Abstract
The use of the transdermal contraceptive patch is associated with greater bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol (EE) compared with contraceptive vaginal ring or oral contraceptives (OC). We compared the influences of three contraceptive methods (OC, vaginal ring, and transdermal patch) on serum levels of coenzyme Q10, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and total antioxidant capacity in premenopausal women. Blood samples from 30 premenopausal women who used hormonal contraception for at least 4 months were collected. Forty subjects who did not use any contraception were studied as control. Serum levels of coenzyme Q10, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Serum samples were also assayed for total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). Serum levels of coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol were found to be significantly lower (P < .05) in all three contraceptive users compared with controls. Contraceptive patch users had the lowest levels of coenzyme Q10 levels compared with normal subjects. Serum TAOC levels were significantly lower (P < .05) among the contraceptive user groups. Alterations in coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol induced by hormonal contraception and the potential effect(s) of exogenous ovarian hormones should be taken into consideration in future antioxidant research.
Highlights
Free radicals and related species have attracted a great deal of attention in scientific research
The lipid-soluble antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and α-tocopherol act as free radical scavengers and may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) caused by oxidative stress [4, 5]
The lowest total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) level was observed in the transdermal patch group and was found to be statistically significant compared with pill users (P < .05). This is the first report examining the effects of exogenous ovarian hormones on serum levels of CoQ10 and vitamin E in healthy premenopausal women
Summary
Free radicals and related species have attracted a great deal of attention in scientific research. The lipid-soluble antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and α-tocopherol act as free radical scavengers and may decrease the risk of CVD caused by oxidative stress [4, 5]. Little research has been focused on the effect of hormonal contraceptives on lipid-soluble antioxidants. We compared the influences of three different hormonal contraceptive methods (OC, the vaginal ring, and the transdermal patch) on serum levels of CoQ10, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and TAOC in premenopausal women. Such a three-way comparison of hormonal contraception could provide an insight into the effect of different contraceptive formulations on lipid-soluble antioxidant levels
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