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Background: The contribution of free oxygen radicals in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is generally accepted. The modulation of antioxidative defence by supplementation with antioxidants represents additive therapy in complex management of disease. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of coenzyme Q10 , α-tocopherol, and β-carotene both in plasma and whole blood, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in plasma of asthmatics (As). Methods: Fifty-six As (15 males and 41 females) aged from 19 to 72 years (mean age 46 years) suffering from allergic asthma were enrolled into the study. The control group comprised 25 healthy volunteers (16 males, 9 females) aged 25–50 years. Results: The concentrations of CoQ10 decreased significantly both in plasma and whole blood, compared with healthy volunteers (0.34 ± 0.15 μmol/l vs. 0.52 ± 0.15 μmol/l, 0.33 ± 0.14 μmol/l vs. 0.50 ± 0.13 μmol/l, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The levels of α-tocopherol were decreased both in plasma and whole blood in comparison with controls [24.10 μmol/l (19.8; 30.5), vs. 33.20 μmol/l (28.25; 38.05), 17.22 ± 6.45 μmol/l vs. 21.58 ± 7.92 μmol/l, P = 0.006, P = 0.01, respectively]. The levels of MDA were elevated over the reference range in both groups (reference range < 4.5 μmol/l). No changes were seen in β-carotene concentrations. Positive correlation was found between whole blood CoQ 10 and α-tocopherol concentrations. Conclusion: Results of the study suggest a possible contribution of suboptimal concentrations of CoQ10 on antioxidative dysbalance in As and provide a rationale for its supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme Q10, a vitamin-like substance, represents a components of the complex antioxidant system of the human organism. The paper presents its structure, physiological function and the role in the disease pathogenesis with the accent on the supplementation therapy during human immune system disturbances, including infectious and oncological diseases.