Serum levels of genomic DNA of α1(I) collagen are elevated in scleroderma patients

Elevation of circulating DNAs of disease-associated cytokines in serum cell-free DNA from patients with alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to hair follicles and hair loss. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has recently received attention as a biomarker of various disorders including inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of cfDNA and the circulating DNAs of disease-associated cytokines in AA patients. Serum samples were obtained from 63 patients with AA and 32 healthy controls (HC). Using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, circulating C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10, CXCL11, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL) -7, IL-15, and Janus kinase (JAK) 2 were detectable in both HC and AA patients. Among the detectable DNAs, copies of circulating CXCL9, CXCL11, IL-15, IFN-γ, and JAK2 were significantly higher in AA patients than in HC. These results suggest that increased circulating DNA levels may reflect damage to hair follicles in AA patients.

Serum cell-free DNA levels are a useful marker for extramammary Paget disease

BACKGROUND

Although carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are useful markers for extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), serum CEA and CYFRA levels are not elevated in most patients with EMPD without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers.

OBJECTIVES

To identify further useful biomarkers for the detection of EMPD, including early lesions, and to study the clinical implications of cfDNA in EMPD.

METHODS

cfDNA were isolated from serum of patients with EMPD with and without metastasis, and from healthy volunteers. Serum extracts were amplified using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Serum cfDNA was a better diagnostic marker for the presence of EMPD than serum CYFRA. Moreover, the postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples, and the change in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking the evidence together, serum cfDNA levels may be a useful marker for diagnosis and disease progression in EMPD. What's already known about this topic? Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA) are not elevated in most patients with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) without metastasis. Cell-free (cf)DNA has attracted attention as an indicator of clinical conditions in several cancers. There are few reports of the clinical implications of cfDNA in dermatology. What does this study add? Serum cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in patients with EMPD with or without metastasis compared with those in healthy controls. Postoperative serum cfDNA levels were significantly lower than those from the preoperative samples. Changes in serum cfDNA levels reflected the clinical courses of patients with EMPD treated with chemotherapy. What is the translational message? Serum cfDNA levels in patients with EMPD are a useful marker for the detection of EMPD, including localized EMPD. Changes in serum cfDNA levels in an individual patient may reflect the clinical course of EMPD.