The mitochondria is the part of each of your cells that
functions as a power plant. Mitochondria are present by the hundreds to
thousands in every one of our trillions of cells. These mitochondria
generate about 90% of the energy needed by our body for its daily
needs. Parkinson’s disease is a progressively worsening
movement disorder that leads to loss of independence and dementia or
death. This neurodegenerative disorder is estimated to affect about 1
million people in the United States. The damage that takes place occurs
in a part of the brain that regulates movement. Several studies have
shown that Parkinson's patients have impaired mitochondrial function.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that is an
important link in the chain of chemical reactions that produce energy
in each mitochondria. CoQ10 functions as an enzyme but it is also a
potent antioxidant—a chemical that "mops up" potentially
harmful chemicals generated during normal metabolism and energy
production. Several studies have shown that Parkinson's patients have
impaired mitochondrial function and low levels of CoQ10. Moreover,
laboratory research has demonstrated that CoQ10 can protect the area of
the brain damaged in Parkinson's.
Rush University Medical Center is participating in a
large-scale, multi-center clinical trial taking place in both the U.S.
and Canada to determine whether CoQ10 in high doses, can slow the
progression of Parkinson's disease. "At present, the very best
therapies we have for Parkinson's can only mask the symptoms—
they do not alter the underlying disease," said neurologist Dr. Katie
Kompoliti, a specialist in movement disorders. "Finding a treatment
that can slow the degenerative course of Parkinson’s is the
holy grail of Parkinson's research."
The current study is a Phase III clinical trial. It is large and
randomized with a control group. It follows an earlier investigation
that tested several doses of coenzyme Q10 in a small group of patients
with early-stage Parkinson's disease. The highest dose, 1,200 mg,
appeared promising. Over the course of 16 months, patients taking this
dose experienced significantly less decline than other patients in
motor (movement) function and ability to carry out activities of daily
living, such as feeding or dressing themselves.
Participants in the study will be evaluated periodically over 16
months for symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including tremor, stiffness
of the limbs and trunk, impaired balance and coordination, and slowing
of movements. They will also be assessed for ability to perform daily
activities, overall quality of life, and need to take medications to
alleviate symptoms.
