This study assessed the utility of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), including donor-derived (dd-cfDNA) and mitochondrial cfDNA (mt-cfDNA), as objective pre- and post-transplantation biomarkers of graft dysfunction in 45 consecutive liver transplant recipients. The data showed that dd-cfDNA levels peaked on the day of transplant, decreased over the following days, and correlated with transaminase release and histological reperfusion injury during the first postoperative week. Importantly, during HOPE perfusion, cfDNA and mt-cfDNA levels in the perfusate fell progressively, with mt-cfDNA strongly correlating with FMN and markers of graft injury and function. These findings support the role of dd-cfDNA as a sensitive marker for hepatocyte injury and graft dysfunction post-LT, and suggest that perfusate mt-cfDNA during HOPE may be valuable for liver graft assessment.
Patrono D, Sorbini M, Carradori T, Togliatto G, Caorsi C, Mansouri M, Delsedime L, Vissio E, Amoroso A, Romagnoli R, Deaglio S. Circulating cell-free DNA in liver transplantation: A pre- and post-transplant biomarker of graft dysfunction. Presented at: The Transplantation Society (TTS) 2024 Congress, Istanbul, Turkey. September 24, 2024
