Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a compound present naturally in all the living cells of your body. Its main function is to help to produce the energy for the cell by burning or oxidizing food. CoQ10 is gaining importance in the field of complementary and alternative medicine because of the vital role it plays fighting against diseases. The enzyme has come into prominence for its action against leukemia and other types of cancers by killing the cancerous cells and protecting the healthy cells from undergoing cancerous changes. Consult with a health care practitioner before starting any alternative treatments.
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an organic, non-protein molecule which is essential for the proper function of its protein partner. Hence, the term "coenzyme" has been given to it. It is required by the cells for aerobic respiration through which cells derive energy for their growth and functioning. It is also used by the body as an antioxidant to protect against free radicals that can cause cell damage. Coenzyme Q10 is available as a supplement, but you should always confer with your health care practitioner before taking any supplement to ensure it is safe for you.
Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia
Chronic lymphatic leukemia, known as CLL, is a fatal cancer in which the B lymphocytes accumulate inside the body. This is because the ability of the cells to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is damaged. The cells do not die their natural death and keep accumulating. They spread from the bone marrow to the blood and can even affect the liver and the spleen. Chronic lymphatic leukemia ultimately results in bone marrow failure.
Role of CoQ10 in Leukemia
In a study published in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America," it was found that treatment with CoQ10 decreased the enlargement of the spleen and liver and increased the survival of mice infected with the Friend leukemia virus. CoQ10 also reduced the tumor size and the percentage of mice with tumors. It has been seen that membrane associated beta 2 integrins, which are a family of proteins present on B lymphocytes, inhibit cell death in CLL. CoQ10 is known to down-regulate the expression of beta 2 integrins and thus play a role in controlling CLL.
CoQ10 and Chemotherapy
CoQ10 has been shown to protect the heart from anthracycline induced cardio-toxicity. Anthracyclines are chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of leukemia. In a study published in "Molecular Aspects of Medicine" in 1994, two groups of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving anthracyclines were studied. One group also received CoQ10 therapy. Results showed that CoQ10 has a protective effect on the cardiac function during therapy with anthracyclines.
References
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America"; Effect of Stimulation of the Host Defense System by Coenzyme Q10 on Dibenzpyrene-Induced Tumors and Infection with Friend Leukemia Virus in Mice; Emile G. Bliznakov; February 1, 1973
- "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications"; Beta2-Integrin and lipid modifications indicate a non-antioxidant mechanism for the anti-atherogenic effect of dietary coenzyme Q10; Turunen, M., Wehlin, L., et al; August 2002
- "Molecular Aspects of Medicine"; Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on anthracyclines cardiotoxicity: control study in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Larussi D., Auricchio,U,et al; 1994
- National Cancer Institute; Coenzyme Q10; September 2010
