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Detection of DNA in the plasma of septic patients
G A Martins1, M T Kawamura, M da G Carvalho
1Laboratório de Controle da Expressão Gênica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
Small amounts of plasma-free DNA have been observed both in healthy individuals and in patients with various diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, viral hepatitis, and cancer. This communication demonstrates that septic patients also release DNA in plasma. After DNA extraction from plasma, exon 1 of the K-ras gene was amplified by PCR and products were analyzed by dot-blot hybridization. Plasmas from polytraumatic patients and control healthy individuals were used for comparisons with septic patients. Our results show that septic patients present DNA in their plasma. As far as we know, this is the first evidence of circulating DNA in septic patients.
Insights
Septic patients release DNA into their plasma, a finding not previously documented. This study confirms circulating DNA in sepsis patients, differentiating them from healthy individuals and polytrauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Circulating cell-free DNA is detected in healthy individuals and various diseases.
- The presence of plasma DNA in septic patients has not been previously established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of circulating DNA in plasma of septic patients.
- To compare DNA levels in septic patients with healthy controls and polytrauma patients.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from plasma samples.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the K-ras gene's exon 1.
- Dot-blot hybridization for product analysis.
Main Results:
- Septic patients demonstrably have DNA present in their plasma.
- Distinct detection of plasma DNA in septic patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of circulating DNA in septic patients.
- Plasma DNA detection may serve as a biomarker in sepsis.