Comprehensive Analysis of the Mitochondrial DNA Variants Using Multivariate Covariate and Multiple-Testing Models to Enhance Reliability Reveals Potential Associations with Coronary Artery Disease Traits and Dietary Preferences

Associations between MT-SNVs and 85 quantitative food intake traits (FIQTs) and 23 established CAD risk factors (e.g., smoking status, lipid levels, physical activity) using both Frequentist and Bayesian methods. Correlation analyses were performed across these 108 lifestyle behaviours. Several MT-SNVs were nominally associated with the CAD status and lifestyle habits, including m.10873T > C (MT-ND4 gene), m.15301G > A (MT-CYB gene), m.8701A > G (MT-ATP6 gene), and m.9540T > C (MT-CO3).

After adjusting for covariates, these associations did not remain statistically significant. CAD status was significantly but weakly correlated (|r| < 0.2) with 64 dietary preferences of the 108 lifestyle traits (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.05), indicating modest but widespread dietary pattern differences. Our findings suggest that MT-SNVs may explain some of the CAD heritability.

However, larger cohorts with more comprehensive mitochondrial data are needed to clarify their potential role.