Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA as biomarkers of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Despite advances in perinatal care, bronchopulmonary dysplasia continues to be the most common chronic pulmonary morbidity associated with prematurity. Prediction of BPD in early stages is crucial to improve BPD rates, but this remains a major challenge in neonatal units. Given that mitochondria play an important role in the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, we aimed to explore the relationship between mitochondrial haplogroups, circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA levels, and BPD. This is the first work carried out in very preterm infants where mitochondrial haplogroups and the levels ccf-mtDNA are investigated with the intention of discovering a new biomarker for BPD.