Coenzyme Q₁₀ Supplementation Improves Adipokine Levels and Alleviates Inflammation and Lipid Peroxidation in Conditions of Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

• Main Authors: Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla, Patrick Orlando, Sonia Silvestri, Fabio Marcheggiani, Ilenia Cirilli, Tawanda M. Nyambuya, Vuyolwethu Mxinwa, Kabelo Mokgalaboni, Bongani B. Nkambule, Rabia Johnson, Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje, Christo J. F. Muller, Johan Louw, Luca Tiano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: coenzyme Q₁₀; ubiquinone; metabolic syndrome; metabolic complications; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; hypertension
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/9/3247
• ISSN: 1661-6596; 1422-0067

Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) can regulate adipokine levels to impact inflammation and oxidative stress in conditions of metabolic syndrome. Here, prominent electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for eligible RCTs reporting on any correlation between adipokine levels and modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress in individuals with metabolic syndrome taking CoQ₁₀. The risk of bias was assessed using the modified Black and Downs checklist, while the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results from the current meta-analysis, involving 318 participants, showed that CoQ₁₀ supplementation in individuals with metabolic syndrome increased adiponectin levels when compared to those on placebo (SMD: 1.44 [95% CI: −0.13, 3.00]; <i>I</i>² = 96%, <i>p</i> < 0.00001). Moreover, CoQ₁₀ supplementation significantly lowered inflammation markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome in comparison to those on placebo (SMD: −0.31 [95% CI: −0.54, −0.08]; <i>I</i>² = 51%, <i>p</i> = 0.07). Such benefits with CoQ₁₀ supplementation were related to its ameliorative effects on lipid peroxidation by reducing malondialdehyde levels, concomitant to improving glucose control and liver function. The overall findings suggest that optimal regulation of adipokine function is crucial for the beneficial effects of CoQ₁₀ in improving metabolic health.