The Action of long-term treatment with Coenzyme Q 10 in minimizing radiation induced damage

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible action of a prolonged treatment with coenzyme Q 10, in minimizing the radiation-induced changes in certain biochemical parameters in rats. Whole body gamma irradiation of rats (5 Gy) produced significant increase in the activities of 5 nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase and transaminases (AsT and ALT) in the serum 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-irradiation. An increase in total bilirubin was also recorded in the serum of irradiated rats. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in the content of serum albumin. Oral supplementation of rats with coenzyme Q 10 (10 mg/Kg/day) for 28 days before exposure to gamma radiation (5 Gy) significantly reduced the increase recorded in the serum enzymatic activities. Significant protection also was recorded against the increase in serum total bilirubin and the decrease of serum albumin. It was concluded that supplementation of coenzyme Q 10 before irradiation might had played a significant role against radiation induced oxidative injury