RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Sex Disparities in the Processes Underlying Aging: Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Associations with Dynapenia, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Quality of Life in Older Adults
A1 Verde, Zoraida
A1 Martins, Sara
A1 Erenas-Ondategui, Isabel
A1 Santos, Maria João
A1 Chicharro Miguel, Celia
A1 Estepa Hernández, Sandra
A1 Ollauri-Ibáñez, Claudia
A1 Oliveiros, Bárbara
A1 Fernández-Araque, Ana
A1 Grazina, Manuela
K1 mtDNA-CN
K1 older adults
K1 mineral metabolism
K1 sex disparities
K1 quality of life
K1 mobility
K1 self-care
K1 dynapenia
K1 hand grip strength
K1 multimorbidity
K1 25(OH)D3
AB Background/Objectives: Mitochondrial dysfunction, often reflected by a decline in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in peripheral blood cells (PMBCs), is a key hallmark of biological aging and is linked to numerous adverse health outcomes, including frailty and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may influence mitochondrial dysfunction. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the associations of mtDNA-CN with muscular strength, self-rated health, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels in a community-dwelling elderly population. Methods: A total of 149 elderly outpatients (≥65 years) from Soria, Spain, were included in this cross-sectional study. Muscular strength was assessed using the hand grip strength (HGS) test, and self-rated health-related quality of life (QoL) was measured using the EuroQoL five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and mtDNA-CN was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Serum 25(OH)D3, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), phosphorus, calcium, albumin and other mineral metabolism markers were measured. Statistical analyses, including Spearman correlations and multivariate logistic regression, were performed to assess associations, with stratification by sex. Results: In the total population, a marginally significant positive correlation was observed between mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and serum 25(OH)D3 levels (r = 0.210; p = 0.010), which did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction. Among women, lower mtDNA-CN was significantly linked to muscle weakness (p = 0.005), mobility problems (p = 0.009), and a trend toward self-care difficulties (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association with increased mobility impairment risk (adjusted OR = 0.983; 95% CI: 0.97–1.00; p = 0.009). No significant associations were observed between mtDNA-CN and dynapenia or QoL components in the male group. Conclusions: This study identified a marginally significant positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and mtDNA-CN in the total population (r = 0.210; p = 0.010), which did not persist after Bonferroni correction, suggesting an exploratory link between vitamin D status and mitochondrial homeostasis in older adults. In addition, these results highlight sex-specific differences in mtDNA-CN as a potential biomarker of functional decline, particularly of mobility, in women. These findings support the idea that mtDNA-CN could serve as an integrated biomarker and that sex-specific nutrition could be used to promote healthy aging.
PB MDPI
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83780
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83780
LA spa
NO Verde Z, Martins S, Erenas-Ondategui I, Santos MJ, Chicharro Miguel C, Estepa Hernández S, Ollauri-Ibáñez C, Oliveiros B, Fernández-Araque A, Grazina M. Sex Disparities in the Processes Underlying Aging: Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Associations with Dynapenia, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels and Quality of Life in Older Adults. Nutrients. 2026; 18(3):526. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030526
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 24-mar-2026