Luteal phase serum cell-free DNA as a marker of failed pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology.
OBJECTIVE
DNA-damaging factors have been reported in patients that failed to achieve pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The hypothesis was that increased circulating cell-free DNA released by damaged cells could predict unfavorable conditions leading to failed ART treatment. The objective was to compare the relative concentrations of cell-free DNA in the luteal phase sera of nonpregnant versus pregnant patients.


METHODS
Frozen-thawed sera (30 IVF cases) were obtained 1 week after embryo transfer. There were 16 pregnant and 14 nonpregnant cases and controls consisting of male sera (n = 8 cases). Modified isocratic capillary electrophoresis was performed and the images analyzed for cell-free DNA.


RESULTS
Circulating cell-free DNA were identified in the sera of all patients. The serum concentrations of high (12 kb) and low (1 kb) molecular weight cell-free DNA were similar for both nonpregnant and pregnant patients. Male control sera had higher cell-free DNA concentrations compared with females. Evaluation of sera from a control case showed no fluctuations in cell-free DNA concentrations throughout specific days of the menstrual cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
The results do not support the use of the luteal phase cell-free DNA concentration as a marker for failed pregnancies. The equal concentrations of high and low molecular weight cell-free DNA and ladder band-like gel patterns suggested cell apoptosis as the source of DNA.
Hart
Elaine A
EA
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
Patton
William C
WC
Jacobson
John D
JD
King
Alan
A
Corselli
Johannah
J
Chan
Philip J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood*; D004249:DNA Damage; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000097:blood*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D020554:Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
D015415:Biomarkers; D004247:DNA