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Fang S, Dai X, Shi X, Xiao L, Ye Y, Liao L. A pilot study investigating early postmortem interval of rats based on ambient temperature and postmortem interval-related metabolites in blood. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:560-568. [PMID: 37266864 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), especially the early PMI, plays a key role in forensic practice. Although several studies based on metabolomics approaches have presented significant findings for PMI estimation, most did not examine the effects of ambient temperature. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC‒MS)‒based metabolomics was adopted to explore the changes in metabolites in the cardiac blood of suffocated rats at various ambient temperatures (5 °C, 15 °C, 25 °C, and 35 °C) from 0 to 24 h after death. Isoleucine, alanine, proline, valine, glycerol, glycerol phosphate, xanthine, and hypoxanthine were found to contribute to PMI in all temperature groups. Hypoxanthine and isoleucine were chosen to establish estimation models (equations) with an interpolation function using PMI as the dependent variable (f(x, y)), relative intensity as the independent variable x, and temperature as the independent variable y. Thereafter, these two models were validated with predictive samples and shown to have potential predictive ability. The findings indicate that isoleucine, alanine, proline, valine, glycerol, glycerol phosphate, xanthine, and hypoxanthine may be significant for PMI estimation at various ambient temperatures. Furthermore, a method to determine PMI based on ambient temperature and PMI-related metabolites was explored, which may provide a basis for future studies and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Fang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Xinhua Dai
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoling Shi
- School of Forensic Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Terry J, Dyer RA. Aberrant colon metabolome and the sudden infant death syndrome. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:634-640. [PMID: 37833530 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02847-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been associated with increased peripheral serotonin and an abnormal colonic microbiome, suggesting the colonic metabolome may also be abnormal. This study addresses this potential correlation by comparing colonic autopsy tissue from SIDS to age-matched non-SIDS controls. METHODS Untargeted metabolomic analysis by mass spectrometry is used to assess human colonic metabolomic differences including serotonin. Expression of genes associated with colonic serotonin synthesis and transport (TPH1, TPH2, DDC, SCL6A4) is measured by qRT-PCR. Microbiome analysis is performed to compare the SIDS and non-SIDS colonic microbiome. RESULTS Unsupervised hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses of metabolomic data shows increased variability in the SIDS cohort and separation of SIDS cases from the non-SIDS controls. There is a trend toward increased serotonin in the SIDS cohort but there is no significant difference in expression of the serotonin synthesis and transport genes between SIDS and non-SIDS control cohorts. Microbiome analysis shows no significant difference between the SIDS and non-SIDS control cohorts. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates increased variability in the colonic metabolome and a trend towards increased colonic serotonin in SIDS. The underlying cause of colon metabolomic variability, and its potential role in SIDS pathogenesis, warrants further investigation. IMPACT STATEMENT The key message of this article is that SIDS is associated with an aberrant colonic metabolome. This is a novel observation suggesting another component in the pathophysiology underlying SIDS. Investigation of why the colonic metabolome is aberrant may offer new insights to SIDS pathogenesis and new strategies to reduce risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Terry
- Department of Pathology, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospitals, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Roger A Dyer
- Analytical Core for Metabolomics and Nutrition, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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3
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Huang W, Zhao S, Liu H, Pan M, Dong H. The Role of Protein Degradation in Estimation Postmortem Interval and Confirmation of Cause of Death in Forensic Pathology: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1659. [PMID: 38338938 PMCID: PMC10855206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that proteins are important bio-macromolecules in human organisms, and numerous proteins are widely used in the clinical practice, whereas their application in forensic science is currently limited. This limitation is mainly attributed to the postmortem degradation of targeted proteins, which can significantly impact final conclusions. In the last decade, numerous methods have been established to detect the protein from a forensic perspective, and some of the postmortem proteins have been applied in forensic practice. To better understand the emerging issues and challenges in postmortem proteins, we have reviewed the current application of protein technologies at postmortem in forensic practice. Meanwhile, we discuss the application of proteins in identifying the cause of death, and postmortem interval (PMI). Finally, we highlight the interpretability and limitations of postmortem protein challenges. We believe that utilizing the multi-omics method can enhance the comprehensiveness of applying proteins in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Huine Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Meichen Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
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4
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Brockbals L, Garrett-Rickman S, Fu S, Ueland M, McNevin D, Padula MP. Estimating the time of human decomposition based on skeletal muscle biopsy samples utilizing an untargeted LC-MS/MS-based proteomics approach. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:5487-5498. [PMID: 37423904 PMCID: PMC10444689 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04822-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic medico-legal investigations to understand case circumstances (e.g. narrowing down list of missing persons or include/exclude suspects). Due to the complex decomposition chemistry, estimation of PMI remains challenging and currently often relies on the subjective visual assessment of gross morphological/taphonomic changes of a body during decomposition or entomological data. The aim of the current study was to investigate the human decomposition process up to 3 months after death and propose novel time-dependent biomarkers (peptide ratios) for the estimation of decomposition time. An untargeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomics workflow (ion mobility separated) was utilized to analyse skeletal muscle, collected repeatedly from nine body donors decomposing in an open eucalypt woodland environment in Australia. Additionally, general analytical considerations for large-scale proteomics studies for PMI determination are raised and discussed. Multiple peptide ratios (human origin) were successfully proposed (subgroups < 200 accumulated degree days (ADD), < 655 ADD and < 1535 ADD) as a first step towards generalised, objective biochemical estimation of decomposition time. Furthermore, peptide ratios for donor-specific intrinsic factors (sex and body mass) were found. Search of peptide data against a bacterial database did not yield any results most likely due to the low abundance of bacterial proteins within the collected human biopsy samples. For comprehensive time-dependent modelling, increased donor number would be necessary along with targeted confirmation of proposed peptides. Overall, the presented results provide valuable information that aid in the understanding and estimation of the human decomposition processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Brockbals
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Samara Garrett-Rickman
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Dennis McNevin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Matthew P Padula
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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5
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Lenski M, Bruno C, Darrouzain F, Allorge D. Métabolomique : principes et applications en toxicologie biologique et médicolégale. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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6
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Bonicelli A, Mickleburgh HL, Chighine A, Locci E, Wescott DJ, Procopio N. The 'ForensOMICS' approach for postmortem interval estimation from human bone by integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. eLife 2022; 11:e83658. [PMID: 36583441 PMCID: PMC9803353 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined use of multiple omics allows to study complex interrelated biological processes in their entirety. We applied a combination of metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics to human bones to investigate their combined potential to estimate time elapsed since death (i.e., the postmortem interval [PMI]). This 'ForensOMICS' approach has the potential to improve accuracy and precision of PMI estimation of skeletonized human remains, thereby helping forensic investigators to establish the timeline of events surrounding death. Anterior midshaft tibial bone was collected from four female body donors before their placement at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility owned by the Forensic Anthropological Center at Texas State (FACTS). Bone samples were again collected at selected PMIs (219-790-834-872days). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to obtain untargeted metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles from the pre- and post-placement bone samples. The three omics blocks were investigated independently by univariate and multivariate analyses, followed by Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for Omics studies (DIABLO), to identify the reduced number of markers describing postmortem changes and discriminating the individuals based on their PMI. The resulting model showed that pre-placement metabolome, lipidome and proteome profiles were clearly distinguishable from post-placement ones. Metabolites in the pre-placement samples suggested an extinction of the energetic metabolism and a switch towards another source of fuelling (e.g., structural proteins). We were able to identify certain biomolecules with an excellent potential for PMI estimation, predominantly the biomolecules from the metabolomics block. Our findings suggest that, by targeting a combination of compounds with different postmortem stability, in the future we could be able to estimate both short PMIs, by using metabolites and lipids, and longer PMIs, by using proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bonicelli
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
| | - Hayley L Mickleburgh
- Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA) – Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of CagliariMonserratoItaly
| | - Daniel J Wescott
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
| | - Noemi Procopio
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUnited Kingdom
- Forensic Anthropology Center, Texas State UniversitySan MarcosUnited States
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7
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Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology for the prediction of postmortem interval: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 340:111473. [PMID: 36166880 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND /PURPOSE Establishing an accurate postmortem interval (PMI) is exceptionally crucial in forensic investigation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) models are widely employed in forensic practice. ML is a part of AI, both terms are highly associated and sometimes used interchangeably. This systematic review aims to evaluate the application and performance of AI technology for the prediction of PMI. METHODS Systematic literature search across different electronic databases using PubMed/Google Scholar/EMBASE/Scopus/CINAHL/Web of Science/Cochrane library was conducted from inception to 3 December 2021 for preclinical and clinical studies reported ML models for PMI estimation. RESULTS We identified 18 studies (12 preclinical and 06 clinical) that met the inclusion criteria in the qualitative analysis. Most of the studies employed supervised learning (N = 15), and others employed unsupervised learning (N = 3). Due to the heterogeneity of the samples, quantitative analysis was not performed. CONCLUSION In this systematic review, we discussed the performance of AI-based automated systems in PMI estimation. ML models have demonstrated accuracy and precision and the ability to overcome human errors and bias. However, the research is limited, conducted in primarily small, selected human populations. In addition, we suggest further research in larger population-based studies is needed to fully understand the extent of integrated ML models.
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8
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Zhang FY, Wang LL, Dong WW, Zhang M, Tash D, Li XJ, Du SK, Yuan HM, Zhao R, Guan DW. A preliminary study on early postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimation and cause-of-death discrimination based on nontargeted metabolomics and machine learning algorithms. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:941-954. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02783-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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9
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Yu K, Zhang H, Liu Y, Wu H, Cai W, Wei X, Liu R, Wang G, Sun Q, Wang Z. Adipose tissue estimates the postmortem interval based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.105977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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10
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DeBruyn JM, Hoeland KM, Taylor LS, Stevens JD, Moats MA, Bandopadhyay S, Dearth SP, Castro HF, Hewitt KK, Campagna SR, Dautartas AM, Vidoli GM, Mundorff AZ, Steadman DW. Comparative Decomposition of Humans and Pigs: Soil Biogeochemistry, Microbial Activity and Metabolomic Profiles. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:608856. [PMID: 33519758 PMCID: PMC7838218 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.608856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate decomposition processes have important ecological implications and, in the case of human decomposition, forensic applications. Animals, especially domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), are frequently used as human analogs in forensic decomposition studies. However, recent research shows that humans and pigs do not necessarily decompose in the same manner, with differences in decomposition rates, patterns, and scavenging. The objective of our study was to extend these observations and determine if human and pig decomposition in terrestrial settings have different local impacts on soil biogeochemistry and microbial activity. In two seasonal trials (summer and winter), we simultaneously placed replicate human donors and pig carcasses on the soil surface and allowed them to decompose. In both human and pig decomposition-impacted soils, we observed elevated microbial respiration, protease activity, and ammonium, indicative of enhanced microbial ammonification and limited nitrification in soil during soft tissue decomposition. Soil respiration was comparable between summer and winter, indicating similar microbial activity; however, the magnitude of the pulse of decomposition products was greater in the summer. Using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics approaches, we identified 38 metabolites and 54 lipids that were elevated in both human and pig decomposition-impacted soils. The most frequently detected metabolites were anthranilate, creatine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, taurine, xanthine, N-acetylglutamine, acetyllysine, and sedoheptulose 1/7-phosphate; the most frequently detected lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. Decomposition soils were also significantly enriched in metabolites belonging to amino acid metabolic pathways and the TCA cycle. Comparing humans and pigs, we noted several differences in soil biogeochemical responses. Soils under humans decreased in pH as decomposition progressed, while under pigs, soil pH increased. Additionally, under pigs we observed significantly higher ammonium and protease activities compared to humans. We identified several metabolites that were elevated in human decomposition soil compared to pig decomposition soil, including 2-oxo-4-methylthiobutanoate, sn-glycerol 3-phosphate, and tryptophan, suggesting different decomposition chemistries and timing between the two species. Together, our work shows that human and pig decomposition differ in terms of their impacts on soil biogeochemistry and microbial decomposer activities, adding to our understanding of decomposition ecology and informing the use of non-human models in forensic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M DeBruyn
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Katharina M Hoeland
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Lois S Taylor
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Jessica D Stevens
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Michelle A Moats
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Sreejata Bandopadhyay
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Stephen P Dearth
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Hector F Castro
- Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core, Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Kaitlin K Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Shawn R Campagna
- Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core, Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Angela M Dautartas
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Giovanna M Vidoli
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Amy Z Mundorff
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Dawnie W Steadman
- Department of Anthropology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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11
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Akçan R, Taştekin B, Yildirim MŞ, Aydogan HC, Sağlam N. Omics era in forensic medicine: towards a new age. Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:1480-1490. [PMID: 32283897 PMCID: PMC7491271 DOI: 10.3906/sag-1912-197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Forensic medicine and sciences is a multidisciplinary branch of science, which frequently benefit from novel technologies. State of the art omics technologies have begun to be performed in forensic medicine and sciences, particularly in postmortem interval, intoxication, drugs of abuse, diagnosis of diseases and cause of death. This review aims to discuss the role and use of great omics (metabolomics, proteomics, genomics and transcriptomics) in forensic sciences, in detail. Materials and methods A detailed review of related literature was performed, and studies were subdivided as per the type of omics. Results and conclusion Omics seems as a revolutionary step in forensic science and sure carries it towards a new age. The number of forensic studies utilizing omics steadily increases in last years. Omics strategies should be used together in order to gather more accurate and certain data. Additional studies need to be performed to incorporate omics into routine forensic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Akçan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burak Taştekin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Şerif Yildirim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Halit Canberk Aydogan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Necdet Sağlam
- Department of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Lendor S, Olkowicz M, Boyaci E, Yu M, Diwan M, Hamani C, Palmer M, Reyes-Garcés N, Gómez-Ríos GA, Pawliszyn J. Investigation of Early Death-Induced Changes in Rat Brain by Solid Phase Microextraction via Untargeted High Resolution Mass Spectrometry: In Vivo versus Postmortem Comparative Study. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1827-1840. [PMID: 32407623 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysis of brain samples obtained postmortem remains a standard approach in neuroscience, despite often being suboptimal for inferring roles of small molecules in the pathophysiology of brain diseases. Sample collection and preservation further hinders conclusive interpretation of biomarker analysis in autopsy samples. We investigate purely death-induced changes affecting rat hippocampus in the first hour of postmortem interval (PMI) by means of untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. The unique possibility of sampling the same brain area of each animal both in vivo and postmortem was enabled by employing solid phase microextraction (SPME) probes. Four millimeter probes coated with mixed mode extraction phase were used to sample awake, freely roaming animals, with 2 more sampling events performed after death. Significant changes in brain neurochemistry were found to occur as soon as 30 min after death, further progressing with increasing PMI, evidenced by relative changes in levels of metabolites and lipids. These included species from several distinct groups, which can be classified as engaged in energy metabolism-related processes, signal transduction, neurotransmission, or inflammatory response. Additionally, we perform thorough analysis of interindividual variability in response to death, which provides insights into how this aspect can obscure conclusions drawn from an untargeted study at single metabolite and pathway level. The results suggest high demand for systematic studies examining the PMI time course with in vivo sampling as a starting point to eliminate artifacts in the form of neurochemical changes assumed to occur in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lendor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mariola Olkowicz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ezel Boyaci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mustansir Diwan
- Neuroimaging Research Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Neuroimaging Research Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Michael Palmer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Nathaly Reyes-Garcés
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - German Augusto Gómez-Ríos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Janusz Pawliszyn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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13
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Brockbals L, Staeheli SN, Kraemer T, Steuer AE. Postmortem metabolomics: Correlating time-dependent concentration changes of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:1171-1182. [PMID: 32372514 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem redistribution (PMR) describes the artificial postmortem concentration changes of xenobiotics that may pose major challenges in forensic toxicology. Only a few studies have systematically investigated time-dependent postmortem drug concentration changes so far and the a posteriori estimation of the occurrence of PMR is not yet possible. In this context, the general concept that postmortem biochemical changes in blood might parallel drug redistribution mechanisms seems promising. Thus, the current study investigated the possible correlations between time-dependent postmortem concentration changes of xenobiotic and endogenous compounds; exemplified for authentic morphine (n = 19) and methadone (n = 11) cases. Peripheral blood samples at two time-points postmortem were analyzed for morphine and methadone concentrations and an (un)targeted postmortem metabolomics approach was utilized to combine targeted quantitative analysis of 56 endogenous analytes and untargeted screening for endogenous compounds (characterizing 1174 features); liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used respectively. Individual statistically significant correlations between morphine/methadone and endogenous compounds/features could be determined. Hence, the general applicability of the proposed concept could successfully be confirmed. To verify the reproducibility and robustness of the correlating behavior, a larger dataset must be analyzed next. Once a marker/set of markers is found (e.g. robust correlation with specific xenobiotic or xenobiotic class), these could be used as surrogates to further study the time-dependent PMR in a broader variety of cases (e.g. independent of a xenobiotic drug present). A crucial next step will also be the attempt to create a statistical model that allows a posteriori estimation of PMR occurrence of xenobiotics to assist forensic toxicologists in postmortem case interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Brockbals
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandra N Staeheli
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Brockbals L, Kraemer T, Steuer AE. Analytical considerations for postmortem metabolomics using GC-high-resolution MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 412:6241-6255. [PMID: 31758199 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-02258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomics studies that aim to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the entirety of small endogenous biomolecules in an organism are widely conducted in the clinical setting. They also become more and more popular in the field of forensics (toxicology), e.g., to assist in postmortem investigations by objective postmortem interval estimation. However, other issues in postmortem toxicology, such as the phenomenon of (time-dependent) postmortem redistribution, have not yet been tackled by metabolomics studies. Hence, the aim of the current study was to develop an (un)targeted gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry-based method for endogenous metabolites as a tool for large-scale (un)targeted human postmortem metabolomics investigations (e.g., to objectively assess PMR) with thorough analytical evaluation of this method to ensure fitness-to-purpose in terms of reliability and robustness. This was achieved by using a targeted metabolite subset (n = 56) and a targeted processing workflow. Evaluation experiments have shown that using an artificial matrix (revised simulated body fluid (rSBF) + 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA)) for calibration purposes, all parameters lay within the scope of the method (sensitivity, selectivity, calibration model, accuracy, precision, processed sample stability, and extraction efficiency). When applying this method to large-scale studies, samples should be run in randomized order if analysis time is expected to exceed 18-24 h and potential biomarkers that are found with this method should be verified by a specialized, targeted method (e.g., by using standard addition in authentic matrix for quantification purposes). Overall, the current method can be successfully used for conduction of time-dependent postmortem metabolomics investigations. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Brockbals
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea E Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Locci E, Stocchero M, Noto A, Chighine A, Natali L, Napoli PE, Caria R, De-Giorgio F, Nioi M, d'Aloja E. A 1H NMR metabolomic approach for the estimation of the time since death using aqueous humour: an animal model. Metabolomics 2019; 15:76. [PMID: 31069551 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The estimation of the time since death, or post-mortem interval (PMI), still remains a main conundrum in forensic science. Several approaches have been so far proposed from either a qualitative or a quantitative point of view, but they still lack reliability and robustness. Recently, metabolomics has shown to be a potential tool to investigate the time-related post-mortem metabolite modifications in animal models. OBJECTIVES Here we propose, for the first time, the use of a 1H NMR metabolomic approach for the estimation of PMI from aqueous humour (AH) in an ovine model. METHODS AH samples were collected at different times after death (from 118 to 1429 min). 1H NMR experiments were performed and spectral data analysed by multivariate statistical tools. RESULTS A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI on the basis of the metabolite content of the samples. The model was validated with an independent test set, obtaining a prediction error of 59 min for PMI < 500 min, 104 min for PMI from 500 to 1000 min, and 118 min for PMI > 1000 min. Moreover, the metabolomic approach suggested a picture of the mechanisms underlying the post-mortem biological modifications, highlighting the role played by taurine, choline, and succinate. CONCLUSION The time-related modifications of the 1H NMR AH metabolomic profile seem to be encouraging in addressing the issue of a reproducible and robust model to be employed for the estimation of the time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Noto
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Natali
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Caria
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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16
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Zhang J, Wei X, Huang J, Lin H, Deng K, Li Z, Shao Y, Zou D, Chen Y, Huang P, Wang Z. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral prediction of postmortem interval from vitreous humor samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:7611-7620. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Dai X, Fan F, Ye Y, Lu X, Chen F, Wu Z, Liao L. An experimental study on investigating the postmortem interval in dichlorvos poisoned rats by GC/MS-based metabolomics. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 36:28-36. [PMID: 30326392 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is always a key issue in forensic science. Although many attempts based on metabolomics approaches have been proven to be feasible and accurate for PMI estimation, there have been no reports regarding the determination of the PMI in acute dichlorvos (DDVP) poisoning. In this study, all rats were killed by acute DDVP poisoning at a dose three fold the oral LD50 (240 mg/kg). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was applied to investigate the metabolic profiling of blood samples at various times after death up to 72 h. A total of 39 metabolites were found to be associated with PMI, and the combinations of various numbers of metabolites were used to establish support vector regression (SVR) models to investigate the PMI. The SVR model constructed by 23 metabolites had a minimum mean squared error (MSE) of 5.49 h for the training set. Then, the SVR model was validated by prediction set with an MSE of 10.33 h, suggesting good predictive ability of the model for investigating the PMI. The findings demonstrated the great potential of GC/MS-based metabolomics combined with the SVR model in determining the PMI of DDVP poisoned rats and provided an experimental basis for the application of this approach in investigating the PMI of other toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Dai
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Fan
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhigui Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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18
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Metabolic profiling of femoral muscle from rats at different periods of time after death. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203920. [PMID: 30216363 PMCID: PMC6138414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clarification of postmortem metabolite changes can help characterize the process of biological degradation and facilitate investigations of forensic casework, especially in the estimation of postmortem interval (PMI). Metabolomics can provide information on the molecular profiles of tissues, which can aid in investigating postmortem metabolite changes. In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) analysis was performed to identify the metabolic profiles of rat femoral muscle at ten periods of time after death within 168 h. The results obtained by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)- and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)- electrospray ionization (ESI±) have revealed more than 16,000 features from all four datasets. Furthermore, 915 of these features were identified using an in-house database. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated the time-specific features of molecular profiling at each period of time after death. Moreover, results from partial least squares projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) disclosed a strong association of metabolic alterations of at least 59 metabolites with the time since death, especially within 48 h after death, which expounds these metabolites as potential indicators in PMI estimation. Altogether, our results illustrate the potentiality of metabolic profiling in the evaluation of PMI and provide candidate metabolite markers with strong correlation with time since death for forensic purpose.
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19
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Prieto-Bonete G, Pérez-Cárceles MD, Maurandi-López A, Pérez-Martínez C, Luna A. Association between protein profile and postmortem interval in human bone remains. J Proteomics 2018; 192:54-63. [PMID: 30145274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Proteomic techniques in bones forensic samples are increasingly, being applied. The main aim of forensic sciences is the estimation of postmortem interval. Most current techniques are useful for the first post-mortem stages. However, in the case of osseous remains, these techniques may be difficult to use due to the high level of decomposition of the sample. Our objective was to attempt to know whether there is a protein profile in human bone remains that would enable a late postmortem. interval ranging from 5 to 20 years postmortem to be estimated. A total of 40 femur bones from 40 different cadavers (data range 5-20 years) were use. Of the 275 total proteins, we excluded the circulating ones (n = 227), leaving a total of 48 proteins (29 structural and 19 functional) were found. A multiple correspondence analysis was applied on the 48 proteins. Finally selecting 32 proteins that allowed us to discriminate between the. two groups of postmortem interval. Analysis of the protein profile present in bone permits an approximation of the date of death within the studied interval, and could be used to complement other tests for estimating the postmortem interval.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Maurandi-López
- Department of Didactics of Mathematical and Social Sciences, University of Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Aurelio Luna
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, University of Murcia, Spain
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20
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Li N, Du Q, Bai R, Sun J. Vitality and wound-age estimation in forensic pathology: review and future prospects. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 5:15-24. [PMID: 32490306 PMCID: PMC7241561 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1445441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining the age of a wound is challenging in forensic pathology, but it can contribute to the reconstruction of crime scenes and lead to arrest of suspects. Forensic scholars have tended to focus on evaluating wound vitality and determining the time elapsed since the wound was sustained. Recent progress in forensic techniques, particularly high-throughput analyses, has enabled evaluation of materials at the cellular and molecular levels, as well as simultaneous assessment of multiple markers. This paper provides an update on wound-age estimation in forensic pathology, summarizes the recent literature, and considers useful additional information provided by each marker. Finally, the future prospects for estimating wound age in forensic practise are discussed with the hope of providing something useful for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qiuxiang Du
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rufeng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Centre of Judicial Civilization, Beijing, China
| | - Junhong Sun
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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21
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Wu Z, Lu X, Chen F, Dai X, Ye Y, Yan Y, Liao L. Estimation of early postmortem interval in rats by GC-MS-based metabolomics. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2017; 31:42-48. [PMID: 29310000 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Accurately predicting the early postmortem interval (PMI) is of great significance in forensic practice. This study aimed to establish a novel method for estimating the early PMI by analyzing endogenous substances in the cardiac blood of male and female rats and compare different model for estimating early PMI using these data. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (50% male) were sacrificed by suffocation. Then, cardiac blood was collected at various time intervals (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h) after death, and the collected samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. An orthogonal signal correction-partial least squares (OSC-PLS) regression model was constructed with whole endogenous metabolites to validate the PMI. The OSC-PLS regression model successfully predicted the PMI of the forecast set and no significant differences was observed between male and female rats. This is the first study to establish an OSC-PLS regression model for predicting PMI with the metabolome, which provides a new technical method and platform for estimating PMI through metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigui Wu
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Chen
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinhua Dai
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Ye
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Youyi Yan
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- West China School of Basci Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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22
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Zhang J, Li B, Wang Q, Wei X, Feng W, Chen Y, Huang P, Wang Z. Application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with chemometrics on postmortem interval estimation based on pericardial fluids. Sci Rep 2017; 7:18013. [PMID: 29269843 PMCID: PMC5740144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18228-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem interval (PMI) evaluation remains a challenge in the forensic community due to the lack of efficient methods. Studies have focused on chemical analysis of biofluids for PMI estimation; however, no reports using spectroscopic methods in pericardial fluid (PF) are available. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory was applied to collect comprehensive biochemical information from rabbit PF at different PMIs. The PMI-dependent spectral signature was determined by two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis. The partial least square (PLS) and nu-support vector machine (nu-SVM) models were then established based on the acquired spectral dataset. Spectral variables associated with amide I, amide II, COO-, C-H bending, and C-O or C-OH vibrations arising from proteins, polypeptides, amino acids and carbohydrates, respectively, were susceptible to PMI in 2D correlation analysis. Moreover, the nu-SVM model appeared to achieve a more satisfactory prediction than the PLS model in calibration; the reliability of both models was determined in an external validation set. The study shows the possibility of application of ATR-FTIR methods in postmortem interval estimation using PF samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Bing Li
- Qingpu Branch of Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security, Shanghai, 201799, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Weibo Feng
- Cadet Brigade, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China.
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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23
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Monitoring of post-mortem changes of saliva N-glycosylation by nano LC/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 410:45-56. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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24
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Li C, Li Z, Tuo Y, Ma D, Shi Y, Zhang Q, Zhuo X, Deng K, Chen Y, Wang Z, Huang P. MALDI-TOF MS as a Novel Tool for the Estimation of Postmortem Interval in Liver Tissue Samples. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4887. [PMID: 28687792 PMCID: PMC5501804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is a complicated task in forensic medicine, especially during homicide and unwitnessed death investigations. Many biological, chemical, and physical indicators can be used to determine the postmortem interval, but most are not accurate. Here, we present a novel matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method that can be used for the estimation of PMI using molecular images and multivariate analyses. In this study, we demonstrate that both rat and human liver tissues of various PMIs (0, 2, 4, and 6days) can be discriminated using MALDI imaging and principal component analysis (PCA). Using genetic algorithm (GA), supervised neural network (SNN), and quick classifier (QC) methods, we built 6 classification models, which showed high recognition capability and good cross-validation. The histological changes in all the samples at different time points were also consistent with the changes seen in MALDI imaging. Our work suggests that MALDI-TOF MS, along with multivariate analysis, can be used to determine intermediate PMIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Li
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Zhengdong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Ya Tuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Xianyi Zhuo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Kaifei Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China.
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25
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Li C, Ma D, Deng K, Chen Y, Huang P, Wang Z. Application of MALDI-TOF MS for Estimating the Postmortem Interval in Rat Muscle Samples. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1345-1350. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Li
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an 710061 China
- Department of Forensic Pathology; Institute of Forensic Science; Ministry of Justice; Shanghai 200063 China
| | - Dong Ma
- Department of Forensic Pathology; Institute of Forensic Science; Ministry of Justice; Shanghai 200063 China
| | - Kaifei Deng
- Department of Forensic Pathology; Institute of Forensic Science; Ministry of Justice; Shanghai 200063 China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Department of Forensic Pathology; Institute of Forensic Science; Ministry of Justice; Shanghai 200063 China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Forensic Pathology; Institute of Forensic Science; Ministry of Justice; Shanghai 200063 China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an 710061 China
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26
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Metcalf JL, Xu ZZ, Bouslimani A, Dorrestein P, Carter DO, Knight R. Microbiome Tools for Forensic Science. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:814-823. [PMID: 28366290 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Microbes are present at every crime scene and have been used as physical evidence for over a century. Advances in DNA sequencing and computational approaches have led to recent breakthroughs in the use of microbiome approaches for forensic science, particularly in the areas of estimating postmortem intervals (PMIs), locating clandestine graves, and obtaining soil and skin trace evidence. Low-cost, high-throughput technologies allow us to accumulate molecular data quickly and to apply sophisticated machine-learning algorithms, building generalizable predictive models that will be useful in the criminal justice system. In particular, integrating microbiome and metabolomic data has excellent potential to advance microbial forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Metcalf
- Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Zhenjiang Z Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Amina Bouslimani
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pieter Dorrestein
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Center for Microbiome Innovation, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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27
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Zhang J, Li B, Wang Q, Li C, Zhang Y, Lin H, Wang Z. Characterization of postmortem biochemical changes in rabbit plasma using ATR-FTIR combined with chemometrics: A preliminary study. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 173:733-739. [PMID: 27788472 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem interval (PMI) determination is one of the most challenging tasks in forensic medicine due to a lack of accurate and reliable methods. It is especially difficult for late PMI determination. Although many attempts with various types of body fluids based on chemical methods have been made to solve this problem, few investigations are focused on blood samples. In this study, we employed an attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique coupled with principle component analysis (PCA) to monitor biochemical changes in rabbit plasma with increasing PMI. Partial least square (PLS) model was used based on the spectral data for PMI prediction in an independent sample set. Our results revealed that postmortem chemical changes in compositions of the plasma were time-dependent, and various components including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids contributed to the discrimination of the samples at different time points. A satisfactory prediction within 48h postmortem was performed by the combined PLS model with a good fitting between actual and predicted PMI of 0.984 and with an error of ±1.92h. In consideration of the simplicity and portability of ATR-FTIR, our preliminary study provides an experimental and theoretical basis for application of this technique in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengzhi Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinming Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hancheng Lin
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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