Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Markers of Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#biomarkers #c-reactive-protein #dietary-supplements #electronic-health-records #humans

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Markers of Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhai et al., 2017 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhai Junya, Bo Yacong, ... Zhang Lishi. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Markers of Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12(1):e0170172. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170172

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammation contributes to the onset and development of metabolic diseases. Clinical evidence has suggested that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has some effects on inflammatory markers. However, these results are equivocal. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of CoQ10 on serum levels of inflammatory markers in people with metabolic diseases. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to February 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The outcome parameters were related to inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C reactive protein (CRP). RevMan software was used for meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis, Egger line regression test and Begg rank correlation test were performed by STATA software. RESULTS: Nine trials involving 428 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with control group, CoQ10 supplementation has significantly improved the serum level of CoQ10 by 1.17μg/ml [MD = 1.17, 95% CI (0.47 to 1.87) μg/ml, I2 = 94%]. Meanwhile, it has significantly decreased TNF-α by 0.45 pg/ml [MD = -0.45, 95% CI (-0.67 to -0.24) pg/ml, I2 = 0%]. No significant difference was observed between CoQ10 and placebo with regard to CRP [MD = -0.21, 95% CI (-0.60 to 0.17) mg/L, I2 = 21%] and IL-6 [MD = -0.89, 95% CI (-1.95 to 0.16) pg/ml, I2 = 84%]. CONCLUSIONS: CoQ10 supplementation may partly improve the process of inflammatory state. The effects of CoQ10 on inflammation should be further investigated by conducting larger sample size and well-defined trials of long enough duration.

Key Findings

Nine trials involving 428 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with control group, CoQ10 supplementation has significantly improved the serum level of CoQ10 by 1.17μg/ml [MD = 1.17, 95% CI (0.47 to 1.87) μg/ml, I2 = 94%]. Meanwhile, it has significantly decreased TNF-α by 0.45 pg/ml [MD = -0.45, 95% CI (-0.67 to -0.24) pg/ml, I2 = 0%]. No significant difference was observed between CoQ10 and placebo with regard to CRP [MD = -0.21, 95% CI (-0.60 to 0.17)

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 428
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-6
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Ubiquinone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: coq10

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09