Fig. 2

a Mitochondrial content marker CS activity was significantly higher in isolated PBMCs of females than those of males. Data represent means ± SEM; n = 21; unpaired t test with Welch’s correction; η² = 0.29; p = 0.04; (*p < 0.05); CS = citrate synthase, PBMC = peripheral blood mononuclear cells. b Respiration of isolated PBMCs from healthy male and female participants in high-resolution respirometry. Values are normalized to international units (IU) of citrate synthase activity. The addition of a substance or inhibitor into the oxygraph chamber is indicated with a cross. Data represent means ± SEM; n = 19; unpaired t test with Welch’s correction were calculated for every state; p values and effect power are shown in Table 2; (*p < 0.05; **p < 0.01); PBMCs = peripheral blood mononuclear cells. c Cell count normalized ATP levels in isolated PBMCs of female and male participants. Data represent means ± SEM; n = 24; unpaired t test with Welch’s correction; η² = 0.04; p = 0.4; PBMCs = peripheral blood mononuclear cells