Oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with migraine: Effects on clinical features and inflammatory markers

Monireh Dahri, Ali Tarighat-Esfanjani, Mohammad Asghari-Jafarabadi, Mazyar Hashemilar

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50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Backgrounds and aims: Migraine and inflammation are correlated. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as an anti-inflammatory agent has shown useful effects in other diseases. The present study aimed to assess the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on inflammation and clinical features of migraine. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 45 non-menopausal women aged 18–50 years, diagnosed for episodic migraine according to the International Headache Society. After one month run-in period, subjects received CoQ10 (400 mg/day CoQ10, n = 23) or placebo (wheat starch, n = 22) for three months. All the patients got prophylactic medication too. Serum CoQ10 concentration, Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: CoQ10 supplementation reduced CGRP and TNF-α significantly (p = 0.011 and p = 0.044, respectively), but there were no significant differences in serum IL-6 and IL-10 between the two groups. Significant increase in serum CoQ10 levels was evident with CoQ10 therapy (P < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in frequency (p = 0.018), severity (p = 0.001) and duration (p = 0.012) of migraine attacks in CoQ10 group compared to placebo. Conclusion: CoQ10 supplementation may decrease CGRP and TNF-α with no favorable effects on IL-6 and IL-10 in patients with migraine.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)607-615
Number of pages9
JournalNutritional Neuroscience
Volume22
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Sept 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CGRP
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Inflammation
  • Migraine
  • Randomized controlled trial

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