Abstract
PurposeBoth telomere length and mitochondrial function are accepted as reflective indices of aging. Recent studies have shown that telomere dysfunction may influence impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and function. However, there has been no study regarding the possible association between telomere and mitochondrial function in humans. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify any relationships between mitochondrial and telomere function.MethodsThe present study included 129 community-dwelling, elderly women. The leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length were measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Anthropometric measurement, biochemical blood testing, a depression screening questionnaire using a 15-question geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), and a cognitive function test using the Korean version of the mini mental state examination (K-MMSE) were performed.ResultsLeukocyte mtDNA copy number was positively associated with telomere length (r=0.39, p=<0.0001) and K-MMSE score (r=0.06, p=0.02). Additionally, leukocyte mtDNA copy number was negatively correlated with GDS-15 score (r=-0.17, p=0.04). Age (r=-0.15, p=0.09), waist circumference (r=-0.16, p=0.07), and serum ferritin level (r=-0.13, p=0.07) tended to be inversely correlated with leukocyte mtDNA copy number. With a stepwise multiple regression analysis, telomere length was found to be an independent factor associated with leukocyte mtDNA copy number after adjustment for confounding variables including age, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, serum ferritin, HOMA-IR, K-MMSE, GDS-15, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, currently smoking, alcohol drinking, and regular exercise.ConclusionsThis study showed that leukocyte mtDNA copy number was positively correlated with leukocyte telomere length in community-dwelling elderly women. Our findings suggest that telomere function may influence mitochondrial function in humans.
Highlights
Mitochondria are the cellular energy-generation organelles that convert ingested food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using the electron transport chain
Leukocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was positively associated with K-MMSE score (r=0.06, p=0.02)
This study showed that leukocyte mtDNA copy number was positively correlated with leukocyte telomere length in elderly women
Summary
Mitochondria are the cellular energy-generation organelles that convert ingested food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using the electron transport chain. In this process, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as necessary by-products and can lead to mitochondrial DNA damage and respiratory chain impairment [1]. Mitochondrial gene stability and biogenesis are necessary for maintaining the functions of cells, tissues and organs. Leukocyte telomere length decreases in length with age, and its shortening is thought to be associated with increased aging-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as overall mortality [1112.13.-14]. Telomere length in red blood cells is a strong predictor of lifespan in birds [15]. Telomere length has been deemed a useful marker for monitoring aging
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