Changes of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in early infancy

Abstract

Rapid perfusion of oxygen in infants at birth may increase oxidative stress which has been incriminated in serious diseases including neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity. Elucidating the antioxidant defense systems of neonates in clinical practice is important. Coenzyme Q10 is a widely distributed, redox-active quinoid compound originally discovered as an essential part of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in mammals. Although coenzyme Q10 is a powerful lipid antioxidant in vivo, few data pertain to plasma CoQ10 levels in infants. This is the first paper to report plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in preterm infants. © W.S. Maney & Son Ltd.