Circulating (cell-free) nucleic acids - A promising, non-invasive tool for early detection of several human diseases

Circulating nucleic acids (CNA) are present in small amounts in the plasma of healthy individuals. However, increased levels of plasma CNA have been reported in a number of clinical disorders like cancer, stroke, trauma, myocardial infarction, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-associated complications. CNA has received special attention because of its potential application as a non-invasive, rapid,and sensitive tool for molecular diagnosis and monitoring of acute pathologies and the prenatal diagnosis of fetal genetic diseases. This review throws light on the current status of blood CNA as a diagnostic marker and its potential as a powerful tool in the future. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.