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Coenzyme Q10 and Statin Myalgia: What is the Evidence?

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Abstract

Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. However, severe adverse events, including myalgias and rhabdomyolysis, have been reported with statin treatment. Different mechanisms have been proposed to explain statin-induced myopathy, including reduction of mevalonate pathway products, induction of apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. A decrease in coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), a product of the mevalonate pathway, could contribute to statin induced myopathy. This article reviews the clinical and biochemical features of statin-induced myopathy, the inter-relationship between statins and the concentration of CoQ in plasma and tissues, and whether there is a role for supplementation with CoQ to attenuate statin-induced myopathy.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Mas is supported by a University Western Australia Medical Research Fellowship (Wyn Spence Fellowship) and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Professor Mori is supported by a fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Royal Perth Hospital Unit, University of Western Australia, Medical Research Foundation Building Level 4, Rear 50, Murray Street, Perth, WA, 6847, Australia

    Emilie Mas & Trevor A. Mori

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  1. Emilie Mas
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Correspondence to Emilie Mas.

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Mas, E., Mori, T.A. Coenzyme Q10 and Statin Myalgia: What is the Evidence?. Curr Atheroscler Rep 12, 407–413 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-010-0134-3

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