Effect of Deoxyribonuclease I Therapy on Free Circulating DNA Level and Gene Methylation Profile Changes in Patients with Endometriosis: Preliminary Data

Background: Endometriosis is a systemic chronic disease affecting seriously various aspects of fe-male health and wellbeing. It was shown to be associated with a significant increase of free circulating DNA (fcDNA) and gene methylation profile changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I therapy on these anomalies. Methods: fcDNA extraction, quantification and methylation status were performed with the use of commercial kits. DNase I was administered subcutaneously every 2 days for one month, and the pre-treatment and post-treatment fcDNA levels and methylation sta-tus, along with the degree of patients’ discomfort, were compared. Results: DNase I treatment decreased the overall level of fcDNA. Moreover, the treatment re-sulted in a significant change in methylation status (in the sense of hypermethylation or hypomethylation) in 6 out of the 9 genes targeted. Moreover, most of the patients (15/16) reported significant reduction in pain, an improvement in their ability to as-sume professional activity and less difficult sexuality. Conclusions: This is the first study reporting that DNase I treatment decreased the level of fcDNA, it did change the methylation status of some gene and, more importantly, it alleviated the clinical burden of the disease. Further research into the potential use of DNase-based medicine for endometriosis patients, including more participants, is warranted.