Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has beneficial effects for patients with chronic kidney disease, according to the results of a systematic review of 12 independent studies.* 

Pooled analysis showed that CoQ10 reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation (C reactive protein) in patients with chronic kidney disease. CoQ10 also significantly improved HbA1c (a marker of long-term glucose control) and QUICKI (a formula that measures insulin sensitivity). 

These factors are important for patients with chronic kidney disease because oxidative stress and inflammation are key contributors to cardiovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease.

Additionally, metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity are more prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. 

Editor’s note: CoQ10 levels are lower in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation can reduce cardiovascular events, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce oxidative stress in these patients.  

* Int Urol Nephrol. 2022 Jan;54(1):173-184.

Diabetes Remission Greater in Patients Who Combine Drug with Calorie Restriction

The diabetes drug dapagliflozin (brand name Farxiga), combined with calorie restriction, led to greater remission rates in type II diabetics compared to calorie restriction alone, according to a study published in The BMJ.*

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 328 type II diabetics 20 to 70 years old with a BMI greater than 25, who had type II diabetes for less than six years.

The subjects practiced calorie restriction while taking either dapagliflozin (10 mg/day) or a placebo.

Over 12 months, 44% of patients in the dapagliflozin group achieved diabetes remission, compared to 28% in the placebo group. Diabetes remission was defined as maintaining glycated hemoglobin levels <6.5% and fasting plasma glucose levels <126 mg/dL after stopping all antidiabetic drugs for at least two months.

Editor’s note: Dapagliflozin is one of several SGLT2 inhibitor drugs that you will learn more about in future issues of Life Extension Magazine®.

The dapagliflozin group also had greater reductions in body weight and HOMA-IR (a measure of insulin resistance), and greater improvements in body fat, systolic blood pressure, and metabolic risk factors.

* BMJ. 2025;388:e081820.

Joint Replacement Failure Associated with Insufficient Vitamin D Levels

Men and women who experienced failure of prior total joint replacements were found to have a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in a study on 249 patients scheduled for revision arthroplasty (joint replacement revision surgery).*

The study enrolled people primarily scheduled for knee or hip replacements, and some scheduled for shoulder replacement.

Routine vitamin D use was reported by only 23% of the patients, and 75% of those people had sufficient levels.

Among those who did not use vitamin D only 19% had sufficient levels, 28% had insufficient levels, and 53% were deficient.

Editor’s Note: “We identified an alarming rate of vitamin D deficiency in patients scheduled to undergo revision total joint arthroplasty,” the authors concluded. They added, “We recommend that vitamin D levels should generally be assessed in these oftentimes frail and vulnerable patients.”

* Nutrients. 2024 Sep 11;16(18):3060.

Update: Dementia Prevention, Intervention, Care

The Lancet Commission 2024 update on dementia prevention, intervention, and care summarizes the latest research on dementia that has been published since the journal’s 2020 report.*

The report shows evidence for adding two additional “modifiable” risk factors for dementia to the 12 previously shown.

The two risk factors added to this list: sleep disturbances and vitamin D deficiency.

According to the updated report, the 14 modifiable risk factors may help prevent or delay nearly half of all dementia cases.

These factors include low education, hearing loss, midlife hypertension, smoking, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, type II diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, social isolation, untreated vision loss and high LDL cholesterol.

Editor’s Note: “Key individual interventions include preventing and treating hearing loss, addressing vision loss and depression, engaging in cognitive stimulation throughout life, managing smoking, reducing and treating vascular risk factors (i.e. cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and blood pressure), minimizing head injury, and promoting physical activity,” the report concluded.

* Lancet. 2024 Aug 10;404(10452):572-628.

The Legacy of Dr. Loretta C. Ford

Dr. Loretta C. Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, FAANP, a visionary leader whose pioneering work revolutionized healthcare and advanced the role of nurse practitioners worldwide passed away on January 22 at the age of 104, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that has transformed the nursing profession and improved healthcare access.

As the co-founder of the nurse practitioner role in 1965, Dr. Ford’s commitment to patient-centered care has paved the way for the more than 385,000 NPs licensed in the United States, of whom 13,233 are certified women’s health nurse practitioners. Her profound impact is felt across healthcare systems, shaping the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and comprehensive care in rural and urban communities.

Recognizing the urgent need for greater healthcare access, she helped establish the first nurse practitioner program at the University of Colorado. This groundbreaking initiative set the foundation for the advanced practice nursing profession and has empowered generations of nurse practitioners to provide expert, compassionate care to those in need.