The Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis and Coenzyme Q10 in Conjunction with Vitamin E Effect on Retinopathy Prematurity

Abstract

Purpose: This study was performed to determine whether one drop of topical administration of Coqun (R) (Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E)-a potent antioxidant-twice a day has any effect on the thiol-disulphide homeostasis-a novel oxidative stress marker in the Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP) disease course. Methods: This was a prospective observational study comprising 28 infants with ROP at stage 2 and higher who followed up at the paediatric intensive care unit. Ferric reducing power of plasma (FRAP), albumin, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and thiol disulphide homeostasis levels were studied in the infants before and two weeks after Coqun (R) treatment. Results: The mean gestational age was 27 (24-32) weeks, the mean birth weight was 1,012 +/- 326 g and the mean duration of care in an incubator was 64 +/- 23 days. FRAP levels were 0.91 +/- 0.17 mu mol/L, IMAs were 0.85 +/- 0.29, native thiols were 248 +/- 38.9 mu mol/L and total thiols were 284 +/- 39.2 mu mol/L, respectively, at the beginning of therapy. FRAP levels 0.79 +/- 0.21(p=0.006) mu mol/L, IMAs 0.73 +/- 0.36(p = 0.096), native thiols 262 +/- 42.6(p = 0.164) mu mol/L and total thiols 291 +/- 43.6(p = 0.344) mu mol/L showed no difference after two weeks of therapy. Conclusion: Thiol disulphide homeostasis levels do not change with Coqun (R) therapy during ROP course.