significant CoEnzyme Q10 deficit in brains of PD patients
 

Neurosci Lett. 2008 Sep 30. [Epub ahead of print] Links
The coenzyme Q(10) status of the brain regions of Parkinson's disease
patients.Hargreaves IP, Lane A, Sleiman PM.
Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Queen
Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.

There is increasing evidence that impairment of mitochondrial
function and oxidative damage are contributing factors to the
pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have reported
decreased levels of the mitochondrial electron transport chain
carrier, coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) in plasma and platelets from PD
patients. Although a deficit in peripheral CoQ(10) has been reported
no studies have assessed the CoQ(10) status of the PD brain. In this
study we investigated the CoQ(10) status of the substantia nigra,
cerebellum, cortex and striatum brain regions of both PD patients and
age-matched controls. The results of this study indicate a
significant reduction (p=0.007) in CoQ(10) concentration in the
cortex region of the brain. In conclusion, the results of this study
indicate evidence of a deficit in brain CoQ(10) status may be
involved in the pathophysiology of PD.

PMID: 18840506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

statins and coQ10 levels
 

FYI: all statin drugs (anti cholesterol--Lipitor, zocor, crestor, pravachol) interfere with the production of coenzyme Q10. coQ10 plasma, platlet and muscle tissue levels are decreased in patients who take statins, all patients, whether or not they have any conditions other than high cholesterol.

Interesting point here. I had very few symptoms until after I had a reaction to Lipitor. Ever since that time in 2003/2004, I've gone down hill. There's no way to prove the link so I wonder if this was an underlying problem all along and the Lipitor "helped" it come to the forefront.

John