Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels and Oxidative Status in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10] levels and symptoms of fatigue associated with fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS]. Methods: Patients diagnosed with primary FMS and domographically matching healthy normal controls [HNCs] were sought to participate in the study. The total antioxidant status, total oxidative status, and CoQ10 levels were measured in blood samples from the patients and the controls. Results: A total of 40 patients with FMS and 30 HNCs were recruited. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in regard to C-reactive protein, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean age, and mean body mass index [p > 0.05]. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis for the FMS patients was 2.88 years, and the average number of tender points was 14. The serum CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in the FMS patients compared with the HNC group [p = 0.000]. The serum total oxidative status and oxidative stress index levels were higher, and the serum total antioxidant status levels were lower in the FMS patients compared with those of the HNC group [p < 0.05]. The visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores and the VAS fatigue scores were significantly higher in the FMS group than in the HNC group [p = 0.000]. The serum CoQ10 levels were negatively correlated with the mean Modified Fatigue Impact Scale scores [p = 0.02, r = 0.30], VAS pain scores [p = 0.00, r = 0.38], and VAS fatigue scores [p = 0.03, r = 0.28]. Conclusions: The CoQ10 deficiency may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of FMS fatigue.