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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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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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