Reduced coenzyme Q10 in female smokers and its association with lipid profile in a young healthy adult population

Abstract

IntroductionCigarette smoking has a negative effect on body reserve of antioxidants and cholesterol metabolism. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a potent antioxidant synthesized as part of the cholesterol pathway, is a potential biomarker for systemic oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate gender variation in plasma lipid profile and CoQ10 concentrations in healthy non-smokers and in smokers.Material and methodsThe study included 55 cigarette smokers (25 females and 30 males) and 51 non-smokers (25 females and 26 males) with the age range from 21 to 45 years, and who had no history of alcohol abuse or chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or obesity. Coenzyme Q10 plasma concentrations were measured by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels were determined by standard colorimetric methods.ResultsOur results showed that CoQ10 concentrations were significantly decreased in smokers, especially in females, than their non-smoker counterparts. Female smokers also exhibited a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C, and atherogenic ratios HDL-C/TC and CoQ10/LDL-C than male counterparts. Plasma triglyceride concentrations were increased in smokers irrespective of gender. Plasma CoQ10 was relatively more associated with TC and LDL-C in female smokers than male smokers.ConclusionsThe adverse effects of smoking on body reserve of antioxidants and cholesterol metabolism are greater in females than in males, partially as a result of decreased CoQ10 plasma concentrations, HDL-C and total-cholesterol and abnormal atherogenicity indices.

Metabolomics reveals effects of maternal smoking on endogenous metabolites from lipid metabolism in cord blood of newborns

“…The differences in these two studies might be due to the different source of samples, first the data set of Wang-Sattler et al was larger especially for the non-smokers (255 not actually smoking people vs 28 actual smokers) and only male participants were included, whereas we analysed solely pregnant women and new-borns. A difference between the metabolism of male and female adult persons in respect to smoking was shown for total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C in a recent study (Al-Bazi et al 2011 ).…”

Effect of long-term maternal smoking on the offspring’s lung health

“…It has been shown that CoQ10 dietary supplementation (1%) in mice with diet-induced obesity can lower liver markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (55). Plasma CoQ10 levels are reduced in smokers (1). However, mitochondrial intake of commercial CoQ10 is very low via oral supplementation; thus, a superphysiological dose was used in the abovementioned study.…”

Smoking habits and coenzyme Q10 status in healthy European adults

“…Al-Bazi et al . [ 18 ] found a significant positive correlation of CoQ10 plasma concentrations with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol only in female smokers.…”

“…In contrast, Al-Bazi et al . [ 18 ] found that CoQ10 concentrations were significantly lower in smokers, especially in females, even when adjusted for LDL cholesterol. Kontush et al .…”

“…While some authors have found a positive association between smoking and the CoQ10 plasma concentration [ 15 , 16 ], others found either no [ 10 ] or a negative association [ 17 ]. Also, some found that CoQ10 levels were significantly decreased in smokers, especially in females, but this gender difference was not evident in non-smokers [ 18 ].…”