Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves cholesterol efflux capacity and antiinflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein in Chinese adults with dyslipidemia.

Objectives: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) had shown promising effects in improving the lipid and glycemic profile in dyslipidemic individuals in our previous work, but little is known about how it affects high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function in patients with dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on HDL function in people with dyslipidemia.

Methods: A 24-wk, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 101 people with dyslipidemia. All patients were randomized into the CoQ10 group (120 mg/d, n = 51) or the placebo group (n = 50). High-density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), HDL inflammatory index (HII), and HDL intrinsic oxidation were measured at baseline, 12 wk, and 24 wk.

Results: CoQ10 supplementation for 24 wk significantly improved HDL-mediated CEC (mean change, 1.21±2.44 versus -0.12±2.94; P = 0.014) and reduced HII (mean change, -0.32±0.58 versus -0.05±0.49, P = 0.014) compared with placebo. However, there was no significant difference in the effect of CoQ10 on HDL intrinsic oxidation between the two groups after 24 wk (P = 0.290). A positive correlation was found between the changes in CEC and HDL cholesterol in the CoQ10 group (r, 0.30; P = 0.032). Furthermore, we also found that the improved HDL functions were more obvious in elderly, female, or non-obese individuals, which indicated a specific population that benefits most from CoQ10 intervention.

Conclusions: This study suggested that supplementation of CoQ10 for 24 wk can significantly improve HDL-mediated CEC and antiinflammatory function of HDL in patients with dyslipidemia.