The influence of MitoQ on symptoms and cognition in fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue, 2016, Cort Johnson et al

[Hutan]

The influence of Mitoq on symptoms and cognition in fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue

Cort Johnson; Grant, Joshua

Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are disorders with similar symptom- constellations including pain, fatigue, cognitive problems and sleep disturbance, among others. These multi-system illnesses have many known abnormalities, few reliable treatment options and unknown causes. Oxidative stress has been linked to disorder severity, suggesting anti-oxidants may be of benefit. Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) has been shown to improve symptoms and biomarkers of FM, and ME/CFS if taken in combination with another coenzyme. However, Q10 is poorly absorbed by mitochondria. MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted Q10 analog with superior absorption and accumulation by mitochondria in vivo.

The current study tested the effect of 6-weeks of daily oral MitoQ (20mg) on FM and ME/CFS with two randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover studies. A third open label cohort contributed data but did not receive placebo.

Results suggest MitoQ may reduce pain and increase working memory in FM. Further investigation in a more controlled environment is warranted.

Web | DOI | Unpublished

 

[Evergreen]

A bit hard to decipher because the results are not presented or discussed in the standard way. Leaving analysis issues to others,

Bottom line for us:

There was no indication of positive effects in ME/CFS patients unless they were aware of taking the active supplement.

I.e. MitoQ had no effect, but placebo did.

The report actually provides fascinating information on placebo.

Here's the change in self-reported activity of those who knew they might be taking a placebo or MitoQ (n=51 I think):

and here's the change in activity of those who knew they were definitely getting MitoQ, and paid for it (n=43 I think):

Pity the Y-axes on all of these graphs does not go from 0-10 which would make it easier to see what was and was not happening.

But I think this demonstrates nicely that yes, some people with ME/CFS increase their activity level when they think they're getting an effective substance.

 

[Yann04]

some people with ME/CFS increase their activity level when they think they're getting an effective substance.

Or perception of their activity levels increases. (Probably both)

 

[Peter T]

Or perception of their activity levels increases. (Probably both)

Also, when undertaking an intervention of any sort, in the past I reorganised my life to focus on that intervention. That created a subjective sense of improvement because I ended up doing less overall. This only become obvious when the interventions stopped and everyday life struck back.

 

[Mij]

Study I posted here
Conclusion
While MitoQ effectively reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage, no evidence suggests that aerobic exercise performance is enhanced by either acute or chronic MitoQ supplementation. However, acute MitoQ supplementation may improve exercise tolerance in subjects with PAD. Future research should investigate whether MitoQ supplementation concurrent with exercise training (e.g., 4–16 weeks) alters adaptations induced by exercise alone and using different doses.

peripheral artery disease(PAD)

 

[Evergreen]

Study I posted here
Conclusion
While MitoQ effectively reduces exercise-induced oxidative damage, no evidence suggests that aerobic exercise performance is enhanced by either acute or chronic MitoQ supplementation. However, acute MitoQ supplementation may improve exercise tolerance in subjects with PAD. Future research should investigate whether MitoQ supplementation concurrent with exercise training (e.g., 4–16 weeks) alters adaptations induced by exercise alone and using different doses.

peripheral artery disease(PAD)

Just to note there was no-one with ME/CFS in that study.

Six of the included studies assessed healthy recreational subjects [28,29,30, 37, 38, 44], one study involved a population with peripheral artery disease (PAD) [39] and another study involved subjects with chronic kidney disease [45]

 

[Evergreen]

Or perception of their activity levels increases. (Probably both)

Agree.

Unfortunately I can't see any more info on the "Activity" scale. The link provided doesn't work any more.

Also, when undertaking an intervention of any sort, in the past I reorganised my life to focus on that intervention. That created a subjective sense of improvement because I ended up doing less overall. This only become obvious when the interventions stopped and everyday life struck back.

Yes, and there were a lot of forms to fill out here, which would be significant cognitive activity for some/many. But no physical activity was required, because the supplements were posted to participants and there were no in-person assessments.