Depleted leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number in metabolic syndrome

Aims: metabolic syndrome (mets) is characterized by a group of defects of metabolic origin which are possibly involved in mitochondrial dna (mtdna) alteration of mtdna content [lee et al. exp biol med,2007; 232(5):592-606]. the present study was undertaken to ascertain whether alteration of leukocyte mtdna copy number is related to mets. methods: eighty non-mets subjects and 50 subjects with mets were recruited. the mtdna copy number of leukocytes from each group of subjects was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. results: the mtdna copy number of leukocytes in subjects with mets was significantly lower than that of non-mets subjects. depleted mtdna copy number is correlated with lower plasma hdl,higher triglyceride,higher homa-ir and hypertension,and is even more sensitive to mets criteria. conclusions: depleted leukocyte mtdna copy number is related to the severity of mets. alteration of mtdna copy number in leukocytes is proposed as a mets biomarker involved in the bioenergetic change of mitochondria.