Objective: 

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on exercise performance and oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in patients with end stage renal failure.

Methods: 

Twenty-eight patients with end stage renal failure were participated in the study. At the beginning of the study, the participants performed a 6-min walk test (6MWT) and submaximal exercise test with 24 hours interval. Before, immediately after and 30 min after the submaximal exercise test blood samples were taken. After completing the tests, CoQ10 (200 mg/day) were given orally to 14 patients and placebo to 14 patients for 12 weeks and tests and measurements were repeated. After 4 weeks of wash-out period, placebo was given to the subjects who used CoQ10 first time and vice versa. At the end of the study, all measurements were repeated.

Results: 

While CoQ10 supplementation caused to increase blood CoQ10 concentrations, it did not affect 6MWT and maximal oxygen consumption. Before and after exercise, there were no difference between the groups in MDA, oxidized LDL and uric acid levels and SOD and GPx activities. While MDA levels increased immediately after the exercise, it was decreased 30 min after the exercise. Although, SOD activities and uric acid levels increased after exercise, there were no changes in oxidized LDL levels and GPx activities.

Conclusions: 

CoQ10 supplementation does not affect 6MWT and submaximal exercise performance and exercise-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in patients with end stage renal failure.