Evaluation of circulating cell‑free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA levels in Syrian patients with breast tumor

In the last decade, the roles of circulating cell free nuclear (ccfn) and ccf mitochondrial (ccfmt) DNA as potential noninvasive biomarkers have been demonstrated in numerous different types of disease, including cancer. However, the results remain controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of ccfnDNA and ccfmtDNA levels in the plasma of patients with breast cancer. A total of 84 Syrian female subjects were included in the study, who were divided into 3 groups: i) Malignant disease group (n=33); ii) benign disease group (n=26); and iii) healthy control group (n=25). CcfnDNA and ccfmtDNA were determined using real-time quantitative PCR and the reactions were followed by melting curve analysis. The results indicated no significant differences in the plasma levels of ccfnDNA, ccfmtDNA or the ratio of ccfmtDNA/ccfnDNA between the study groups. Of note, a positive correlation was observed between the ccfmtDNA/ccfnDNA ratio and age in the control group (P=0.012; r=0.505). In addition, a positive correlation was identified between ccfnDNA levels and the estrogen receptor status (P=0.045; r=0.416), while a negative correlation between ccfmtDNA/ccfnDNA ratio and the progesterone receptor status was obtained (P=0.045; r=-0.448. Aging and the role of hormones in the cells may be responsible for these results. In the future, the present study should be followed up with mutation detection analyses and large-scale studies.