 patients after treatment with CoQ10 for 2-8 mo. The increases of CoQ10 levels ranged from 20-85%; the mean value was higher (P < 0.02) than before treatment. Blood deficiencies also increase with severity of disease, but not as markedly as for the biopsies. These data reveal a myocardial deficiency of CoQ10, which is higher with increasing severity of disease and is reduced by therapy. This biochemistry correlates with the effective treatment of cardiomyopathy with CoQ10.