Hormonal and Metabolic Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Vitamin E in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. The hormonal and metabolic effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and/or vitamin E in patients with PCOS have not been studied, to our knowledge. Objective To evaluate the effects of CoQ10 and/or vitamin E on glucose homeostasis parameters and reproductive hormones in women with PCOS. Design, Setting, Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial among 86 women with PCOS. Intervention CoQ10 or vitamin E or combination for 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Glucose homeostasis parameters and sex hormone concentrations. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, supplementation with CoQ10 alone or in combination with vitamin E, compared with placebo, had significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS); vitamin E's effect on FBS was not significant. A significant reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was observed in the CoQ10 and combined groups. CoQ10, vitamin E, and cosupplementation led to decreased serum total testosterone levels (P < 0.001) compared with those of the placebo group. CoQ10 supplementation in combination with vitamin E significantly improved in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels compared with other groups (P = 0.008). Linear regression analysis revealed that changes in FBS, insulin, and HOMA-IR were predictors of change in free androgen index (P < 0.05). Conclusion CoQ10 with or without vitamin E supplementation among women with PCOS had beneficial effects on serum FBS and insulin levels, as well as HOMA-IR and total testosterone levels. However, only cosupplementation affected SHBG concentrations.