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Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Cell-Free DNA Integrity Analysis in Urine Samples
Published on: January 5, 2017
Dynamics of Urinary Extracellular DNA in Urosepsis
Michaela Mihaľová1, Nadja Šupčíková2, Alexandra Gaál Kovalčíková2,3
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Bratislava and Comenius University, 83305 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in urine decreased significantly during hospitalization for urinary tract infections (UTIs), suggesting it may help monitor treatment effectiveness. Plasma ecDNA levels did not change in patients with urosepsis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) shows potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Understanding ecDNA dynamics in plasma and urine during urosepsis is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in extracellular DNA (ecDNA) levels in plasma and urine of patients with urosepsis.
- To analyze ecDNA dynamics in a mouse model of urinary tract infection (UTI).
Main Methods:
- Collected plasma and urine samples from 36 adult patients with UTIs and obstructive uropathy over 3 days and during follow-up.
- Evaluated urinary ecDNA and bacterial burden in 26 mice with induced UTI at multiple time points.
- Measured plasma and urinary DNase activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin levels.
Main Results:
- Plasma ecDNA levels remained stable during urosepsis, while plasma DNase activity increased at follow-up.
- Urinary ecDNA significantly decreased during hospitalization and remained low post-treatment (90% reduction).
- In mice, urinary ecDNA decreased threefold post-infection and correlated with bacterial burden.
Conclusions:
- Urinary ecDNA is a potential non-invasive marker for monitoring treatment response in urosepsis.
- Urinary ecDNA levels are related to the progression of urinary tract infections in an experimental model.
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