Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Cordero, M.D. et al., "Coenzyme Q10 Distribution in Blood is Altered in Patients with Fibromyalgia," Clin Biochem 42, Nos. 7-8 (2009): 732-735. 

Objective. Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ (10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim was to study CoQ (10) levels in plasma and mononuclear cells, and oxidative stress in FM patients.

Methods. We studied CoQ (10) level by HPLC in plasma and peripheral mononuclear cells obtained from patients with FM and healthy control subjects. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in both plasma and mononuclear cells from FM patients.

Results. Higher level of oxidative stress markers in plasma was observed in FM patients in respect to control subjects. CoQ (10) level in plasma samples from FM patients was doubled compared to healthy controls, and in blood mononuclear cells isolated from 37 FM patients was found to be about 40% lower. Higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed in mononuclear cells from FM patients compared to controls, and a significant decrease was induced by the presence of CoQ (10). [N.B. ROS are produced when cells are under oxidative stress. They damage cells.]

Conclusion. The distribution of CoQ (10) in blood components was altered in FM patients. Also, our results confirm the oxidative stress background of this disease probably due to a defect on the distribution and metabolism of CoQ (10) in cells and tissues. The protection caused in mononuclear cells by CoQ (10) would indicate the benefit of its supplementation in FM patients.

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.