Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation improves metabolic parameters, liver function and mitochondrial respiration in rats with high doses of atorvastatin and a cholesterol-rich diet

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the actions of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) on rats with a cholesterol-rich diet (HD) and high doses of atorvastatin (ATV, 0.2, 0.56 or 1.42 mg/day). METHODS: Two experiments were done, the first one without coenzyme Q(10) supplementation. On the second experiment all groups received coenzyme Q(10) 0.57 mg/day as supplement. After a 6-week treatment animals were sacrificed, blood and liver were analyzed and liver mitochondria were isolated and its oxygen consumption was evaluated in state 3 (phosphorylating state) and state 4 (resting state) in order to calculate the respiratory control (RC). RESULTS: HD increased serum and hepatic cholesterol levels in rats with or without CoQ(10). ATV reduced these values but CoQ(10) improved even more serum and liver cholesterol. Triacylglycerols (TAG) were also lower in blood and liver of rats with ATV + CoQ(10). HDL-C decreased in HD rats. Treatment with ATV maintained HDL-C levels. However, these values were lower in HD + CoQ(10) compared to control diet (CD) + CoQ(10). RC was lessened in liver mitochondria of HD. The administration of ATV increased RC. All groups supplemented with CoQ(10) showed an increment in RC. In conclusion, the combined administration of ATV and CoQ(10) improved biochemical parameters, liver function and mitochondrial respiration in hypercholesterolemic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a potential beneficial effect of CoQ(10) supplementation in hypercholesterolemic rats that also receive atorvastatin. This beneficial effect of CoQ(10) must be combined with statin treatment in patient with high levels of cholesterol.