Ukr.Biochem.J. 2025; Volume 97, Issue 2, Mar-Apr, pp. 41-47
doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/ubj97.02.041
Mitochondrial DNA copy number in leukocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Y. A. Saienko1,2*, D. S. Krasnenkov1, K. K. Midlovets1, V. V. Korcheva1,
Y. E. Rebrova1,3, D. D. Yepishyna1, B. M. Mankovsky1
1SI “D.F. Chebotarev Institute of Gerontology, National Academy
of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv;
2SI “Center for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine”, Kyiv
3P.L. Shupyk National University of Health Care of Ukraine, Kyiv;
*e-mail: ysaenko1981@gmail.com
Received: 04 April 2025; Revised: 23 April 2025;
Accepted: 25 April 2025; Available on-line: 12 May 2025
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) as one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction, in particular a reduction in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), plays an important role in the development of diabetic complications, including nephropathy. The aim of this study was to determine the mtDNA-CN in peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with T2DM depending on the presence of CKD. A total of 109 individuals were examined, including 20 healthy controls and 89 patients with T2DM divided into groups based on the presence or absence of CKD. The mtDNA-CN in leukocytes was determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Biochemical markers of T2DM and CKD were evaluated, non-parametric tests and correlation analysis were performed. No statistically significant differences in mtDNA-CN level were observed between patients with T2DM and CKD, patients with T2DM without CKD, and the control group (P > 0.05). No associations between mtDNA-CN and kidney function parameters were identified. The absence of mtDNA-CN alterations is assumed to contribute to the relatively satisfactory glycemic control in diabetic groups.
Keywords: chronic kidney disease, leukocytes, mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA copy number, type 2 diabetes mellitus
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