Mitochondrial DNA copy number as a biomarker of oxidative stress and inflammation in premature ovarian insufficiency

The study examined the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The research included 100 POI patients and 100 healthy volunteers from January 2020 to December 2022. mtDNAcn in peripheral blood was measured using qPCR, and oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. POI patients showed elevated levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and reactive oxygen species, but decreased levels of IL-10, TGF-β, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase. mtDNAcn was positively associated with anti-inflammatory markers and negatively associated with inflammation and oxidative stress markers. ROC analysis showed good predictive capacity of mtDNAcn (AUC = 0.951). Lower mtDNAcn in POI patients was associated with increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. mtDNAcn may serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker for POI, but further prospective studies with external validation are needed.