Evaluating the relationship between circulating mitochondrial DNA in plasma and disease severity in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

In viral infections, mitochondria act as one of the main hubs of the pathogenesis. Recent findings present new insights into the potential role of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) in COVID-19 pathogenesis by the induction of immune response and aggressive cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objective In the presenting study, we hypothesized that having higher levels of ccf-mtDNA is associated with a poor prognosis in COVID-10. Methods The levels of ccf-mtDNA were investigated in 102 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 using the quantitative PCR (q-PCR) method. Results Statistical analysis confirmed a strong association between the levels of ccf-mtDNA and with mortality, ICU admission, and intubation. Also, our findings highlighted the pivotal role of comorbidities as a risk factor for COVID-19 mortality and severity.