Dynamic pathology for circulating free DNA in a dextran sodium sulfate colitis mouse model

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) is elevated in sepsis and serves as a prognostic marker.
• Understanding cf-DNA dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis (UC), is crucial for diagnostic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.
• To assess the clinical implications of cf-DNA as a potential non-invasive biomarker in human ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

Main Methods:

• Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was used to analyze dynamic cecum wall pathology in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
• Plasma cf-DNA concentrations were quantified using the PicoGreen dsDNA Assay Kit in both mice and 123 human UC patients.
• Relationships between plasma cf-DNA levels, UC clinical severity, and Matt's grade were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Real-time imaging successfully detected cf-DNA in the colitis model.
• Significantly higher levels of plasma cf-DNA were observed in colitis mice compared to controls (P < 0.05).
• Plasma cf-DNA concentrations in UC patients showed a significant positive correlation with clinical severity and Matt's grade (P < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions:

• Multiphoton microscopy enabled real-time observation and analysis of cf-DNA in a colitis mouse model.
• Plasma cf-DNA emerges as a promising non-invasive blood marker for assessing clinical severity and mucosal damage in UC patients.