Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Oxidative Stress Markers, Inflammatory Markers, Lymphocyte Subpopulations, and Clinical Status in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Scarce data exist on the effects of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) supplementation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CoQ(10) supplementation on oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase, F2-isoprostanes), markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF soluble receptor II, leucocytes, and their subtypes), lymphocyte subpopulations (T helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, including activated T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes), and echocardiographic and clinical parameters in dogs with MMVD. In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, longitudinal study, 43 MMVD dogs in stages ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine classification) B2 and ACVIM C and D (congestive heart failure (CHF)) received water-soluble coenzyme Q(10) (100 mg twice daily) or placebo for 3 months, and 12 non-supplemented healthy dogs served as controls. All parameters were measured before and after supplementation in MMVD dogs and once in healthy dogs. CoQ(10) supplementation had a positive impact on neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, and lymphocyte concentration in our cohort of dogs with CHF (ACVIM C and D). Conclusion: CoQ(10) as an oral supplement may have benefits in terms of decreasing inflammation in dogs with MMVD and CHF.