Coenzyme Q10 improves the survival, mesenteric perfusion, organs and vessel functions in septic rats

Background Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring, lipid-soluble antioxidant and an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In sepsis, CoQ10 deficiency induced by mitochondrial failure can lead to hypoxia, hypoperfusion, oxidative organ damage and finally death. We aimed to investigate the effects of CoQ10 on survival, mesenteric artery blood flow (MABF), vascular reactivity, oxidative and inflammatory injuries in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis. Methods Wistar rats were divided into Sham, CLP, Sham + CoQ10, CLP + CoQ10 subgroups. CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (olive oil; 1 mL/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected for 15 days. At 16th day, Sham or CLP operation was performed. 20 h after the operations, MABF and phenylephrine responses of isolated aortic rings were measured. Tissue samples were obtained for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. Furthermore, survival rates were monitored throughout 96 h. Results CoQ10 prevented mesenteric hypoperfusion and aortic dysfunction induced by CLP. Survival rate was %0 at 46th h in CLP group, but in CLP + CoQ10 group it was 37.5% at the end of 96 h. CLP-induced elevations of serum AST, ALT, LDH, BUN, Cr and inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6) levels were blocked by CoQ10. CoQ10 restored the increased liver, lung, spleen and kidney malondialdehyde levels and as well as reduced liver and spleen glutathione levels. The protective effects of CoQ10 on multiple organ damage were also observed histopathologically. Conclusions CoQ10 showed protective effects in sepsis due to its preservative effects on mesenteric perfusion, aortic function and also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.