Coenzyme Q10 may be effective in the treatment of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of disorders characterized by predominantly macrovesicular hepatic steatosis that occur in individuals even in the absence of consumption of alcohol in amounts considered harmful to the liver. At present, there is no standard recommended treatment for NAFLD. Treatment currently focuses on gradual weight loss through diet and regular exercise. Insulin sensitizers such as thiazolidinediones and metformin show promise, and several studies have explored the role of lipid lowering agents and antioxidants. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) is a powerful antioxidant and has an important role in respiratory metabolism, as a mobile electron and proton carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. However, to date, there is no published clinical trial on CoQ in NAFLD. We postulate the hypothesis that CoQ might be effective in the treatment of NAFLD.