Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Thomas Menke, Vestische
Kinderklinik, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str. 5,
D-45711 Datteln, Germany. Tel.: +49 2363 9750; Fax: +49 2363 64211; E-mail:
th.menke@t-online.de
Abstract: Introduction: Increased attention has been paid to the role of
lipophilic antioxidants in childhood nutrition and diseases during recent
years. The lipophilic antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is known as an effective
inhibitor of oxidative damage. In contrast to other lipophilic antioxidants
like α-tocopherol the plasma concentrations of CoQ10 in childhood are
poorly researched. The aim of this study was to determine plasma level and
redox status (oxidized form in total CoQ10 in %) of CoQ10 in clinically
healthy infants, preschoolers and school-aged children. Methods: Plasma level and redox status of CoQ10 were measured by
HPLC in 199 clinically healthy children, three groups of infants [1st–4th
month (n = 35), 5th–8th month (n = 25), 9th–12th month (n = 25) ],
preschoolers (n = 60) and school-aged children (n = 54). The CoQ10 plasma
levels were related to plasma cholesterol concentrations. The median and the
5th and 95th percentile were calculated. Results: Plasma levels and redox status of CoQ10 in infants were
significantly higher than in preschoolers and school-aged children. The CoQ10
redox status in the 1st–4th month was significantly increased when compared to
the remaining subgroups of infants. In elder children the CoQ10 redox status
stabilized. Conclusion: This is the first study concerning age–related values
of plasma level and redox status of CoQ10 in apparently healthy children.
Decreased CoQ10 values could be involved in various pathological conditions
affecting childhood. Therefore, the application of age-adjusted reference
values may provide more specific criteria to define threshold values for CoQ10
deficiency in plasma.
Keywords: childhood, Coenzyme Q10, plasma level, redox status
Journal: BioFactors, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 173-181, 2004
