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HelpTest ID: Q10 Coenzyme Q10, Reduced and Total, Plasma
Reporting Name
Coenzyme Q10, Reduced and Total, PUseful For
Diagnosis of primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiencies in some patients who are not supplemented with CoQ10
Diagnosis of CoQ10 deficiency in mitochondrial disorders
Monitoring CoQ10 status during treatment of various degenerative conditions, including Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases
This test is not useful for distinguishing primary CoQ10 deficiencies from acquired CoQ10 deficiencies.
Specimen Type
Plasma HeparinOrdering Guidance
This test provides both reduced and total coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). For assessment of total only, order TQ10 / Coenzyme Q10, Total, Plasma.
The level of oxidized CoQ10 is affected in specimens with even slight amounts of hemolysis; however, the total Q10 level remains constant. Hemolyzed specimens can be analyzed for total Q10 using TQ10 / Coenzyme Q10, Total, Plasma.
The most reliable test for the diagnosis of primary defects in ubiquinone (ie, CoQ10) biosynthesis is direct measurement of CoQ10 in muscle.
Shipping Instructions
If possible, do not send other tests ordered on same vial of plasma. In doing so, the other tests may have increased turnaround time due to the strict frozen criteria of this assay.
Necessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting (8 hours)
Collection Container/Tube: Green top (lithium or sodium heparin)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately after collection, place specimen on wet ice. Maintain on wet ice and process within 3 hours of collection.
2. Centrifuge, aliquot plasma into plastic vial, and freeze immediately.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma Heparin | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Refrigerated | 8 hours |
Reference Values
COENZYME Q10 (CoQ10) REDUCED
<18 years: 320-1376 mcg/L
≥18 years: 415-1480 mcg/L
CoQ10 TOTAL
<18 years: 320-1558 mcg/L
≥18 years: 433-1532 mcg/L
CoQ10 % REDUCED
<18 years: 93-100%
≥18 years: 92-98%
Miles MV, Horn PS, Tang PH, et al. Age-related changes in plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations and redox state in apparently healthy children and adults. Clin Chim Acta. 2004;34:139-144
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82542
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| Q10 | Coenzyme Q10, Reduced and Total, P | In Process |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 87853 | CoQ10 reduced | 81157-0 |
| 30091 | CoQ10 Total | 27923-2 |
| 30092 | CoQ10 % reduced | 81156-2 |
| 30159 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
Clinical Information
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain responsible for oxidative phosphorylation where it functions as an electron carrier and acts as an antioxidant. It is found in all cell membranes and is carried by lipoproteins in the circulation. Approximately 60% of CoQ10 is associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL), 25% with high-density lipoprotein, and 15% with other lipoproteins. CoQ10 is present in the body in both the reduced and oxidized forms, with the antioxidant activity of CoQ10 dependent on both its concentration and its reduction-oxidation (redox) status.
CoQ10 deficiencies, which are clinically and genetically diverse, can occur due to defects in genes involved in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone (primary CoQ10 deficiency) or due to other causes, such as mitochondrial disorders (secondary or CoQ10 deficiency).
Five major clinical phenotypes of CoQ10 deficiency have been described:
-Encephalomyopathy (elevated serum creatine kinase [CK], recurrent myoglobinuria, lactic acidosis)
-Cerebellar ataxia and atrophy (neuropathy, hypogonadism)
-Severe multisystemic infant form (nystagmus, optic atrophy, sensorineural hearing loss, dystonia, rapidly progressing nephropathy)
-Nephropathy, steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome leading to end stage kidney disease
-Isolated myopathy (exercise intolerance, fatigue, elevated serum CK)
Treatment with CoQ10 in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies can improve mitochondrial respiration in both brain and skeletal muscle.
CoQ10 has been implicated in other disease processes, including diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases, as well as in aging and oxidative stress. CoQ10 may also play a role in hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy and may be relevant to statin-induced myalgia. Additionally, the redox status of CoQ10 may be a useful early marker for the detection of oxidative LDL modification.
Interpretation
Abnormal results are reported with a detailed interpretation including an overview of the results and their significance, a correlation to available clinical information provided with the specimen, differential diagnosis, and recommendations for additional testing when indicated and available.
Clinical Reference
1. Salviati L, Trevisson E, Agosto C, Doimo M, Navas P. Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency overview. In: Adam MP, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, et al. eds. GeneReviews [Internet]. University of Washington, Seattle; 2017. Updated June 8, 2023. Accessed November 1, 2023. Available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK410087/
2. Desbats MA, Lunardi G, Doimo M, Trevisson E, Salviati L. Genetic bases and clinical manifestations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2015;38(1):145-56. doi:10.1007/s10545-014-9749-9
3. Littarru GP, Tiano L. Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update. Nutrition. 2010;26:250-254
4. Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D. Disorders of human coenzyme Q10 metabolism: An overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(18):6695. doi:10.3390/ijms21186695
5. Banach M, Serban C, Ursoniu S, et al. Statin therapy and plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations-A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;99:329-336. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2015.07.008
6. Emmanuele V, Lopez LC, Berardo A, et al. Heterogeneity of coenzyme Q10 deficiency: patient study and literature review. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(8):978-983. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2012.206
Report Available
3 to 5 daysMethod Name
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Electrochemical Detection
Genetics Test Information
This test is appropriate for the diagnosis of secondary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency and for some patients with primary CoQ10 deficiency who are not supplemented with CoQ10. It is also used to monitor CoQ10 status in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies, patients receiving statin therapy, or during treatment of various degenerative conditions including Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.
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