Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups Influence Oxidative Stress Profiles and Susceptibility to Metabolic Syndrome in an Asian Population

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups influence mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, potentially modulating susceptibility to metabolic disorders. This study investigated the associations between mtDNA haplogroups, systemic oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome in 2486 Taiwanese individuals. Serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and free thiols were measured as markers of oxidative and antioxidative status, respectively, while mtDNA haplogroups were determined using multiplex PCR and Luminex genotyping. Macrohaplogroups N (51%) and M (49%) were predominant, with haplogroups B, F, D, and M7 most frequently observed. Although the overall haplogroup distribution is genetically similar to populations in Southern China, the distribution among the Taiwanese population shows distinct differences. Haplogroup B was significantly associated with higher TBARS levels, lower thiol concentrations, and an increased prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (OR 1.34, p = 0.004). Individuals with metabolic syndrome exhibited higher oxidative stress and lower antioxidative biomarker levels than those without the syndrome, while a progressive imbalance in oxidative–antioxidative status was observed with increasing numbers of metabolic syndrome components. These findings suggest that mtDNA haplogroups, particularly haplogroup B, may contribute to metabolic syndrome susceptibility through modulation of systemic oxidative stress.