Coenzyme Q10 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a common debilitating illness, associated with a high mortality and poor quality of life. There is extensive evidence from in vitro and animal experiments that CMP is a state of increased oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are important markers to evaluate the oxidative stress and inflammatory status of patients with CMP.

METHODS: A total of 28 patients with chronic stable heart failure (21 men and 7 women, ages 18-76 years) were included in the study. Causes of heart failure were ischemic CMP in 17 patients and idiopathic dilated CMP in 11 patients. A total of 28 patients (12 men and 16 women; ages 30-71 years) with normal coronary angiography were enrolled as a control group. Levels of CoQ10, albumin, total thiol groups (T-SH), bilirubin, uric acid as plasma antioxidants, hs-CRP as an inflammation marker and lipid profile were studied in patients and controls.

RESULTS: Plasma CoQ10, T-SH and albumin levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to controls. Uric acid, bilirubin and hs-CRP levels were found to be significantly increased compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, evidence of decreased antioxidant status was determined in CMP patients together with vascular inflammation. CoQ10, other plasma antioxidants and hs-CRP measured routinely can reflect decreased antioxidant status and inflammatory process in patients with dilated CMP. These markers can be used to monitor the status of patients with CMP.