Mitochondrial DNA copy number, metabolic syndrome, and insulin sensitivity: Insights from the Sugar, Hypertension, and Physical Exercise studies

PLoS One. 2022 Jul 18;17(7):e0270951. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270951. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) measured in blood has been associated with many aging-related diseases, with higher mtDNA-CN typically associated with lower disease risk. Exercise training is an excellent preventative tool against aging-related disorders and has been shown to increase mitochondrial function in muscle. Using the Sugar, Hypertension, and Physical Exercise cohorts (N = 105), we evaluated the effect of 6-months of exercise intervention on mtDNA-CN measured in blood. Although there was no significant relationship between exercise intervention and mtDNA-CN change (P = 0.29), there was a nominally significant association between mtDNA-CN and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.04), which has been seen in previous literature. We also identified a nominally significant association between higher mtDNA-CN and higher insulin sensitivity (P = 0.02).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • DNA Copy Number Variations
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / genetics
  • Insulin Resistance* / genetics
  • Metabolic Syndrome* / genetics
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Sugars

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Sugars