Platelet mitochondrial respiration and coenzyme Q10 could be used as new diagnostic strategy for mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid diseases

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 28;16(9):e0256135. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256135. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimunne disorder affecting both small and large synovial joints, leading to their destruction. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation in RA patients. Increased circulating platelet counts in RA patients may contribute to platelet hyperactivity and thrombosis. In this pilot study we evaluated platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function, CoQ10 levels and oxidative stress in RA patients.

Methods: Twenty-one RA patients and 19 healthy volunteers participated in the study. High resolution respirometry (HRR) was used for analysis of platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics. CoQ10 was determined by HPLC method; TBARS were detected spectrophotometrically.

Results: Slight dysfunction in platelet mitochondrial respiration and reduced platelet CoQ10 levels were observed in RA patients compared with normal controls.

Conclusions: The observed decrease in platelet CoQ10 levels may lead to platelet mitochondrial dysfunction in RA diseases. Determination of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet CoQ10 levels could be used as new diagnostic strategies for mitochondrial bioenergetics in rheumatoid diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism
  • Blood Platelets / pathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Respiration*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / pathology*
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Ubiquinone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ubiquinone / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Ubiquinone
  • coenzyme Q10

Grants and funding

This study was funded by: VEGA (2/0136/20), APVV (15-0308), and OncoReSearch in the form of grants awarded to PP. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. A Private Cardiology Practice provided support in the form of salaries for PL. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.