Benefit of mountain spa rehabilitation and ubiquinol treatment in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome

Abstract

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with infl ammation, decrease in antioxidants and oxidative damage. We aimed to investigate whether ubiquinol, reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ), with mountain spa rehabilitation (MR) will contribute to recovering of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS: The study included 36 patients on MR lasting 16-18 days. Twenty-two patients were supplemented with ubiquinol 2x100 mg/day (MRQ), 14 underwent MR without supplementation. The control group consisted of 15 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of total CoQ 10 (ubiquinone + ubiquinol) , α-and γ-tocopherol were determined in platelets (PLT), in blood and plasma, also β-carotene was determined. Plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was used as the oxidative stress marker. Clinical symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire. RESULTS: MRQ group showed a signifi cant increase in CoQ 10 , namely in PLT by 68 %, in blood by 194 %, and in plasma by 232 %. In MR group, CoQ 10 stayed unchanged. In both groups, the initially increased concentrations of tocopherols in PLT returned nearly to the control values. β-carotene levels decreased in both groups while TBARS decreased slightly in the MRQ group. More clinical symptoms disappeared in the MRQ group. CONCLUSION: Accelerated recovery of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome was proven after mountain spa rehabilitation and ubiquinol supplementation. Increased systemic and cellular CoQ 10 concentration alleviated clinical symptoms and improved antioxidant protection of the patients. We draw attention to the importance of monitoring and ensuring adequate levels of CoQ 10 in post-COVID-19 syndrome (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 44).

Aging and long COVID-19 syndrome: what’s new in 2023?

“…25 While the world awaits more data and a possible model for reducing or preventing long COVID complications, a role for antioxidants such as melatonin, 24,26 plus supplements 27 such as Co enzyme Q delivery and/or spa therapy has been put forth. 28,29 However, clearly extensive individualized assessments and an ensuing array of treatment options based on the patient's personal profile appears imperative to avert what has been termed a pervasive and possible future case of widespread 'medical devastation'. 30,31 Specific attention to the possible important role of blood clotting pathologies, oxidative stress, endothelial damage, 27 persistent autoimmune symptoms and indications, 32 and possible nutrient deficiencies [33][34][35][36] and weighting their importance is key to mitigating one or more of these possible determinants that may be fostering some degree of post acute COVID-19 fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness, as well as persistent inflammation.…”

Effect of Vaccination on Platelet Mitochondrial Bioenergy Function of Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19

“…Complex I-linked ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration associated with ATP production was reduced in platelets of post-COVID-19 patients to 63.6%, and significantly ( p = 0.034), mitochondrial respiration after cytochrome c addition was significantly decreased to 69.0% ( p = 0.026) in comparison with the control group. The deficit in CI-linked OXPHOS in unvaccinated patients with PAC19 can induce reverse electron transfer from CoQ 10 to Complex I [ 60 , 61 ].…”

“…A deficit of endogenous CoQ 10 biosynthesis is one of the main causes of muscle weakness and fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, and reduced mitochondrial function can contribute to COVID-19 progression [ 12 , 16 ]. In unvaccinated patients 4–7 weeks after PAC19 and in patients 3–6 months after post-COVID-19 syndrome, reduced endogenous CoQ 10 levels in whole blood, plasma, and platelets were found [ 13 , 61 ]. SARS-CoV-2 virus reduced endogenous CoQ 10 antioxidant levels in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients with post-acute COVID-19 in platelets, blood, and plasma ( Figure 3 ).…”