D Mitochondrial DNA Damage can Promote Atherosclerosis Independently of Reactive Oxygen Species and Correlates with Higher Risk Plaques in Humans

Introduction

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage occurs in both the vessel wall and in circulating cells in human atherosclerosis. However, whether mtDNA damage promotes atherogenesis or is a consequence of tissue damage is unknown. We assessed the hypothesis that mtDNA damage is present, and can directly promote atherosclerosis and affect plaque composition.

Methods

To assess whether mtDNA damage may contribute to atherogenesis...