Plasma DNA concentration increase in pathological situations associated with the cell death phenomenon. An increase in plasma DNA concentration was found in various pathological conditions including infections, metastatic cancers, hepatitis, irreversible cardiac failure, severe respiratory insufňciency, and trombophlebitis. In cancer patients plasma DNA represents a cell death/tumour marker tkat should be taken roto account in studies related to the cancerous proces with regard to the potential importance of prograiiuiied cell death pathways in the understanding and treatment of cancer. Concentration of donor DNA in the recipient's plasma might be a useful marker for rejection. Evaluation of the plasma DNA level is a quantitative marker of the cell death. Plasma DNA is measured by using a real-time quantitative PCR assay or microsatellite markers for R-globin Bene, HLA-DR R-gene, SRY Bene. In conclusion, plasma DNA seems to be a new promising test for measurement of in vivo cytotoxicity.

        Key words: plasma DNA, transplantation, cancer, trauma, pregnancy.