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Plasma Cell-Free DNA and Caspase-3 Levels in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Anna Clementi1,2, Grazia Maria Virzì2,3, Sabrina Milan Manani2,3

  • 1Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Santa Marta and Santa Venera Hospital, 95024 Acireale, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Cell-free plasma DNA (cfDNA) and caspase-3 levels are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, particularly those with advanced disease. These findings suggest a role for inflammation and apoptosis in CKD progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cell-free plasma DNA (cfDNA) is extracellular DNA released during cell death.
  • Elevated cfDNA levels are observed in various clinical conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Caspase-3 is a key mediator of apoptosis, a process implicated in CKD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate cfDNA and caspase-3 levels in CKD patients.
  • To investigate the association of these molecules with CKD stage and progression.
  • To explore the potential role of inflammation and apoptosis in renal damage.

Main Methods:

  • Compared cfDNA and caspase-3 levels in 25 CKD patients and 10 healthy controls.
  • Assessed biomarker levels across different CKD stages.
  • Correlated cfDNA and caspase-3 levels with serum creatinine and urea.

Main Results:

  • cfDNA and caspase-3 levels were significantly higher in CKD patients versus controls.
  • Elevated levels were particularly pronounced in advanced CKD (stage 5).
  • Positive correlations were found between cfDNA, caspase-3, creatinine, and urea.

Conclusions:

  • CKD patients exhibit increased cfDNA and caspase-3 levels.
  • These findings suggest inflammation and apoptosis may contribute to CKD progression.
  • Higher cfDNA and caspase-3 may reflect worsening renal damage and uremic toxin levels.
Abstract

Keywords:
caspase-3cell free DNAchronic kidney disease

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