Cell-free nucleic acids as biomarkers in dialyzed patients

Abstract

In this review, we discuss the origin, possible biological meaning, quantitative and qualitative changes in the concentrations of cell-free nucleic acids in human circulation with regard to renal failure and the process of dialysis. We focus on the inflammatory response and apoptosis known to be in close relationship not only with hemodialysis but also with different comorbidities frequently detected in hemodialyzed patients.

Keywords

• cell-free nucleic acids
• hemodialysis
• peritoneal dialysis
• cell-free DNA
• miRNA
• immune response