LAUSR

Abstract Background We planned this study to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a substance with known effects on the immune system, on the occurrence of opportunistic infections and CD4+ T-cell count of HIV-infected patients as markers of their immunologic status. Methods This was a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial in adult (>18 years old) patients with HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy (ART) referring to Ahvaz Behavioral Diseases Consultation Center. The intervention group was given CoQ10, one 200 mg capsule per day, and the controls received placebo, each for 3 months. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the mean CD4+ T-cell count at the beginning of the study (p = 0.232) and also in it's increase after 3 months (p = 0.114) between the two groups; however, the mean CD4+ T-cell count increased significantly by the end of the study in each group (p = 0.045 for intervention, p = 0.001 for controls). Conclusion This study suggested that CoQ10 had no remarkable effect on the CD4+ T-cell count and the incidence of opportunistic infections in adult HIV-infected patients on ART.