title: A sensitive method to quantify human cell-free circulating DNA in blood: relevance to myocardial infarction screening.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Human cell-free circulating DNA (cf-DNA) derived mainly from cell apoptosis and necrosis can be measured by a variety of laboratory techniques, but almost all of these methods require sample preparation. We have developed a branched DNA (bDNA)-based Alu assay for quantifying cf-DNA in myocardial infarction (MI) patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 82 individuals were included in the study; 22 MI and 60 normal controls. cf-DNA was quantified using a bDNA-based Alu assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  cf-DNA was higher in serum compared to plasma and there was a difference between genders. cf-DNA was significantly higher in MI patients compared to the controls. There was no correlation between cf-DNA and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin I (cTnI) or myoglobin (MYO). In serial specimens, cf-DNA was sensitive and peaked earlier than cTnI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The bDNA-based Alu assay is a novel method for quantifying human cf-DNA. Increased cf-DNA in MI patients might complement cTnI, CK-MB and MYO in a multiple marker format.
authors: Center of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Rong-Rong
authors: RR
authors: Jing
authors: Center of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Hui-Min
authors: HM
authors: Wang
authors: Center of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Ming
authors: M
authors: Cui
authors: Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Meng-Kang
authors: MK
authors: Fang
authors: Department of Radiation Therapy, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Xiao-Jun
authors: XJ
authors: Qiu
authors: Surgical Comprehensive Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Xin-Hua
authors: XH
authors: Wu
authors: Surgical Comprehensive Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Jin
authors: J
authors: Qi
authors: Center of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
authors: Yue-Guo
authors: YG
authors: Wang
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, UF Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, USA.
authors: Lu-Rong
authors: LR
authors: Zhang
authors: Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. Electronic address: wscm163@163.com.
authors: Jian-Hua
authors: JH
authors: Zhu
authors: Center of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China. Electronic address: jsq814@hotmail.com.
authors: Shao-Qing
authors: SQ
authors: Ju
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008722:Methods; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004247:DNA