Background: The role of mitochondrial dysfunction is currently studied intensively, but the cumbersome procedure of obtaining tissue from humans has restricted the number of subjects studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the expression of mitochondrial related genes in blood cells from humans and to compare the results with measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential known to be regulated by thyroid hormones.
Methods: In a group of 17 healthy women subscribed for hysterectomy on a benign basis, muscle tissue, fat tissue samples and blood specimens were obtained. Mitochondrial mass and membrane potential was examined in peripheral blood monocytes by flow cytometry. Gene expression of PGC-1alpha, PGC-1beta, NFR-1, NRF-2 and TFAM was determined by real-time PCR.
Results: All genes were expressed in the 3 tissues examined, though with different magnitude. Most genes were expressed in mononuclear blood cells at a magnitude comparable to that in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between PGC-1beta and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) and Mitochondrial Mass (MM).
Conclusion: Measurement of expression of mitochondrial related genes in human mononuclear blood cells may be useful for examining mitochondrial function and regulation by thyroid hormones in humans.
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