Abstract 9943: Aged Garlic Extract Plus Coenzyme Q10 Significantly Reduce Perceived Mental Stress, Inflammaion and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Firefighters ‰the FAITH Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: We previously reported that Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) is associated with significant reduction of subclinical atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) in asymptomatic individuals. Stressful lifestyle is a well-known risk factor of atherosclerosis. In the current study, we evaluate the effect of AGE plus CoQ10 on perceived mental stress score (PMSS), inflammation and CAC in Firefighters with highly stressful lifestyle.

Methods: In this placebo-controlled, double blinded, randomized trial, 65 firefighters, age 55±6 years, 100% male, with intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) subjects were randomized to AGE and CoQ10 vs. placebo for 1-year. Subjects’ mental stress was assessed as perceived mental stress score (PMSS) using validated perceived mental stress questionnaire (PSQ). PMSS, high sensitive C reactive protein (CRP) and CAC were measured at baseline and follow up.

Results: There was no significant difference between PMSS, CRP, CAC and other risk factors at baseline (p>0.5). At-year follow-up, PMSS reduction was significantly higher in AGE plus CoQ10 as compared to placebo (-10.6% vs. 14.7%, p=0.001). After adjustment for risk factors, AGE plus CoQ10 was independently associated with significant reduction in PMSS, CRP and CAC (p<0.05) (Table). In which, the likelihood of decrease in PMSS was 84% higher with AGE plus CoQ10. Decrease in PMSS in response to AGE plus CoQ10 was significantly associated with decrease in CRP and CAC (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study reported the beneficial effect of AGE-CoQ10 on mental stress in subjects with highly stressful lifestyle independent of risk factors. Furthermore, it highlights the association between decrease in mental stress , inflammation and atherosclerosis in response to such therapy.