The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Publication with Expression of Concern)

BackgroundData on the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on metabolic profiles among subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. ObjectiveThis study was carried out to evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in subjects with PCOS. Design, patients and measurementsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups to intake either 100 mg CoQ10 supplements (N = 30) or placebo (N = 30) per day for 12 weeks. Markers of insulin metabolism and lipid profiles were assessed at first and 12 weeks after the intervention. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the placebo, subjects who received CoQ10 supplements had significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (-024 051 vs +001 +/- 044 mmol/l, P = 004), serum insulin concentrations (-78 +/- 144 vs +60 +/- 150 pmol/l, P < 0001), the homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-03 +/- 06 vs +02 +/- 06, P = 0001), the homeostasis model of assessment-estimated B-cell function (-54 +/- 95 vs +45 +/- 99, P < 0001) and increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0006 +/- 0009 vs -0006 +/- 001, P < 0001). In addition, changes in serum total- (-010 +/- 048 vs +019 +/- 050 mmol/l, P = 002) and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (-015 +/- 040 vs +014 +/- 049 mmol/l, P = 001) in supplemented women were significantly different from those of women in the placebo group. When we adjusted the analysis for baseline values of biochemical parameters, age and baseline BMI, serum LDL-cholesterol (P = 005) became nonsignificant, and other findings did not alter. ConclusionsOverall, CoQ10 supplementation for 12 weeks among subjects with PCOS had beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, serum total- and LDL-cholesterol levels.