Mitochondrial DNA copy number in leukocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease

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