Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Is Associated with the Severity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as a gastrointestinal disorder, presents with abdomen pain and alterations in the bowel habits. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we examined mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) in IBS and its clinical value.

Materials and Methods: mtCN was analyzed in 43 IBS patients using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, data on the clinical characteristics of patients and symptom severity of IBS were collected, and their association with mtCN was analyzed. Results: mtCN was higher in patients with IBS (p = 0.008) and those with a drinking habit (p = 0.004). Smoking and the presence of a sleep partner showed a possible association with mtCN; however, it did not reach significance. The severity of IBS symptoms tended to positively correlate with mtCN (r = 0.279, p = 0.070). Conclusions: Overall, we demonstrated a potential association between mtCN and the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with IBS. Further studies considering genetic and clinical factors are required.