THE EFFECT OF COENZYME Q10 ON PERIODONTITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Objective Coenzyme Q10 gel might be beneficial for periodontitis. However, the results have been controversial. We designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods A systematic review of controlled trials (PROSPERO: CRD42020212424) was performed from 1980 to August 2020 by 2 separate investigators through the following databases: Embase, CENTRAL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. Hand search of reference lists of the included studies was also performed. Of 269 records, eleven trials were included in the meta-analysis using a random-effect model. Results Coenzyme Q10 could significantly reduce Plaque Index (SMD, -0.64; CI, -1.03 to -0.26, P =.002; I-2 = 85.7%), Bleeding Index (SMD, -1.05; CI, -1.70 to -0.41, P =.001; I-2 = 89.5%), Pocket Depth (SMD, -0.96; CI, -1.35 to -0.58, P < .001, I-2 = 84.7%), clinical attachment level (SMD, -0.73; CI, -1.23 to -0.22, P =.005; I-2 = 87.8%), and gingival index (SMD, -0.63; CI, -0.97 to -0.28, P =.001; I-2 = 72.8%) in periodontitis. Subgroup analysis showed that coenzyme Q10 had a stronger reduction effect if administered intra-pocket rather than topical. Studies with high risk of bias reported a greater positive effect of coenzyme Q10 compared to studies with unclear risk. Conclusions Our findings encourage administration of coenzyme Q10 gel in periodontitis based on its meaningful effect on Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, gingival index, clinical attachment level and Pocket Depth. Future studies with better qualities are required for a better conclusion.

Automated summary

Based on our findings, the administration of coenzyme Q10 gel in periodontitis patients can significantly reduce Plaque Index, Bleeding Index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and Pocket Depth. Intra-pocket administration of coenzyme Q10 has a stronger reduction effect. However, future studies with better quality are needed for a more conclusive answer.