1A.04: CORRELATES OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD MITOCHONDRIAL DNA COPY NUMBER IN A GENERAL POPULATION. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knez, J.; Winckelmans, E.; Plusquin, M.; Thijs, L.; Cauwenberghs, N.; Staessen, J.A.; Nawrot, T.; Kuznetsova, T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 33(2015)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000467354.97086.23
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Accumulation of mtDNA mutations leads to alterations of mitochondrial biogenesis and function that might result in decrease of mtDNA content within cells. This implies a possible role of mtDNA content as a potential biomarker in processes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. However, data on correlates of the mtDNA content in a general population are sparse. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to describe in a randomly recruited population sample the distribution and determinants of the peripheral blood mtDNA content. Design and method: We examined 689 individuals (50.4% women, mean age, 54.4 years), randomly selected from a Flemish population. Relative mtDNA copy number compared to nuclear DNA was measured by quantitative real-time PCR in peripheral blood. Results: There was a curvilinear relationship between the relative mtDNA copy number and age. Indeed, mtDNA content increased until the fifth decade of life and declined in older subjects (P age2 = 0.0005). Moreover, the mtDNA content significantly and independently increased with female sex (P = 0.0078) and platelet count (P < 0.0001), whereas it decreased with white blood cell count (WBC) (P < 0.0001). We also observed a slightly decrease in mtDNA content in women using oestroprogestogens (P = 0.044). Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrated in a general population that peripheral blood mtDNA content is significantly associated with sex and age. In addition, blood mtDNA content is influenced by platelet and WBC counts and intake of oestroprogestogens. Further studies are required to clarify the impact of inflammation and hormone therapy on mitochondrial function.