Gian Paolo Littarru - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Gian Paolo Littarru
PubMed, 1990
The authors have tried to study the therapeutic efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with... more The authors have tried to study the therapeutic efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In fact, CoQ10 has been shown to be deficient in myocardial tissue biopsies taken from DCM hearts, compared to normal hearts. Thirty patients with histological diagnosis of DCM were orally treated with CoQ10 (100 mg/die) for 2 months. Before and after treatment a clinical examination with determination of NYHA class and an echocardiographic examination with determination of ejection fraction (EF) and of telediastolic (TDV) and telesystolic (TSV) volumes were performed, and blood was drawn for plasma CoQ10 determination. In seven patients the pretreatment endomyocardial level of CoQ10 was also assayed. Seven patients left the study because of poor therapeutic compliance. In 47% of patients the clinical symptomatology regressed, with improvement of NYHA class. The EF improved from 0.31 +/- 0.09 to 0.37 +/- 0.11 (p less than 0.001). The TDV passed from 262.2 +/- 85 ml to 203.3 +/- 83 ml (p less than 0.05), and the TSV from 166.13 +/- 75 ml to 126.9 +/- 56 ml (ns). The CoQ10 plasmatic levels improved in 95% of the patients: from 0.74 +/- 0.37 micrograms/ml to 2.27 +/- 0.99 micrograms/ml (p +/- 0.0001). The CoQ10 myocardial levels did not show univocal values, but the patients with lower myocardial levels seemed to have a better therapeutic response. These data suggest that the CoQ10 deficiency in DCM may be reversible and that the therapeutic effects depend on the basal plasmatic and myocardial levels. Therapy with coenzyme Q10 may be considered to be an efficacious aid in the traditional treatment of chronic cardiac failure.
Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 1994
The authors prepared an experimental animal model of ischemia and reperfusion of the limbs to eva... more The authors prepared an experimental animal model of ischemia and reperfusion of the limbs to evaluate in vivo the reactive oxygen species involvement and protective role of coenzyme Q10 in reperfusion injury. A group of male rabbits (untreated group) underwent clamping of abdominal aorta for 3 hr and then declamping; at intervals blood sampling was drawn for coenzyme Ql0, vitamin E, lactic acid and creatinkinase assays. Another group of male rabbits (treated group) underwent the same ischemia period but before declamping coenzyme Qlo was administered intra aorta. In untreated group, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E plasma levels decreased while lactic acid and creatinkinase plasma levels increased during reperfusion. These data demonstrate that, after only 3 hr of ischemia, the extremities show a biochemical reperfusion injury, and this involves an increased consumption of antioxidants such as coenzyme Qlo and vitamin E. In the treated group, the increase of creatinkinase plasma levels during reperfusion was not significant, while the decrease in vitamin E was more marked.
Biofactors, 2005
This review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q10 in male infertility in the light of a broade... more This review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q10 in male infertility in the light of a broader issue of oxidative damage and antioxidant defence in sperm cells and seminal plasma. Reactive oxygen species play a key pathogenetic role in male infertility besides having a well‐recognized physiological function. The deep involvement of coenzyme Q10 in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties are at the basis of its role in seminal fluid. Following the early studies addressing its presence in sperm cells and seminal plasma, the relative distribution of the quinone between these two compartments was studied in infertile men, with special attention to varicocele. The reduction state of CoQ10 in seminal fluid was also investigated.After the first in vitro experiments CoQ10 was administered to a group of idiopathic asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Seminal analysis showed a significant increase of CoQ10 both in seminal plasma and in sperm cells, together with an improvement in sperm motility.The increased concentration of CoQ10 in seminal plasma and sperm cells, the improvement of semen kinetic features after treatment, and the evidence of a direct correlation between CoQ10 concentrations and sperm motility strongly support a cause/effect relationship.From a general point of view, a deeper knowledge of these molecular mechanisms could lead to a new insight into the so‐called unexplained infertility.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Apr 1, 1974
The specific activities of both the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Qio reductase and the DPINH-... more The specific activities of both the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Qio reductase and the DPINH-cytochrome c reductase [NADH :(acceptor)oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.31 were determined in mitochondria
Vox Sanguinis, May 1, 1987
We investigated metabolic, blood gas and acid-base balance modifications of erythrocyte concentra... more We investigated metabolic, blood gas and acid-base balance modifications of erythrocyte concentrates resuspended in PAGGS-sorbitol solution during 6 weeks of storage. Glucose utilization was impaired during the last 2 weeks, while the intraerythrocytic ATP level decreased only 50% from the 1st to the 6th week. The K+ and Hb concentration in the medium showed a progressive increase which was more pronounced during the last 2 weeks. The decrease in pH progressed to reach 6.27 at the 6th week of storage. Intraerythrocytic 2,3-DPG dropped rapidly in the course of the 1 st week and the percentage of oxyhemoglobin showed a remarkable increase after the 1 st week (90%). Our data suggest that erythrocyte concentrates in PAGGS-sorbitol should be transfused, for optimal efficacy, within 4 weeks.
Archives of Microbiology, 1969
The lipid composition of S. cerevisiae cells was studied in different conditions of pH and of HCO... more The lipid composition of S. cerevisiae cells was studied in different conditions of pH and of HCO3- and CO2 concentration.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis and the oxidative stre... more Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis and the oxidative stress has major role in the pathogenesis of SCD. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation by lipid peroxidation is a marker of oxidative damage in membrane.The study was under taken to measure the oxidative stress in sickle cell patients of Chhattisgarh rural population because of low natural antioxidants in their diet. The patients of sickle cell anemia group (homozygous, n=9) and sickle cell trait (heterozygous, n=21) shows TBARS level 2.28±0.66µM/l and 2.23±0.7µM/l respectively as compared to control (without S.C.D) 1.25±0.41µM/l. the study shows TBARS concentration is approximately double in sickle cell disease than control.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1995
The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships between the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ... more The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships between the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E and the levels of hydroperoxide in three subfractions of low density lipoproteins (LDL) that were isolated from healthy donors. LDL3, the densest of the three subfractions, has shown statistically significant lower levels of CoQ10 and vitamin E, which were associated with higher hydroperoxide levels when compared with the lighter counterparts. After CoQ10 supplementation, all three LDL subfractions had significantly increased CoQ10 levels. In particular, LDL3 showed the highest CoQ10 increase when compared with LDL1 and LDL2 and was associated with a significant decrease in hydroperoxide level. These results support the hypothesis that the CoQ10 endowment in subfractions of LDL affects their oxidizability, and they have important implications for the treatment of disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH, 2015
Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance found in body cells, especially in the heart, kidney, liver... more Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance found in body cells, especially in the heart, kidney, liver and pancreas that may promote health by fighting against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and infertility, etc. Scientists believe Ubiquinol functions as an antioxidant that blocks actions that can damage cells. Decreased sperm motility is one of the leading causes of male infertility [1]. One of the rational strategies to counteract the oxidative stress in seminal plasma is to increase the antioxidant level [2].
Italian heart journal : official journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology, 2000
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) constitutes a clinical model of reperfusion... more Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) constitutes a clinical model of reperfusion following a short period of ischemia connected to balloon inflation during the procedure. During the procedure some ischemic damage and oxidative injury related to free radical attack might occur. In the present study we investigated the extent of ischemic damage and some biochemical indexes of reperfusion damage in patients undergoing PTCA. Twenty-five patients who underwent PTCA because of angiographically detected occlusion of the coronary artery were enrolled. Balloon inflation lasted from 30 to 60 s. ECG changes were monitored throughout the procedure and blood samples were taken from the coronary artery and coronary sinus before balloon inflation, and again from coronary sinus at the peak of ischemia, 2 and 10 min after reperfusion. During PTCA procedure angina pectoris appeared in 62.7% of patients, whereas ST-segment elevation was present in 87% of patients, regressing completel...
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1990
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1999
Ubiquinol-10, the reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 , is a powerful antioxidant in plasma and lipopro... more Ubiquinol-10, the reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 , is a powerful antioxidant in plasma and lipoproteins. It has been suggested that endogenous ubiquinol-10 also exerts a protective role even towards DNA oxidation mediated by lipid peroxidation. Even though the antioxidant activity of coenzyme Q 10 is mainly ascribed to ubiquinol-10, a role for ubiquinone-10 (the oxidized form), has been suggested not only if appropriate reducing systems are present. To investigate whether the concentration of ubiquinol-10 or ubiquinone-10 affects the extent of DNA damage induced by H 2 O 2 , we supplemented in vitro human lymphocytes with both forms of coenzyme Q 10 and evaluated the DNA strand breaks by Comet assay. The exposure of lymphocytes to100 M H 2 O 2 resulted in rapid decrease of cellular ubiquinol-10 content both in ubiquinol-10-enriched and in control cells, whereas ␣-tocopherol and -carotene concentration were unchanged. After 30 min from H 2 O 2 exposure, the amount of DNA strand breaks was lower and cells' viability was significantly higher in ubiquinol-10-enriched cells compared with control cells. A similar trend was observed in ubiquinone-10-enriched lymphocytes when compared with control cells. Our experiments suggest that coenzyme Q 10 in vitro supplementation enhances DNA resistance towards H 2 O 2-induced oxidation, but it doesn't inhibit directly DNA strand break formation.
Clinical Nutrition Supplements, 2010
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitrogen balance and suggest a suitable protein require... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitrogen balance and suggest a suitable protein requirement in these patients. Methods: During 12 months AH1N1 influenza patients were included in this study that was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for Adults. We obtained demographic variables; the Quetelet Index and Nutritional Risk Index have been measured also we realize the Subjective Global Assessment. Urinary nitrogen losses were determined in urine for 24 hrs at admission, at 72 hrs and at discharge from intensive care. The mean protein requirements were calculated. Results: A total of 29 patients with H1N1 influenza were included (14 men and 15 women) the mean age 37±14.9 years. The average Quetelet Index was determined in 29.1±4.7, with NRI 80.9±4.7. The percentage of average normal weight patients was 95.7±17.3, considering 7 patients with SGA "A", 23 with SGA "B" and 1 with VGS "C". During the follow-up of the patients the mean ofnitrogen losses were at the admission, at 72 hrs and at discharge from intensive care 16 g, 28.6 g and 22.2 g respectively. The protein requirements in the catabolism phase were 2.3 g protein / kg / day. Conclusion: Patients with influenza AH1N1 have high levels of urinary nitrogen excretion with losses up to 28.6 g/d, so the estimate of protein needs must be higher.
Clinical Nutrition Supplements, 2012
BioFactors, 2005
In previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and... more In previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and thyroid hormones; in fact, CoQ10 levels in hyperthyroid patients were found among the lowest detected in human diseases. On the contrary, CoQ10 is elevated in hypothyroid subjects, also in subclinical conditions, suggesting the usefulness of this index in assessing metabolic status in thyroid disorders. On the other hand, a low‐T3 syndrome, due to reduced peripheral conversion from the prohormone T4, is observed in different chronic diseases: this condition is considered an adaptation mechanism, usually not to be corrected by replacement therapy.In order to perform a metabolic evaluation, we have studied a group of 15 patients, aged 69–82 ys, affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), comparing respiratory indexes, thyroid hormones and CoQ10 levels (also normalized with cholesterol levels) in patients with low (group A) or normal (group B) free‐T3 (FT3) concentrations. We...
PubMed, 1990
The authors have tried to study the therapeutic efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with... more The authors have tried to study the therapeutic efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In fact, CoQ10 has been shown to be deficient in myocardial tissue biopsies taken from DCM hearts, compared to normal hearts. Thirty patients with histological diagnosis of DCM were orally treated with CoQ10 (100 mg/die) for 2 months. Before and after treatment a clinical examination with determination of NYHA class and an echocardiographic examination with determination of ejection fraction (EF) and of telediastolic (TDV) and telesystolic (TSV) volumes were performed, and blood was drawn for plasma CoQ10 determination. In seven patients the pretreatment endomyocardial level of CoQ10 was also assayed. Seven patients left the study because of poor therapeutic compliance. In 47% of patients the clinical symptomatology regressed, with improvement of NYHA class. The EF improved from 0.31 +/- 0.09 to 0.37 +/- 0.11 (p less than 0.001). The TDV passed from 262.2 +/- 85 ml to 203.3 +/- 83 ml (p less than 0.05), and the TSV from 166.13 +/- 75 ml to 126.9 +/- 56 ml (ns). The CoQ10 plasmatic levels improved in 95% of the patients: from 0.74 +/- 0.37 micrograms/ml to 2.27 +/- 0.99 micrograms/ml (p +/- 0.0001). The CoQ10 myocardial levels did not show univocal values, but the patients with lower myocardial levels seemed to have a better therapeutic response. These data suggest that the CoQ10 deficiency in DCM may be reversible and that the therapeutic effects depend on the basal plasmatic and myocardial levels. Therapy with coenzyme Q10 may be considered to be an efficacious aid in the traditional treatment of chronic cardiac failure.
Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 1994
The authors prepared an experimental animal model of ischemia and reperfusion of the limbs to eva... more The authors prepared an experimental animal model of ischemia and reperfusion of the limbs to evaluate in vivo the reactive oxygen species involvement and protective role of coenzyme Q10 in reperfusion injury. A group of male rabbits (untreated group) underwent clamping of abdominal aorta for 3 hr and then declamping; at intervals blood sampling was drawn for coenzyme Ql0, vitamin E, lactic acid and creatinkinase assays. Another group of male rabbits (treated group) underwent the same ischemia period but before declamping coenzyme Qlo was administered intra aorta. In untreated group, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E plasma levels decreased while lactic acid and creatinkinase plasma levels increased during reperfusion. These data demonstrate that, after only 3 hr of ischemia, the extremities show a biochemical reperfusion injury, and this involves an increased consumption of antioxidants such as coenzyme Qlo and vitamin E. In the treated group, the increase of creatinkinase plasma levels during reperfusion was not significant, while the decrease in vitamin E was more marked.
Biofactors, 2005
This review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q10 in male infertility in the light of a broade... more This review is focused upon the role of coenzyme Q10 in male infertility in the light of a broader issue of oxidative damage and antioxidant defence in sperm cells and seminal plasma. Reactive oxygen species play a key pathogenetic role in male infertility besides having a well‐recognized physiological function. The deep involvement of coenzyme Q10 in mitochondrial bioenergetics and its antioxidant properties are at the basis of its role in seminal fluid. Following the early studies addressing its presence in sperm cells and seminal plasma, the relative distribution of the quinone between these two compartments was studied in infertile men, with special attention to varicocele. The reduction state of CoQ10 in seminal fluid was also investigated.After the first in vitro experiments CoQ10 was administered to a group of idiopathic asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Seminal analysis showed a significant increase of CoQ10 both in seminal plasma and in sperm cells, together with an improvement in sperm motility.The increased concentration of CoQ10 in seminal plasma and sperm cells, the improvement of semen kinetic features after treatment, and the evidence of a direct correlation between CoQ10 concentrations and sperm motility strongly support a cause/effect relationship.From a general point of view, a deeper knowledge of these molecular mechanisms could lead to a new insight into the so‐called unexplained infertility.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Apr 1, 1974
The specific activities of both the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Qio reductase and the DPINH-... more The specific activities of both the succinate dehydrogenase-coenzyme Qio reductase and the DPINH-cytochrome c reductase [NADH :(acceptor)oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.99.31 were determined in mitochondria
Vox Sanguinis, May 1, 1987
We investigated metabolic, blood gas and acid-base balance modifications of erythrocyte concentra... more We investigated metabolic, blood gas and acid-base balance modifications of erythrocyte concentrates resuspended in PAGGS-sorbitol solution during 6 weeks of storage. Glucose utilization was impaired during the last 2 weeks, while the intraerythrocytic ATP level decreased only 50% from the 1st to the 6th week. The K+ and Hb concentration in the medium showed a progressive increase which was more pronounced during the last 2 weeks. The decrease in pH progressed to reach 6.27 at the 6th week of storage. Intraerythrocytic 2,3-DPG dropped rapidly in the course of the 1 st week and the percentage of oxyhemoglobin showed a remarkable increase after the 1 st week (90%). Our data suggest that erythrocyte concentrates in PAGGS-sorbitol should be transfused, for optimal efficacy, within 4 weeks.
Archives of Microbiology, 1969
The lipid composition of S. cerevisiae cells was studied in different conditions of pH and of HCO... more The lipid composition of S. cerevisiae cells was studied in different conditions of pH and of HCO3- and CO2 concentration.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis and the oxidative stre... more Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis and the oxidative stress has major role in the pathogenesis of SCD. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation by lipid peroxidation is a marker of oxidative damage in membrane.The study was under taken to measure the oxidative stress in sickle cell patients of Chhattisgarh rural population because of low natural antioxidants in their diet. The patients of sickle cell anemia group (homozygous, n=9) and sickle cell trait (heterozygous, n=21) shows TBARS level 2.28±0.66µM/l and 2.23±0.7µM/l respectively as compared to control (without S.C.D) 1.25±0.41µM/l. the study shows TBARS concentration is approximately double in sickle cell disease than control.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1995
The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships between the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ... more The aim of our study was to investigate the relationships between the levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin E and the levels of hydroperoxide in three subfractions of low density lipoproteins (LDL) that were isolated from healthy donors. LDL3, the densest of the three subfractions, has shown statistically significant lower levels of CoQ10 and vitamin E, which were associated with higher hydroperoxide levels when compared with the lighter counterparts. After CoQ10 supplementation, all three LDL subfractions had significantly increased CoQ10 levels. In particular, LDL3 showed the highest CoQ10 increase when compared with LDL1 and LDL2 and was associated with a significant decrease in hydroperoxide level. These results support the hypothesis that the CoQ10 endowment in subfractions of LDL affects their oxidizability, and they have important implications for the treatment of disease.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH, 2015
Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance found in body cells, especially in the heart, kidney, liver... more Ubiquinol is a vitamin-like substance found in body cells, especially in the heart, kidney, liver and pancreas that may promote health by fighting against cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and infertility, etc. Scientists believe Ubiquinol functions as an antioxidant that blocks actions that can damage cells. Decreased sperm motility is one of the leading causes of male infertility [1]. One of the rational strategies to counteract the oxidative stress in seminal plasma is to increase the antioxidant level [2].
Italian heart journal : official journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology, 2000
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) constitutes a clinical model of reperfusion... more Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) constitutes a clinical model of reperfusion following a short period of ischemia connected to balloon inflation during the procedure. During the procedure some ischemic damage and oxidative injury related to free radical attack might occur. In the present study we investigated the extent of ischemic damage and some biochemical indexes of reperfusion damage in patients undergoing PTCA. Twenty-five patients who underwent PTCA because of angiographically detected occlusion of the coronary artery were enrolled. Balloon inflation lasted from 30 to 60 s. ECG changes were monitored throughout the procedure and blood samples were taken from the coronary artery and coronary sinus before balloon inflation, and again from coronary sinus at the peak of ischemia, 2 and 10 min after reperfusion. During PTCA procedure angina pectoris appeared in 62.7% of patients, whereas ST-segment elevation was present in 87% of patients, regressing completel...
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1990
Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1999
Ubiquinol-10, the reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 , is a powerful antioxidant in plasma and lipopro... more Ubiquinol-10, the reduced form of coenzyme Q 10 , is a powerful antioxidant in plasma and lipoproteins. It has been suggested that endogenous ubiquinol-10 also exerts a protective role even towards DNA oxidation mediated by lipid peroxidation. Even though the antioxidant activity of coenzyme Q 10 is mainly ascribed to ubiquinol-10, a role for ubiquinone-10 (the oxidized form), has been suggested not only if appropriate reducing systems are present. To investigate whether the concentration of ubiquinol-10 or ubiquinone-10 affects the extent of DNA damage induced by H 2 O 2 , we supplemented in vitro human lymphocytes with both forms of coenzyme Q 10 and evaluated the DNA strand breaks by Comet assay. The exposure of lymphocytes to100 M H 2 O 2 resulted in rapid decrease of cellular ubiquinol-10 content both in ubiquinol-10-enriched and in control cells, whereas ␣-tocopherol and -carotene concentration were unchanged. After 30 min from H 2 O 2 exposure, the amount of DNA strand breaks was lower and cells' viability was significantly higher in ubiquinol-10-enriched cells compared with control cells. A similar trend was observed in ubiquinone-10-enriched lymphocytes when compared with control cells. Our experiments suggest that coenzyme Q 10 in vitro supplementation enhances DNA resistance towards H 2 O 2-induced oxidation, but it doesn't inhibit directly DNA strand break formation.
Clinical Nutrition Supplements, 2010
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitrogen balance and suggest a suitable protein require... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitrogen balance and suggest a suitable protein requirement in these patients. Methods: During 12 months AH1N1 influenza patients were included in this study that was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for Adults. We obtained demographic variables; the Quetelet Index and Nutritional Risk Index have been measured also we realize the Subjective Global Assessment. Urinary nitrogen losses were determined in urine for 24 hrs at admission, at 72 hrs and at discharge from intensive care. The mean protein requirements were calculated. Results: A total of 29 patients with H1N1 influenza were included (14 men and 15 women) the mean age 37±14.9 years. The average Quetelet Index was determined in 29.1±4.7, with NRI 80.9±4.7. The percentage of average normal weight patients was 95.7±17.3, considering 7 patients with SGA "A", 23 with SGA "B" and 1 with VGS "C". During the follow-up of the patients the mean ofnitrogen losses were at the admission, at 72 hrs and at discharge from intensive care 16 g, 28.6 g and 22.2 g respectively. The protein requirements in the catabolism phase were 2.3 g protein / kg / day. Conclusion: Patients with influenza AH1N1 have high levels of urinary nitrogen excretion with losses up to 28.6 g/d, so the estimate of protein needs must be higher.
Clinical Nutrition Supplements, 2012
BioFactors, 2005
In previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and... more In previous works we demonstrated an inverse correlation between plasma Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and thyroid hormones; in fact, CoQ10 levels in hyperthyroid patients were found among the lowest detected in human diseases. On the contrary, CoQ10 is elevated in hypothyroid subjects, also in subclinical conditions, suggesting the usefulness of this index in assessing metabolic status in thyroid disorders. On the other hand, a low‐T3 syndrome, due to reduced peripheral conversion from the prohormone T4, is observed in different chronic diseases: this condition is considered an adaptation mechanism, usually not to be corrected by replacement therapy.In order to perform a metabolic evaluation, we have studied a group of 15 patients, aged 69–82 ys, affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), comparing respiratory indexes, thyroid hormones and CoQ10 levels (also normalized with cholesterol levels) in patients with low (group A) or normal (group B) free‐T3 (FT3) concentrations. We...