Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases and DAS-28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and clinical parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 54 RA patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria (18-56years, diagnosed at least 6months ago, with DAS-28 > 3.2) were randomly assigned into two groups to receive 100mg/day CoQ10 (n = 27) or placebo (n = 27) for 2months. Serum MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels and clinical status using disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28) were assessed before and after supplementation. Data were analyzed using χ2, independent sample t test, paired t test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and analysis of covariance. A significant reduction was observed in both CoQ10 and placebo groups in the medians of serum MMP-1 (0.2 to 0.16, P < 0.001), (0.18 to 0.15, P = 0.001); swollen joint count (2 to 0, P < 0.001), (2 to 0, P = 0.009); and the means of DAS-28 (5.01 ± 1.21 to 2.34 ± 0.68, P < 0.001), (4.88 ± 0.96 to 4.04 ± 1.36, P = 0.009) respectively. Serum MMP-3 level increased significantly in placebo group (2.26 to 2.57, P = 0.020), and the MMP-3 changes between groups were significant (P = 0.027). Furthermore, significant reductions were only observed in ESR, pain score, and tender joint count in CoQ10 group compared with baseline (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Significant differences were observed between two groups in DAS-28, pain score, and swollen and tender joint count after the intervention (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). It seems that CoQ10 may provide a new complementary approach for RA patients.Key Points• CoQ10 supplementation in RA patients attenuated serum MMP-3 level.• CoQ10 supplementation in RA patients improved clinical outcomes and ameliorated disease severity.• CoQ10 may provide a new complementary approach for patients with RA.