The Association Between Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number (MTDNA-CN) and Relativr Telomere Length (RTL) with Genral Healthof Punan People Living in Respen Tubu, Long Sule, and Sajau Benau in North Kalimantan

Abstract

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and relative telomere length (RTL) are promising biomarkers to have a better understanding on the general health of individuals that is correlated with diet, lifestyle, and consequently the general health status. In Indonesia, the Punans live in various part of Kalimantan, including in North Kalimantan, such as in Respen Tubu, Long Sule, and Sajau Benau. They adopt different lifestyle one to another. The overall objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between lifestyle, mtDNA-CN, RTL, and general health status of the Punans. The result showed that the Punans who live in different area had significantly different lifestyle, mtDNA-CN, RTL, and general health status. Significant association was also found between lifestyle, mtDNA-CN, RTL and general health status that were connected through oxidative response, antioxidant, and inflammation. In conclusion, lifestyle affects mtDNA-CN and RTL of the Punans independently, ultimately leading to different general health status. Furthermore, mtDNA-CN and RTL themselves were associated from one to another through ROS. Further studies with bigger sample size and more general health parameters are needed to validate the findings.