Mitochondrial DNA levels predict COVID-19 severity

Higher levels of plasma mitochondrial DNA at the time of hospital admission were associated with worse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. According to the authors, mitochondrial DNA levels can predict the severity of COVID-19 at an early stage. Implementing standard measurement of levels should be considered in clinical practice.  

“Mitochondrial DNA is an inflammatory mediator that is released during end-organ damage,” said Dr Marlene Cano (Washington University in Saint Louis, MO, USA) [1]. The current, prospective study assessed whether mitochondrial DNA levels could predict COVID-19 severity in a relatively early stage of the disease (n=78). Mitochondrial DNA measures were performed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 84 after admission to the hospital. Mortality was the primary outcome of the study. 

Mitochondrial DNA significantly predicted mortality in the current population of patients with COVID-19 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.73; 95% CI 0.58–0.88; P=0.0041). Similarly, mitochondrial DNA was a significant predictor of COVID-19 severity: higher plasma levels of mitochondrial DNA were associated with an increased risk for admission to the ICU, intubation, receiving vasopressors, and being supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Finally, Dr Cano added that tocilizumab was the only assessed therapy that appeared to reduce mitochondrial DNA levels in this population. 

1. Cano M, et al. Mitochondrial DNA is an early predictor of COVID-19 severity of disease: validation cohort and response to targeted COVID-19 treatments. D95, ATS International Conference 2023, 19–24 May, Washington DC, USA. 

 

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Posted on 12 June 20238 April 2024