Abstract: Objective To study the relationship between human age and mtDNA 4977 deletions in human blood cells. Methods According to Anderson′sequence, two sets of primers were designed. Human mtDNA 4977 deletions in blood samples from 110 healthy human individuals in different age groups were examined by using Real time quantitative PCR. Results The mtDNA 4977 deletions could be observed unless the age was under 23 years old. The older the people were, the easier the deletion could be observed. Conclusion mtDNA 4977 deletions in human blood cells were correlated with human ages in some extent.

Key words: mtDNA, mtDNA 4977 deletion, age relationship