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Correlates of Peripheral Blood Mitochondrial DNA Content in a General Population

Judita Knez, Ellen Winckelmans, Michelle Plusquin

    American Journal of Epidemiology
    |December 26, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in blood varies with age and sex in the general population. Factors like platelet count, white blood cell count, and hormone use also influence mtDNA levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Genetics
    • Population Health

    Background:

    • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations can alter mitochondrial function and content.
    • Reduced mtDNA content may indicate oxidative stress and inflammation.
    • Data on mtDNA content determinants in general populations are limited.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the distribution and determinants of peripheral blood mtDNA content in a randomly selected population.
    • To identify factors associated with variations in mtDNA copy number.

    Main Methods:

    • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to measure relative mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood.
    • Data were collected from 689 participants in the Flemish Study on Environment, Genes, and Health Outcomes (2009-2013).
    • Statistical analyses explored associations between mtDNA content and demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors.

    Main Results:

    • mtDNA content showed a curvilinear relationship with age, increasing until the fifth decade and declining thereafter.
    • Women exhibited significantly higher mtDNA content compared to men.
    • mtDNA content positively correlated with platelet count and negatively with white blood cell count.
    • Estroprogestogen use was associated with lower mtDNA content in women.

    Conclusions:

    • Peripheral blood mtDNA content in the general population is significantly associated with sex and age.
    • Platelet count, white blood cell count, and estroprogestogen intake are identified as influencing factors.
    • Further research is needed to understand the impact of inflammation and hormone therapy on mitochondrial function.
    Keywords:
    general populationmitochondrial DNAperipheral blood

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