Reversing disease by reading random postings on a message board. [View all]

[HysteryDiagnosis]

It happens.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21388622
Atherosclerosis. 2011 Jun;216(2):395-401. Epub 2011 Feb 17.
Reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction by coenzyme Q10 supplement improves endothelial function in patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.
Dai YL, Luk TH, Yiu KH, Wang M, Yip PM, Lee SW, Li SW, Tam S, Fong B, Lau CP, Siu CW, Tse HF.
Source

Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
AIMS:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction (MD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ) supplementation, which is an obligatory coenzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory transport chain, can reverse MD and improve endothelial function in patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).
METHODS AND RESULTS:

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effects of CoQ supplement (300 mg/day, n=28) vs. placebo (controls, n=28) for 8 weeks on brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in patients with ischaemic LVSD(left ventricular ejection fraction <45%). Mitochondrial function was determined by plasma lactate/pyruvate ratio (LP ratio). After 8 weeks, CoQ-treated patients had significant increases in plasma CoQ concentration (treatment effect 2.20 &#956;g/mL, P<0.001) and FMD (treatment effect 1.51%, P=0.03); and decrease in LP ratio (treatment effect -2.46, P=0.03) compared with controls. However, CoQ treatment did not alter nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, blood pressure, blood levels of fasting glucose, haemoglobin A1c, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and oxidative stress as determined by serum superoxide dismutase and 8-isoprostane (all P>0.05). Furthermore, the reduction in LP ratio significantly correlated with improvement in FMD (r=-0.29, P=0.047).
CONCLUSION:

In patients with ischaemic LVSD, 8 weeks supplement of CoQ improved mitochondrial function and FMD; and the improvement of FMD correlated with the change in mitochondrial function, suggesting that CoQ improved endothelial function via reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with ischaemic LVSD.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21462215
Coenzyme Q10 terclatrate and creatine in chronic heart failure: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
Fumagalli S, Fattirolli F, Guarducci L, Cellai T, Baldasseroni S, Tarantini F, Di Bari M, Masotti G, Marchionni N.
Source

Department of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy. [e-mail]
Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Studies have suggested that micronutrient deficiency has some role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF).
HYPOTHESIS:

Oral supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) and creatine may reduce mitochondrial dysfunction that contributes to impaired physical performance in CHF.
METHODS:

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of a mixture of water-soluble CoQ(10) (CoQ(10) terclatrate; Q-ter) and creatine on exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life. Exercise tolerance was measured as total work capacity (kg·m) and peak oxygen consumption (VO(2), mL/min/kg), both from a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Health-related quality of life was measured by the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) in CHF secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction &#8804; 35%). After baseline assessment, 67 patients with stable CHF were randomized to receive Q-ter 320 mg + creatine 340 mg (n = 35) or placebo (n = 32) once daily for 8 weeks.
RESULTS:

At multivariate analysis, 8-week peak VO(2) was significantly higher in the active treatment group than in the placebo group (+1.8 ± 0.9 mL/min/kg, 95% CI: 0.1-3.6, P < 0.05). No untoward effects occurred in either group.
CONCLUSIONS:

This study suggests that oral Q-ter and creatine, added to conventional drug therapy, exert some beneficial effect on physical performance in stable systolic CHF. Results may support the design of larger studies aimed at assessing the long-term effects of this treatment on functional status and harder outcomes.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657530
Investigation of Pycnogenol® in combination with coenzymeQ10 in heart failure patients (NYHA II/III).
Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Hosoi M, Ippolito E, Bavera P, Grossi MG.
Source

Irvine3 Labs, Department Biomedical Sciences, Chieti-Pescara University, Pescara, Italy. [e-mail]
Abstract
AIM:

In this study we investigated benefits of a Pycnogenol - coenzyme Q10 combination (PycnoQ10) taken as an adjunct to medical treatment in stable heart failure patients. The aim of this single-blinded, 12-week observational study was to provide functional parameters such as exercise capacity, ejection fraction and distal edema.
METHODS:

The essential element for inclusion was a stable level of heart failure within the past three months and stable NYHA class II or III (6 months). The heart failure management was in accordance with AHA guidelines for "best treatment." The treatment and control groups were comparable at baseline. The mean age of the PycnoQ10-treated patients was 61.3+/-7.1 years and 62.1+/-3.7 in the control group. All patients were taking medication and most patients (>75%) used three or more drugs for heart failure treatment. There were two dropouts in the PycnoQ10 treatment group and 6 in the control group (5 NYHA III patients).
RESULTS:

Nine PycnoQ10 treated patients (out of 32) and 3 (out of 21) taking placebo improved NYHA class. Systolic and diastolic pressure as well as heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly lowered with PycnoQ10 as compared to the control group (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in controls. Heart ejection fraction increased by 22.4% in the treatment group (P<0.05) versus 4.0% in controls. Walking distance on treadmill increased 3.3-fold in PycnoQ10 treated patients (P<0.05) but marginally improved in the control group. Distal edema decreased significantly in PycnoQ10 treated patients and only slightly in controls.
CONCLUSION:

The association of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 may offer an important therapeutic option with a very good tolerability that improves heart failure management without side effects.