Participation of coenzyme Q(10) in the rejection development of the transplanted heart: A clinical study

Coenzyme Q(10) and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were assessed in 28 endo myocardial biopsies from 22 patients and in 61 blood samples from 31 patien ts after heart transplantation with histologically confirmed signs of rejec tion. The values were compared to the group of 14 patients with cardiomyopa thies of unclear etiology as candidates for heart transplantation. Blood an alyses were also compared with 50 healthy persons. Myocardial and blood coe nzyme Q(10) concentrations were already significantly decreased in the inci pient phase of rejection (degree 0-1) and also in rejection phase 1 and 2. In patients without rejection signs myocardial and blood coenzyme Q(10) val ues were similar to those of cardiomyopathic patients. No significant diffe rences were found in alpha-tocopherol concentrations in relation to signs o f rejection. Increased plasma lipid peroxidation quantified as malondialdeh yde production was detected in all groups of transplanted patients. The res ults contribute to the explanation of some pathobiochemical mechanisms part icipating in the rejection development of the transplanted heart.