CoQ10 May Help Slow Kidney Disease Progression

study PMID: 40356518

CoQ10 May Help Slow Kidney Disease Progression

Quick Summary: Researchers found that taking Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helped slow down the worsening of kidney disease in adults with a specific genetic mutation. This suggests CoQ10 could be a helpful treatment for this type of kidney problem.

What The Research Found

This study looked at people with a rare genetic mutation that can cause a type of kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The researchers found that taking CoQ10 helped to:

Keep kidney function stable: The rate at which the kidneys filtered waste remained about the same over a year.
Reduce protein in the urine: This is a sign of kidney damage, and the study showed a decrease in protein levels.

Study Details

Who was studied: 12 adults (ages 18-45) in China with a confirmed genetic mutation (c.737G>A) in the COQ8B gene and FSGS.
How long: The study lasted for 12 months (one year).
What they took: Participants took 300 mg of CoQ10 daily, divided into three doses, with meals. The CoQ10 used was ubiquinone.

What This Means For You

If you have been diagnosed with FSGS caused by the COQ8B c.737G>A mutation, this research suggests that CoQ10 might help slow down the progression of your kidney disease. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or treatments. They can help you determine if CoQ10 is right for you and monitor your health.

Study Limitations

Small Study Size: The study only included 12 people, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Specific Genetic Mutation: The results apply specifically to people with the COQ8B c.737G>A mutation. It may not apply to other types of kidney disease.
Further Research Needed: More research is needed to understand the long-term effects and optimal dosage of CoQ10 for this condition.

Key Findings

The study found that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation significantly slowed kidney disease progression in adults with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) caused by the c.737G>A (p.Ser246Asn) variant in the COQ8B gene. Key outcomes included stabilization of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and reduced proteinuria, suggesting CoQ10 may mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction linked to this specific mutation.

Study Design

This was a prospective, open-label clinical trial conducted in China. The study included 12 adult patients (ages 18–45) with genetically confirmed COQ8B c.737G>A mutations and biopsy-proven FSGS. Participants were followed for 12 months, with renal function and safety markers assessed at baseline and intervals throughout the trial.

Dosage & Administration

Patients received oral CoQ10 at 300 mg/day (divided into three doses) with meals. The formulation used was ubiquinone, and adherence was monitored via monthly plasma CoQ10 level checks.