Description

Nucleic acids were shown to be present in the circulation as early as 1948. The implications and potential clinical applications were not recognised until the 1990s. Several hundred studies have shown that nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, can easily be identified in plasma and serum. The potential application of measuring circulating nucleic acids in plasma and serum were highlighted in the proceedings of a recent international conference (4th International Conference on Circulating Nucleic Acids in Plasma/Serum (CNAPS)) (Ann NY Acad Sci 2006; 1105:). Detection of fetal nucleic acid has led to the introduction of this technology to detect Rh incompatibility in the mother. This test is now available as a routine diagnostic test in the NHS. In the first article in this issue of the Journal, Dr Butt reviews the clinical application of plasma nucleic acids in the diagnosis and management of diseases. Application of this technology to pre-natal diagnosis, and diagnosis and monitoring of cancer are highlighted.

The hypothalamus produces numerous peptides which have profound effects on metabolism, fertility, appetite etc. One of the recently discovered peptides is kisspeptin. This was originally identified from placenta but later showed to be present in the hypothalamus. In the second article in this issue Dr Ramachandran and Dhillo describe the physiology of kisspeptin and the role of these peptides in fertility.

Finally, we would like to invite readers to submit interesting case reports that have a particular educational message. The Bulletin will become more lively and interesting with more contribution from readers.

R Swaminathan