Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cardiac troponin I level, heart rate variability, and echocardiographic profiles in canine with myxomatous degenerative mitral valve disease: a pilot study

Abstract

The clinical benefits of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been well documented in heart failure patients. In
veterinary medicine, however, the clinical benefits of CoQ10 have not been well established in dogs with heart diseases.
This study aimed to determine the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on 1) preventing myocardial injury 2) cardiac
function 3) autonomic balance in dogs with myxomatous degenerative mitral valve disease (MMVD). Thirteen dogs
with MMVD at ACVIM stage C were recruited in this study. Dogs were further divided into group I (Body weight
[BW] < 6 kg.; n = 7) and group II (BW ≥ 6 kg.; n = 6). Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), echocardiographic examination, and 2
hours of Holter recording were performed on Day 0 and after receiving CoQ10 at 100 mg/dog twice daily for 28 days.
CoQ10 caused a reduction of cTnI level in 71% of the dogs. Median cTnI tended to cause tended to decline but not
significantly. Systolic function [i.e. fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF)] increased significantly by 8 %
and 9% (P < 0.05), respectively in group I after CoQ10 supplementation. Other echocardiographic parameters were not
altered in either group. HRV analysis revealed no change in autonomic function and balance. cTnI negatively correlated
with FS (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with LF/HF ratio (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated the
clinical benefits of CoQ10 supplementation in dogs with MMVD. CoQ10 improves cardiac function in small dogs with
MMVD. Finally, supplementation of CoQ10 in dogs should be based on body weight.