Role of mtDNA haplogroups in COPD susceptibility in a southwestern Han Chinese population

The interplay of a complex genetic basis with the environmental factors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may account for the differences in individual susceptibility to COPD. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contributes to an individual’s ability to resist oxidation, an important determinant that affects COPD susceptibility. To investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups play important roles in COPD susceptibility, the frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups and an 822-bp mtDNA deletion in 671 COPD patients and 724 control individuals from southwestern China were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, whereas mtDNA haplogroups A and M7 might be associated with an increased risk for COPD (OR=1.996, 95% CI=1.149–2.831, p=0.006, and OR=1.754, 95% CI=1.931–2.552, p=0.021, respectively), haplogroups F, D, and M9 might be associated with a decreased risk for COPD in this population (OR=0.554, 95% CI=0.390–0.787, p=0.001; OR=0.758, 95% CI=0.407–0.965, p=0.002; and OR=0.186, 95% CI=0.039–0.881, p=0.034, respectively). Additionally, the increased frequency of the 822-bp mtDNA deletion in male cigarette-smoking subjects among COPD patients and controls of haplogroup D indicated that haplogroup D might increase an individual’s susceptibility to DNA damage from external reactive oxygen species derived from heavy cigarette smoking. We conclude that haplogroups A and M7 might be risk factors for COPD, whereas haplogroups D, F, and M9 might decrease the COPD risk in this Han Chinese population.

► MtDNA haplogroups A and M7 associated with an increased risk for COPD. ► Haplogroups F, D, and M9 associated with a decreased risk for COPD. ► Cigarette-smoking was a risk factor for the 822-bp mtDNA deletion. ► Haplogroup D might increase an individual’s susceptibility to DNA damage.