Effect of Q10 supplementation on exercise-induced response of leukocytes, hepatic damage and anti-inflammatory indicators in male runners

Background: Occurrence of cellular damage in various tissues of the body and inflammatory response is evident during intense sporting competitions, such as half-endurance running racing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determining the effect of acute and 14-day Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, muscle and hepatic damage indicators response in elite male runners.

Methods: In quasi-experimental study, eighteen elite male middle-distance runners (aged 20.45±2.48 years, and body fat 7.4 ±1.63 % and VO2max 60.85 ± 3.96) in a randomized and double-blind design were allocated in two equal groups: supplement group (n=9, Coenzyme Q10: 5 mg/kg/day) and placebo group (n=9, Dextrose: 5 mg/kg/day). Before and after supplementation acute and 14-day period, all subjects were participated in a training like running a competitive 3000 meters. Leukocyte count, serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration were analyzed before and after two like competitive running 3000 meters and supplementation protocols. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni and independent t test, with a <0.05 significance level.

Results: The short-term coenzyme Q10 supplementation attenuated the exercise-induced increase in response of ALT and AST and Leukocyte count (p<0.05). However, acute supplementation had no significant effect on any of the parameters. Also, short-term supplementation had no significant effect on baseline and exercise-induced response of IL-10.

Conclusion: Based on the results, Short-term supplementation of coenzyme Q10 may reduce markers of liver damage and muscle response to competitive and exhaustive exercise.