Reduced Coq10 Levels Associated With Poor Neurologic Outcome And Greater Risk Of Dying Following Cardiac Arrest

Reduced CoQ10 levels associated with poor neurologic outcome and greater risk of dying following cardiac arrest

Tuesday, December 25, 2012. The August, 2012 issue of the journal Resuscitation published the results of a study conducted by researchers at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center which found a reduction in coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) among patients who died while hospitalized subsequent to resuscitation following cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping, affects an estimated 350,000 individuals each year in the United States, resulting in a significant incidence of death and neurologic injury.

The study included 23 post-arrest patients and 16 healthy controls. Blood samples obtained 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation in the cardiac arrest group were analyzed for plasma CoQ10 and markers of inflammation, and compared to values obtained from the control subjects. Neurologic function among cardiac arrest survivors was assessed at hospital discharge.

Coenzyme Q10 values among cardiac arrest patients averaged less than half of those of healthy subjects. Patients who survived had CoQ10 levels that were nearly twice that of those who died during hospitalization. Similar differences were observed when those with good neurologic outcome were compared to those whose neurologic outcome was poor.

"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the plasma levels of CoQ10 in human subjects after cardiac arrest," Michael N. Cocchi and coauthors announce. "The presence of mitochondrial dysfunction in the post-arrest period has been described previously, but the exact components and reasons for dysfunction are not completely known. The possibility that CoQ10 deficiency contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction remains a plausible hypothesis."

"Our finding that CoQ10 is low in the early post-arrest period raises the possibility for a potential therapeutic intervention as CoQ10 can be administered exogenously and carries a very favorable risk profile," they write. "Finding a means by which to mitigate neurologic injury after cardiac arrest is of critical importance, and the current study may provide important information about future directions for investigation."

Serum vitamin D levels inversely related to risk of dying over two year period

Research reported in the August, 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism demonstrated a declining risk of death from all causes in association with increasing serum levels of vitamin D.

The study included 182,152 men and women insured by Israels Clalit Health Services who were 20 years of age or more at the time of blood testing for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Participants were followed for an average of 28.5 months, during which 7,247 deaths occurred.

The researchers observed a rising risk of death in association with declining levels of vitamin D. The association was observed among participants with levels considered insufficient as well as those with deficient levels. Those whose serum vitamin D levels were among the lowest 25 percent of participants at 33.8 nanomoles per liter (nmol/liter) or less had twice the adjusted risk of dying compared with subjects whose levels were highest at over 65.2 nmol/liter. The risk was slightly higher for those with diabetes compared to nondiabetic subjects.

Authors Walid Saliba of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and colleagues remark that, given the short follow-up period, the current study's findings suggest an association of reduced levels of vitamin D with disease outcome rather than on the initiation of new disease. However, they note that it is not clear whether decreased serum vitamin D is a biomarker of poor health or a direct cause of disease and mortality.

"We found vitamin D to be inversely associated with all-cause mortality, with a significant dose-response effect," they conclude. "Subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels less than 50 nmol/liter are particularly at increased risk for mortality. Randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on mortality are warranted to support these findings."

January 2013 Life Extension Magazine® Now Available in Electronic Format

This e-issue of Life Extension Magazine® is extraordinarily easy to use, easy to navigate … with the same flip-the-page feeling you get from your printed copy, plus a few extra advantages. You can choose to search out a topic or keyword. Skim quickly. Skip ahead. Even order products. Now all that convenience is right at your fingertips.

Are you obtaining the proper enzymes? By Jeffrey Stout
The problem with commercial enzyme supplements is they contain amylases that quickly break down starches that contribute to deadly after-meal glucose spikes. Taking the proper digestive enzymes can protect against gastrointestinal distress, while helping defend against blood sugar surges.

What doctors don't know about inflammation, by Logan Bronwell
Over time, aging upsets the inflammatory response balance. Fortunately, scientists have discovered that black cumin seed oil safely modulates the balance of the inflammatory response.

Ceramides nourish skin from within, by Emily Perdue
Researchers have discovered a method to extract ceramides from whole grain wheat. Clinical studies document the ability of these ceramides to nourish aging skin from within and avoid the external signs of aging such as dryness and wrinkles.

CoQ10: The longevity factor, by Lina Buchanan
Laboratory studies demonstrate that CoQ10 can extend life span, suggesting important longevity benefits for humans.

Ellison Medical Foundation Colloquium on Aging, by Ben Best
The Ellison Medical Foundation Colloquium on Aging featured research discoveries on resveratrol, nicotinamide mononucleotide, protein deprivation, and "jumping genes."

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