CoQ10 deficiency has been identified as a potentially reversible cause of steroid‑resistant nephrotic syndrome and glomerular nephropathy, particularly in children and young adults with genetic defects in CoQ10 biosynthesis. In reported series, affected patients often present with heavy proteinuria and progressive kidney dysfunction that fail to respond to standard steroid therapy, but genetic testing sometimes reveals mutations in CoQ10‑related genes (such as COQ2, COQ6, or ADCK4). The encouraging part is that in a subset of these cases, early and sufficiently dosed CoQ10 supplementation has been associated with reduced proteinuria and stabilization or partial improvement of kidney function, making it an important, treatable consideration in otherwise unexplained steroid‑resistant nephrotic syndrome. This medication is commonly used for Depression.
Frehat MQ Sr, Alhadidi A, Almheairat A, Alkhatib L, Al Thaher S, Al Assaf R, Al Qawaqenah M, Mansour B, Khair F. Success of Coenzyme Q10 in Treating Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome in Jordan: A Case Series. Cureus. 2025 Apr 30;17(4):e83231. Drovandi S, Lipska-Ziętkiewicz BS, Ozaltin F, et al. Oral Coenzyme Q10 supplementation leads to better preservation of kidney function in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome due to primary Coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Kidney Int. 2022 Sep;102(3):604-612. Drovandi S, Lipska-Ziętkiewicz BS, et al. Variation of the clinical spectrum and genotype-phenotype associations in Coenzyme Q10 deficiency associated glomerulopathy. Kidney Int. 2022 Sep;102(3):592-603. Salviati L, Sacconi S, Murer L, Zacchello G, Franceschini L, Laverda AM, Basso G, Quinzii C, Angelini C, Hirano M, Naini AB, Navas P, DiMauro S, Montini G. Infantile encephalomyopathy and nephropathy with CoQ10 deficiency: a CoQ10-responsive condition. Neurology. 2005 Aug 23;65(4):606-8.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a vital nutrient found in nearly every cell in the body. CoQ10 plays a key role in cellular energy production, acting within the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. Research suggests a connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and depression, and this dysfunction might even be worsened by some antidepressant medications like amitriptyline. It found that tricyclic amines such as amitriptyline treatment in human cells decreased the levels of CoQ10. Supplementation with COQ10 could help improve overall cellular health and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in depression.