Abstract
Plasma DNA concentration increase in pathological situations associated with the cell death phenomenon. An increase in plasma DNA concentration was found in various pathological conditions including infections, metastatic cancers, hepatitis, irreversible cardiac failure, severe respiratory insufficiency, and trombophlebitis.
In cancer patients plasma DNA represents a cell death/tumour marker that should be taken into account in studies related to the cancerous process with regard to the potential importance of programmed cell death pathways in the understanding and treatment of cancer. Concentration of donor DNA in the recipient's plasma might be a useful marker for rejection.
Evaluation of the plasma DNA level is a quantitative marker of the cell death. Plasma DNA is measured by using a real-time quantitative PCR assay or microsatellite markers for Β-globin gene, HLA-DR Β-gene, SRY gene.
In conclusion, plasma DNA seems to be a new promising test for measurement of in vivo cytotoxicity.