The relationship between leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length in community-dwelling elderly women

Aberrant telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in suicide completers

Short telomere length (TL) occurs in individuals under psychological stress, and with various psychiatric diseases. Recent studies have also reported mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) alterations under several neuropsychiatric conditions. However, no study has examined whether aberrant TL or mtDNAcn occur in completed suicide, one of the most serious outcomes of mental illnesses. TL and mtDNAcn in post-mortem samples from 528 suicide completers without severe physical illness (508 peripheral bloods; 20 brains) and 560 samples from control subjects (peripheral bloods from 535 healthy individuals; 25 post-mortem brains) were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Suicide completers had significantly shorter TL and higher mtDNAcn of peripheral bloods with sex/age-dependent differences (shorter TL was more remarkably in female/young suicides; higher mtDNAcn more so in male/elderly suicides). The normal age-related decline of TL and mtDNAcn were significantly altered in suicide completers. Furthermore, shorter TL and lower mtDNAcn of post-mortem prefrontal cortex were seen in suicide completers compared to controls. This study shows the first association of aberrant telomeres and mtDNA content with suicide completion. Our results indicate that further research on telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction may help elucidate the molecular underpinnings of suicide-related pathophysiology.

The Crosstalk between the Gut Microbiota and Mitochondria during Exercise

Many physiological changes occur in response to endurance exercise in order to adapt to the increasing energy needs, mitochondria biogenesis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and acute inflammatory responses. Mitochondria are organelles within each cell that are crucial for ATP production and are also a major producer of ROS and reactive nitrogen species during intense exercise. Recent evidence shows there is a bidirectional interaction between mitochondria and microbiota. The gut microbiota have been shown to regulate key transcriptional co-activators, transcription factors and enzymes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis such as PGC-1α, SIRT1, and AMPK genes. Furthermore, the gut microbiota and its metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, also contribute to host energy production, ROS modulation and inflammation in the gut by attenuating TNFα- mediated immune responses and inflammasomes such as NLRP3. On the other hand, mitochondria, particularly mitochondrial ROS production, have a crucial role in regulating the gut microbiota via modulating intestinal barrier function and mucosal immune responses. Recently, it has also been shown that genetic variants within the mitochondrial genome, could affect mitochondrial function and therefore the intestinal microbiota composition and activity. Diet is also known to dramatically modulate the composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, studies targeting the gut microbiota can be useful for managing mitochondrial related ROS production, pro-inflammatory signals and metabolic limits in endurance athletes.

Telomere length is correlated with mitochondrial DNA copy number in intestinal, but not diffuse, gastric cancer

A positive correlation between telomere length and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number has previously been observed in healthy individuals, and in patients with psychiatric disorders. In the present study, telomere length and mtDNA copy number were evaluated in gastric cancer (GC) tissue samples. DNA was extracted from 109 GC samples (including 82 intestinal, and 27 diffuse cases), and the telomere length and mtDNA copy number were analyzed using a quantitative-polymerase chain reaction assay. The relative telomere length and mtDNA copy number in tumor tissue, as compared with in normal tissue, (mean ± standard deviation) in all GC samples were 11.48±1.14 and 14.86±1.35, respectively. Telomere length and mtDNA copy number were not identified as exhibiting clinical or prognostic value for GC. However, positive correlations between telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number were identified in GC (r=0.408, P<0.001) and in the adjacent normal mucosa (r=0.363; P<0.001). When stratified by Lauren classification, the correlation was identified in intestinal type GC samples (r=0.461; P<0.001), but not in diffuse type GC samples (r=0.225; P=0.260). This result indicated that loss of the correlation of telomeres and mitochondrial function may induce the initiation or progression of GC pathogenesis.

Linkage between mitochondrial genome alterations, telomere length and aging population

We studied telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number variations in individuals from Latvian Caucasian population in different age groups. We showed a positive correlation between TL and mtDNA copy number in individuals of up to 90 years of age; however, this correlation was not observed in the 90-100 years age group. While TL shortened with age and mtDNA content decreased with increasing age, in this study it was observed that mtDNA copy number in nonagenarians was slightly higher than in the 60-89 years age group. The presence of heteroplasmy in the mtDNA HVS-I control region did not correlate with TL and mtDNA copy number. TL and mtDNA values also did not differ between mitochondrial haplogroups. In conclusion, while both TL and mtDNA are involved in the aging process and link between these cell components exists, nonagenarians may have differences in senescence-related pathways and systems, which may function as a protective mechanism that allows them to live longer.

Increased plasma levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA in suicide attempters: associations with HPA-axis hyperactivity

Preclinical data suggest that chronic stress may cause cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, potentially leading to the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the bloodstream. Major depressive disorder has been associated with an increased amount of mtDNA in leukocytes from saliva samples and blood; however, no previous studies have measured plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA in a clinical psychiatric sample. In this study, free circulating mtDNA was quantified in plasma samples from 37 suicide attempters, who had undergone a dexamethasone suppression test (DST), and 37 healthy controls. We hypothesized that free circulating mtDNA would be elevated in the suicide attempters and would be associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity. Suicide attempters had significantly higher plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA compared with healthy controls at different time points (pre- and post-DST; all P-values<2.98E-12, Cohen's d ranging from 2.55 to 4.01). Pre-DST plasma levels of mtDNA were positively correlated with post-DST cortisol levels (rho=0.49, P<0.003). Suicide attempters may have elevated plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA, which are related to impaired HPA-axis negative feedback. This peripheral index is consistent with an increased cellular or mitochondrial damage. The specific cells and tissues contributing to plasma levels of free-circulating mtDNA are not known, as is the specificity of this finding for suicide attempters. Future studies are needed in order to better understand the relevance of increased free-circulating mtDNA in relation to the pathophysiology underlying suicidal behavior and depression.

Association between Leukocyte Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Regular Exercise in Postmenopausal Women

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that habitual exercise can improve skeletal mitochondrial function; however, to date, the association between exercise and mitochondrial function in peripheral leukocytes has not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between regular exercise and mitochondrial function by measuring leukocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 144 relatively healthy, non-diabetic, non-smoking, postmenopausal women. Clinical parameters, including anthropometric measurements and cardio-metabolic parameters, were assessed. Regular exercise was defined as at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity, over a duration of at least 6 months. Leukocyte mtDNA copy numbers were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, and these were normalized to the β-globin copy number to give the relative mtDNA copy number.

RESULTS

The mtDNA copy number of peripheral leukocytes was significantly greater in the exercise group (1.33±0.02) than in the no exercise group (1.05±0.02, P<0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that regular exercise was independently associated with mtDNA copy number (β=0.25, P<0.01) after adjusting for the variables age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value, and levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and homocysteine.

CONCLUSION

Regular exercise is associated with greater leukocyte mtDNA copy number in postmenopausal women.

Psychological Profiles in the Prediction of Leukocyte Telomere Length in Healthy Individuals

BACKGROUND

Shorter telomere length (TL) may signal premature cellular aging and increased risk for disease. While depression and psychosocial stress have been associated with shorter telomeres, other psychological risk factors for cardiovascular disease have received less attention.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between TL and psychological risk factors (symptoms of anxiety and depression, hostility and defensiveness traits) for heart disease, and to examine whether chronological age and sex moderate the associations observed.

METHODS

132 healthy men and women (Mage = 45.34 years) completed the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II, The Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale. Relative TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of total genomic DNA samples. A series of hierarchical linear regressions were performed controlling for pertinent covariates.

RESULTS

Shorter TL was observed among individuals high in defensiveness (β = -.221) and depressive symptoms (β = -.213), as well as in those with less hostility (β =.256) and anxiety (β =.220)(all Ps<.05). Psychological variables explained 19% of the variance over and above that explained by covariates (age, sex, exercise, alcohol consumption, systemic inflammation, and 24-hr mean arterial pressure). Age moderated the relation between TL and defensiveness (β =.179, p =.03). Sex did not influence any of the relations.

CONCLUSIONS

Telomere length is associated with psychological burden though the direction of effect differs depending on the psychological variables under study. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for and implications of these seemingly contradictory findings.

Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Children from Salamanca, Mexico

AIM

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in children.

METHODS

Leukocyte TL and mtDNAcn were measured by real-time PCR in 98 Mexican children 6-12 years of age from Salamanca, México.

RESULTS

A positive association was found between TL and mtDNAcn after a natural log transformation (Pearson correlation r = 0.72; p < 0.0001). No correlation between age and body mass index (BMI) biomarkers was found, and no differences according to sex were observed. After adjustment for these variables, a linear regression model showed an association between TL and mtDNAcn (β = 0.739, 95% confidence interval 0.594; 0.885, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

A strong positive correlation between TL and mtDNAcn was found in the study population; age, sex, and BMI seemed to have no effect on this correlation.

Alterations of telomere length and mtDNA copy number are associated with overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization

PURPOSE

Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (mtDNAcn) and relative telomere length (RTL) may be implicated in the tumorigenesis of several malignancies. Alterations of both RTL and mtDNAcn are generally accepted as independent biomarkers for predicting risk and prognosis in various cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of combining leukocyte RTL with mtDNAcn (RTL-mtDNAcn) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

RTL and mtDNAcn in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were measured using a real-time PCR-based method in a total of 250 HCC patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We evaluated the associations between RTL and/or mtDNAcn and HCC overall survival using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

We found that patients with longer leukocyte RTL or lower mtDNAcn had shorter overall survival time. The univariate analysis (HR 1.63, 95 % CI 1.23-2.17, P = 7.7 × 10(-4)) and multivariate analysis (HR 1.78, 95 % CI 1.31-2.42, P = 2.4 × 10(-4)) indicated that longer leukocyte RTL was significantly associated with poorer OS in HCC patients. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients with longer RTL had shorter overall survival time than those with shorter RTL (log-rank P = 0.001). Patients with lower mtDNA copy number was significantly associated with poorer OS by Cox proportional hazards model using both univariate (HR 1.60, 95 % CI 1.21-2.13, P = 0.001) and multivariate analyses (HR 1.77, 95 % CI 1.30-2.41, P = 2.8 × 10(-4)). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients with lower mtDNA content had significantly shorter overall survival time than those with higher mtDNA content (log-rank P = 0.001). Furthermore, combination of leukocyte RTL and mtDNAcn significantly improved the efficacy of predicting HCC prognosis. Patients with longer RTL and lower mtDNAcn exhibited a significantly poorer overall survival in both the univariate analysis (HR 2.21, 95 % CI 1.52-3.22, P = 3.5 × 10(-5)) and multivariate analysis (HR 2.60, 95 % CI 1.73-3.90, P = 4.3 × 10(-6)). The effect on patient prognosis was more evident in patients with longer RTL and lower mtDNAcn than in those with shorter RTL and lower mtDNA (HR 2.11, 95 % CI 1.34-3.32, P = 0.001) or in those with longer RTL and higher mtDNA (HR 2.10, 95 % CI 1.34-3.27, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that combination of leukocyte RTL-mtDNAcn may be a potential efficient prognostic marker for HCC patients receiving the TACE treatment.

Biomolecular Markers within the Core Axis of Aging and Particulate Air Pollution Exposure in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content are markers of aging and aging-related diseases. There is inconclusive evidence concerning the mechanistic effects of airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure on biomolecular markers of aging.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines the association between short- and long-term PM exposure with telomere length and mtDNA content in the elderly and investigates to what extent this association is mediated by expression of genes playing a role in the telomere-mitochondrial axis of aging.

METHODS

Among 166 nonsmoking elderly participants, we used qPCR to measure telomere length and mtDNA content in leukocytes and RNA from whole blood to measure expression of SIRT1, TP53, PPARGC1A, PPARGC1B, NRF1, and NFE2L2. Associations between PM exposure and markers of aging were estimated using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, BMI, socioeconomic status, statin use, past smoking status, white blood cell count, and percentage of neutrophils. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the role of age-related markers between the association of PM exposure and outcome. Annual PM2.5 exposure was calculated for each participant's home address using a high-resolution spatial-temporal interpolation model.

RESULTS

Annual PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 15 to 23 μg/m3. A 5-μg/m3 increment in annual PM2.5 concentration was associated with a relative decrease of 16.8% (95% CI: -26.0%, -7.4%, p = 0.0005) in telomere length and a relative decrease of 25.7% (95% CI: -35.2%, -16.2%, p < 0.0001) in mtDNA content. Assuming causality, results of the mediation analysis indicated that SIRT1 mediated 19.5% and 22.5% of the estimated effect of PM2.5 exposure on telomere length and mtDNA content, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the estimated effects of PM2.5 exposure on the telomere-mitochondrial axis of aging may play an important role in chronic health effects of PM2.5.

CITATION

Pieters N, Janssen BG, Dewitte H, Cox B, Cuypers A, Lefebvre W, Smeets K, Vanpoucke C, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. 2016. Biomolecular markers within the core axis of aging and particulate air pollution exposure in the elderly: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Perspect 124:943-950; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1509728.

Correlates of Peripheral Blood Mitochondrial DNA Content in a General Population

Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations leads to alterations of mitochondrial biogenesis and function that might produce a decrease in mtDNA content within cells. This implies that mtDNA content might be a potential biomarker associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. However, data on correlates of mtDNA content in a general population are sparse. Our goal in the present study was to describe in a randomly recruited population sample the distribution and determinants of peripheral blood mtDNA content. From 2009 to 2013, we examined 689 persons (50.4% women; mean age = 54.4 years) randomly selected from a Flemish population (Flemish Study on Environment, Genes, and Health Outcomes). Relative mtDNA copy number as compared with nuclear DNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood. There was a curvilinear relationship between relative mtDNA copy number and age. mtDNA content slightly increased until the fifth decade of life and declined in older subjects (P_age² = 0.0002). mtDNA content was significantly higher in women (P = 0.007) and increased with platelet count (P < 0.0001), whereas it was inversely associated with white blood cell count (P < 0.0001). We also observed lower mtDNA content in women using estroprogestogens (P = 0.044). This study demonstrated in a general population that peripheral blood mtDNA content is significantly associated with sex and age. Blood mtDNA content is also influenced by platelet and white blood cell counts and estroprogestogen intake. Further studies are required to clarify the impact of chronic inflammation and hormone therapy on mitochondrial function.

Alterations of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Telomere Length With Early Adversity and Psychopathology

BACKGROUND

Telomere shortening and alterations of mitochondrial biogenesis are involved in cellular aging. Childhood adversity is associated with telomere shortening, and several investigations have shown short telomeres in psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have examined whether mitochondria might be involved in neuropsychiatric conditions; findings are limited and no prior work has examined this in relation to stress exposure.

METHODS

Two-hundred ninety healthy adults provided information on childhood parental loss and maltreatment and completed diagnostic interviews. Participants were categorized into four groups based upon the presence or absence of childhood adversity and the presence or absence of lifetime psychopathology (depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders). Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number were measured from leukocyte DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Childhood adversity and lifetime psychopathology were each associated with shorter telomeres (p < .01) and higher mtDNA copy numbers (p < .001). Significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers and shorter telomeres were seen in individuals with major depression, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as those with parental loss and childhood maltreatment. A history of substance disorders was also associated with significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence of an alteration of mitochondrial biogenesis with early life stress and with anxiety and substance use disorders. We replicate prior work on telomere length and psychopathology and show that this effect is not secondary to medication use or comorbid medical illness. Finally, we show that early life stress and psychopathology are each associated with these markers of cellular aging.

Association of telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number with risperidone treatment response in first-episode antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia

Accumulating evidence indicates a putative association of telomere length and mitochondrial function with antipsychotics response in schizophrenia (SCZ). However, pharmacological findings were limited and no previous work has assessed this in a prospective longitudinal study. This study assessed telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in first-episode antipsychotic-naïve SCZ patients with 8-week risperidone treatment to evaluate the association between these biomarkers and clinical treatment response. We recruited 137 first-episode antipsychotic-naive SCZ patients (and 144 controls) at baseline and 89 patients completed the 8-week follow-up. Patients, completed follow-up, were divided into Responders (N = 46) and Non-Responders (N = 43) according to the percentage of symptoms improvement. Linear regression analyses show that SCZ patients had significantly lower mtDNA copy number (β = -0.108, p = 0.002), and no alteration of telomere length when compared with healthy controls. In addition, compared with Non-Responders, Responders had significantly lower mtDNA copy number (β = -0.178, p = 0.001), and longer telomere length (β = 0.111, p = 0.071) before the 8-week treatment. After treatment, Responders persisted lower mtDNA copy number comparing with No-Responders (partial η(2) = 0.125, p = 0.001). These findings suggest that telomere length and mtDNA copy number may hold the potential to serve as predictors of antipsychotic response of SCZ patients.

Genetic and epigenetic trends in telomere research: a novel way in immunoepigenetics

Telomeres are protective heterochromatic structures that cap the end of linear chromosomes and play a key role in preserving genomic stability. Telomere length represents a balance between processes that shorten telomeres during cell divisions with incomplete DNA replication and the ones that lengthen telomeres by the action of telomerase, an RNA-protein complex with reverse transcriptase activity which adds telomeric repeats to DNA molecule ends. Telomerase activity and telomere length have a crucial role in cellular ageing and in the pathobiology of several human diseases attracting intense research. The last few decades have witnessed remarkable advances in our understanding about telomeres, telomere-associated proteins, and the biogenesis and regulation of the telomerase holoenzyme complex, as well as about telomerase activation and the telomere-independent functions of telomerase. Emerging data have revealed that telomere length can be modified by genetic and epigenetic factors, sex hormones, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory reactions. It has become clear that, in order to find out more about the factors influencing the rate of telomere attrition in vivo, it is crucial to explore both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Since the telomere/telomerase assembly is under the control of multiple epigenetic influences, the unique design of twin studies could help disentangle genetic and environmental factors in the functioning of the telomere/telomerase system. It is surprising that the literature on twin studies investigating this topic is rather scarce. This review aims to provide an overview of some important immune response- and epigenetics-related aspects of the telomere/telomerase system demanding more research, while presenting the available twin data published in connection with telomere research so far. By emphasising what we know and what we still do not know in these areas, another purpose of this review is to urge more twin studies in telomere research.

Leukocyte Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Is Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence suggests that leukocytes mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) is susceptible to undergo mutations, insertions, or depletion in response to reactive oxidative stress (ROS). We hypothesize that mtDNA copy number is associated with the development of COPD.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Relative mtDNA copy number was measured by a quantitative real-time PCR assay using DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes. MtDNA copy number of peripheral leukocytes in the COPD group (n = 86) is significantly decreased compared with non-smoker group (n = 77) (250.3± 21.5 VS. 464.2± 49.9, P<0.001). MtDNA copy number in the COPD group was less than that in the healthy smoking group, but P value nearly achieved significance (250.3± 21.5 VS. 404.0± 76.7, P = 0.08) MtDNA copy number has no significance with age, gender, body mass index, current smoking, and pack-years in COPD group, healthy smoker group and no smoker group, respectively. Serum glutathione level in the COPD group is significantly decreased compared with healthy smoker and non-smoker groups (4.5± 1.3 VS. 6.2± 1.9 and 4.5± 1.3 VS. 7.1±1.1 mU/mL; P<0.001 respectively). Pearson correlation test shows a significant liner correlation between mtDNA copy number and serum glutathione level (R = 0.2, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

COPD is associated with decreased leukocyte mtDNA copy number and serum glutathione. COPD is a regulatory disorder of leukocytes mitochondria. However, further studies are needed to determine the real mechanisms about the gene and the function of mitochondria.

Association of telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in a community sample of healthy adults

Cellular aging plays a role in longevity and senescence, and has been implicated in medical and psychiatric conditions, including heart disease, cancer, major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be central to the cellular aging process. The present study examined the association between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and telomere length in a sample of medically healthy adults. Participants (total n=392) were divided into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of early life adversity and lifetime psychopathology: No Adversity/No Disorder, n=136; Adversity/No Disorder, n=91; No Adversity/Disorder, n=46; Adversity/Disorder, n=119. Telomere length and mtDNA copy number were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. There was a positive correlation between mtDNA and telomere length in the entire sample (r=0.120, p<0.001) and in each of the four groups of participants (No Adversity/No Disorder, r=0.291, p=0.001; Adversity/No Disorder r=0.279, p=0.007; No Adversity/Disorder r=0.449, p=0.002; Adversity/Disorder, r=0.558, p<0.001). These correlations remained significant when controlling for age, smoking, and body mass index and establish an association between mtDNA and telomere length in a large group of women and men both with and without early adversity and psychopathology, suggesting co-regulation of telomeres and mitochondrial function. The mechanisms underlying this association may be important in the pathophysiology of age-related medical conditions, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as for stress-associated psychiatric disorders.

Molecular responses in the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing in the elderly: a candidate gene approach

Experimental evidence shows that telomere shortening induces mitochondrial damage but so far studies in humans are scarce. Here, we investigated the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in elderly and explored possible intermediate mechanisms by determining the gene expression profile of candidate genes in the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing. Among 166 non-smoking elderly, LTL, leukocyte mtDNA content and expression of candidate genes: sirtuin1 (SIRT1), tumor protein p53 (TP53), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator1β (PGC-1β), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NRF2), using a quantitave real time polymerase chain assay (qPCR). Statistical mediation analysis was used to study intermediate mechanisms of the telomere-mitochondrial axis of ageing. LTL correlated with leukocyte mtDNA content in our studied elderly (r = 0.23, p = 0.0047). SIRT1 gene expression correlated positively with LTL (r = 0.26, p = 0.0094) and leukocyte mtDNA content (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001). The other studied candidates showed significant correlations in the telomere-mitochondrial interactome but not independent from SIRT1. SIRT1 gene expression was estimated to mediate 40% of the positive association between LTL and leukocyte mtDNA content. The key finding of our study was that SIRT1 expression plays a pivotal role in the telomere-mitochondrial interactome.

Leucocyte telomere shortening in relation to newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with depression

The goal of this study is to investigate the association between oxidative stress and telomere length shortening in the comorbid depression and diabetes. Therefore, 71 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 52 subjects with normal glycemic level (control, Ctrl) were enrolled. Depressive status was identified with the Depression Subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Leukocyte telomere length ratio (T/S ratio) was determined with quantitative PCR. Oxidative stress status was evaluated with 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) assay kit. Some other biochemical blood testing was also performed. The data showed that T2D patients had higher proportion of depression evaluated by the HADS-D (x(2) = 4.196, P = 0.041). T/S ratio was significantly negatively correlated with 8-OHdG, HADS-D, age, HbA1c, FPG, and HOMA-IR. In addition, HADS-D was significantly positively correlated with HbA1c, FPG, HOMA-IR, and 8-OHdG. Both HADS-D and 8-OHdG were the major independent predictors for T/S ratio. This study indicates that oxidative stress contributes to both telomere length shortening and depression development in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients, while in depression status, some other mechanisms besides oxidative stress may also affect the telomere length.

Constitutive mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood of melanoma families with and without CDKN2A mutations

Quantitative changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been associated with the risk of a number of human cancers; however, the relationship between constitutive mtDNA copy number in blood and the risk of familial cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has not been reported. We measured mtDNA copy number using quantitative PCR in blood-derived DNA from 136 CMM cases and 302 controls in 53 melanoma-prone families (23 segregating CDKN2A germline mutations). MtDNA copy number did not vary by age, sex, pigmentation characteristics, or CMM status. However, germline CDKN2A mutation carriers had significantly higher mean mtDNA copy number compared to non-carriers, particularly among CMM cases (geometric mean mtDNA copy number of 144 and 111 for carrier versus non-carrier, respectively; P= 0.02). When adjusting for age, sex, and familial correlation, having increasing mtDNA copy number was significantly associated with CDKN2A mutation status among CMM cases (OR=1.47, P_trend=0.024). In particular, individuals with specific CDKN2A mutations with the potential to inactivate or reduce the level of the p16-INK4 reactive oxygen species (ROS) protective function had significantly increased mtDNA copy number levels (P=0.035). Future research in prospective studies is required to validate these findings and to further investigate mtDNA copy number in both blood and melanoma tissues in relation to CMM risk and CDKN2A mutation status.