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Plasma DNA as cell death marker in elderly patients
G J Fournié1, F Martres, J P Pourrat
1INSERM Unité-100, Immunologie et Immunogénétique Humaine, CHU-Purpan, France.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Elevated plasma DNA levels in elderly patients indicate cell death and are linked to poorer survival. This finding suggests plasma DNA is a valuable marker for managing older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cell death in vivo is associated with increased plasma DNA.
- Investigating plasma DNA significance in elderly populations is crucial for understanding health status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess plasma DNA levels in elderly patients with and without illness.
- To determine the correlation between plasma DNA and various pathological conditions.
- To evaluate the prognostic value of plasma DNA in elderly patients.
Main Methods:
- Assayed plasma DNA in 79 institutionalized patients over 68 years old.
- Divided patients into two groups: ill (Group I) and healthy (Group II).
- Compared plasma DNA levels with a control group of middle-aged subjects.
Main Results:
- Plasma DNA was significantly higher in Group I than Group II (p < 0.0001).
- Plasma DNA was also higher in Group II compared to middle-aged controls (p < 0.05).
- Increased plasma DNA correlated with conditions involving cell death and predicted reduced 1-month survival.
Conclusions:
- Plasma DNA serves as a marker for in vivo cell death phenomena.
- Plasma DNA concentration can aid in the follow-up and management of elderly patients.
- Higher plasma DNA levels are associated with reduced survival in the elderly.