The value of serial plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background: Elevated circulating cell-free DNA in plasma is reported in several critical diseases. This study hypothesized that since plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA substantially increase after acute ischemic stroke and decrease thereafter, their levels can predict treatment outcomes. Methods: Plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels were serially examined in 50 acute ischemic stroke patients and in 50 at risk control subjects during the study period. Results: Levels of plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in patients with acute ischemic stroke were significantly higher than those in the controls (p< 0.05). Elevated circulating nuclear DNA in plasma persisted until one month after the acute stroke. Levels of plasma nuclear DNA positively correlated to the clinical severity of stroke as reflected by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Conclusion: Levels of plasma nuclear and mitochondrial DNA reflect the severity of cerebral damage after acute cerebral infarction. Assay of plasma DNA levels can be considered a neuro-pathologic marker of patients with acute ischemic stroke.