Coenzyme Q10 Concentrations in the Plasma of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia "Coenzyme Q10 concentration in the plasma of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia before and during induction treatment," Niklowitz P, Wiesel T, et al, Biofactors, 2007; 29(2-3): 83-89. (Address: Vestische Kinderklinik Datteln, University Witten-Herdecke, Datteln, Germany). Summary: In a study involving 27 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), dramatically increased levels of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels were found while the children were undergoing induction chemotherapy. The authors point out that coenzyme Q10 is used by the body as an endogenous antioxidant that defends the body against free radicals. Furthermore, it plays an essential role in the mitochondrial production of energy. In this study, authors set out to determine what changes take place in plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations and its redox status in children with ALL prior to induction chemotherapy treatment, during induction treatment, and after induction treatment. At the time of diagnosis, plasma coenzyme Q10 levels were within the normal range (0.99 pmol/mul). During induction chemotherapy, levels increased to 2.19 pmol/mul (on day 33). A shift in the redox status of coenzyme Q10, favoring the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, accompanied the increase in plasma coenzyme Q10 levels. The authors conclude that, "The increase in CoQ10 concentration during induction treatment may be attributed to the activation of a natural antioxidant defense mechanism, endocrine influence on CoQ10 synthesis from steroid treatment, or a shift in CoQ10 from the damaged cells to the plasma after cell lysis." The results of this study suggest that coenzyme Q10 may hold potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of children with ALL. Vitasearch Comment: This study further clarifies the important role which coenzyme Q10 plays as an antioxidant in response to free radical producing stimuli. Further research is required to show if CoQ10 supplementation could be of benefit to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.