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Fux E, Lenski M, Bendt AK, Otvos JD, Ivanisevic J, De Bruyne S, Cavalier E, Friedecký D. A global perspective on the status of clinical metabolomics in laboratory medicine - a survey by the IFCC metabolomics working group. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 0:cclm-2024-0550. [PMID: 38915248 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2024-0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Metabolomics aims for comprehensive characterization and measurement of small molecule metabolites (<1700 Da) in complex biological matrices. This study sought to assess the current understanding and usage of metabolomics in laboratory medicine globally and evaluate the perception of its promise and future implementation. METHODS A survey was conducted by the IFCC metabolomics working group that queried 400 professionals from 79 countries. Participants provided insights into their experience levels, knowledge, and usage of metabolomics approaches, along with detailing the applications and methodologies employed. RESULTS Findings revealed a varying level of experience among respondents, with varying degrees of familiarity and utilization of metabolomics techniques. Targeted approaches dominated the field, particularly liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, with untargeted methods also receiving significant usage. Applications spanned clinical research, epidemiological studies, clinical diagnostics, patient monitoring, and prognostics across various medical domains, including metabolic diseases, endocrinology, oncology, cardiometabolic risk, neurodegeneration and clinical toxicology. CONCLUSIONS Despite optimism for the future of clinical metabolomics, challenges such as technical complexity, standardization issues, and financial constraints remain significant hurdles. The study underscores the promising yet intricate landscape of metabolomics in clinical practice, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to overcome barriers and realize its full potential in patient care and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Fux
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Marie Lenski
- ULR 4483, IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, Univ. Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille et Unité Fonctionnelle de Toxicologie, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Anne K Bendt
- Singapore Lipidomics Incubator, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - James D Otvos
- Lipoprotein Metabolism Laboratory, Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julijana Ivanisevic
- Metabolomics Unit, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sander De Bruyne
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Etienne Cavalier
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, CIRM, University of Liège, CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - David Friedecký
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Zhang FY, Wang LL, Zeng K, Dong WW, Yuan HY, Ma XY, Wang ZW, Zhao Y, Zhao R, Guan DW. A fundamental study on postmortem submersion interval estimation by metabolomics analyzing of gastrocnemius muscle from submersed rat models in freshwater. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03258-4. [PMID: 38802694 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In forensic practice, determining the postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) and cause-of-death of cadavers in aquatic ecosystems has always been challenging task. Traditional approaches are not yet able to address these issues effectively and adequately. Our previous study proposed novel models to predict the PMSI and cause-of-death based on metabolites of blood from rats immersed in freshwater. However, with the advance of putrefaction, it is hardly to obtain blood samples beyond 3 days postmortem. To further assess the feasibility of PMSI estimation and drowning diagnosis in the later postmortem phase, gastrocnemius, the more degradation-resistant tissue, was collected from drowned rats and postmortem submersion model in freshwater immediately after death, and at 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, and 10 days postmortem respectively. Then the samples were analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to investigate the dynamic changes of the metabolites. A total of 924 metabolites were identified. Similar chronological changes of gastrocnemius metabolites were observed in the drowning and postmortem submersion groups. The difference in metabolic profiles between drowning and postmortem submersion groups was only evident in the initial 1 day postmortem, which was faded as the PMSI extension. Nineteen metabolites representing temporally-dynamic patterns were selected as biomarkers for PMSI estimation. A regression model was built based on these biomarkers with random forest algorithm, which yielded a mean absolute error (± SE) of 5.856 (± 1.296) h on validation samples from an independent experiment. These findings added to our knowledge of chronological changes in muscle metabolites from submerged vertebrate remains during decomposition, which provided a new perspective for PMSI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin-Lin Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China
| | - Kuo Zeng
- Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Wen Dong
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui-Ya Yuan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing-Yu Ma
- Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China.
- PreventionKey Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China.
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China.
| | - Da-Wei Guan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, China Medical University School of Forensic Medicine, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Science, Shenyang, China.
- Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science, Shenyang, China.
- Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China.
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Mazzatenta A, Pietrangelo T, Demontis R, D’Ovidio C. Volabolomic Fingerprinting for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation: A Novel Physiological Approach. Biomolecules 2024; 14:286. [PMID: 38540706 PMCID: PMC10968422 DOI: 10.3390/biom14030286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Death is a multifaceted process wherein each individual cell and tissue has a metabolic homeostasis and a time of functional cessation defined by the dying process as well as by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Decomposition is physiologically associated with the release of different types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and these form volaboloma mortis. The main purpose of this study was to record the volabolomic fingerprint produced by volatile molecules during the physiological decomposition process of human tissue and muscle cells. The volatile chemical signature has important implications for an open issue in forensics and pathology, namely the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI), which decreases in accuracy with the passage of time. Volatile metabolites emitted from human tissues and muscle cells at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h were recorded in real time with an electronic nose sensor device. The key findings were the continuous sampling of VOCs emitted from tissues and cells. These showed a common behavior as time progressed; particularly, after 48 h the distributions became dispersed, and after 72 h they became more variable. Volabolomic fingerprinting associated with time progression relevant to the study of PMIs was reconstructed. Additionally, there may be broader applications, such as in dog training procedures for detecting human remains, and perhaps even for studying scavenger and insect attractants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mazzatenta
- Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Cristian D’Ovidio
- Medicine and Aging Sciences Department, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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Chighine A, Stocchero M, Ferino G, De-Giorgio F, Conte C, Nioi M, d'Aloja E, Locci E. Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1875-1885. [PMID: 37402012 PMCID: PMC10567860 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03050-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to its peculiar anatomy and physiology, the pericardial fluid is a biological matrix of particular interest in the forensic field. Despite this, the available literature has mainly focused on post-mortem biochemistry and forensic toxicology, while to the best of authors' knowledge post-mortem metabolomics has never been applied. Similarly, estimation of the time since death or post-mortem interval based on pericardial fluids has still rarely been attempted. OBJECTIVES We applied a metabolomic approach based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ascertain the feasibility of monitoring post-mortem metabolite changes on human pericardial fluids with the aim of building a multivariate regression model for post-mortem interval estimation. METHODS Pericardial fluid samples were collected in 24 consecutive judicial autopsies, in a time frame ranging from 16 to 170 h after death. The only exclusion criterion was the quantitative and/or qualitative alteration of the sample. Two different extraction protocols were applied for low molecular weight metabolites selection, namely ultrafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction. Our metabolomic approach was based on the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and multivariate statistical data analysis. RESULTS The pericardial fluid samples treated with the two experimental protocols did not show significant differences in the distribution of the metabolites detected. A post-mortem interval estimation model based on 18 pericardial fluid samples was validated with an independent set of 6 samples, giving a prediction error of 33-34 h depending on the experimental protocol used. By narrowing the window to post-mortem intervals below 100 h, the prediction power of the model was significantly improved with an error of 13-15 h depending on the extraction protocol. Choline, glycine, ethanolamine, and hypoxanthine were the most relevant metabolites in the prediction model. CONCLUSION The present study, although preliminary, shows that PF samples collected from a real forensic scenario represent a biofluid of interest for post-mortem metabolomics, with particular regard to the estimation of the time since death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chighine
- Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
- 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, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Celeste Conte
- Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 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
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Badillo-Sanchez D, Serrano Ruber M, Davies-Barrett A, Jones DJ, Hansen M, Inskip S. Metabolomics in archaeological science: A review of their advances and present requirements. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh0485. [PMID: 37566664 PMCID: PMC10421062 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomics, the study of metabolites (small molecules of <1500 daltons), has been posited as a potential tool to explore the past in a comparable manner to other omics, e.g., genomics or proteomics. Archaeologists have used metabolomic approaches for a decade or so, mainly applied to organic residues adhering to archaeological materials. Because of advances in sensitivity, resolution, and the increased availability of different analytical platforms, combined with the low mass/volume required for analysis, metabolomics is now becoming a more feasible choice in the archaeological sector. Additional approaches, as presented by our group, show the versatility of metabolomics as a source of knowledge about the human past when using human osteoarchaeological remains. There is tremendous potential for metabolomics within archaeology, but further efforts are required to position it as a routine technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Serrano Ruber
- School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anna Davies-Barrett
- School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Donald J. L. Jones
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, RKCSB, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- The Leicester van Geest MultiOmics Facility, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Martin Hansen
- Environmental Metabolomics Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Sarah Inskip
- School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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6
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Locci E, Stocchero M, Gottardo R, Chighine A, De-Giorgio F, Ferino G, Nioi M, Demontis R, Tagliaro F, d'Aloja E. PMI estimation through metabolomics and potassium analysis on animal vitreous humour. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:887-895. [PMID: 36799966 PMCID: PMC10085955 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02975-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a major challenge in forensic science. Most of the proposed approaches lack the reliability required to meet the rigorous forensic standards. OBJECTIVES We applied 1H NMR metabolomics to estimate PMI on ovine vitreous humour comparing the results with the actual scientific gold standard, namely vitreous potassium concentrations. METHODS Vitreous humour samples were collected in a time frame ranging from 6 to 86 h after death. Experiments were performed by using 1H NMR metabolomics and ion capillary analysis. Data were submitted to multivariate statistical data analysis. RESULTS A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI based on 47 vitreous humour samples. The model was validated with an independent test set of 24 samples, obtaining a prediction error on the entire range of 6.9 h for PMI < 24 h, 7.4 h for PMI between 24 and 48 h, and 10.3 h for PMI > 48 h. Time-related modifications of the 1H NMR vitreous metabolomic profile could predict PMI better than potassium up to 48 h after death, whilst a combination of the two is better than the single approach for higher PMI estimation. CONCLUSION The present study, although in a proof-of-concept animal model, shows that vitreous metabolomics can be a powerful tool to predict PMI providing a more accurate estimation compared to the widely studied approach based on vitreous potassium concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Stocchero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Rossella Gottardo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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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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8
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Urbas AA, Corbett CA, Mazzola EP. NMR in forensics. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY : MRC 2023; 61:59-65. [PMID: 36114596 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Urbas
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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A novel method for determining postmortem interval based on the metabolomics of multiple organs combined with ensemble learning techniques. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:237-249. [PMID: 35661238 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Determining postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most challenging and essential endeavors in forensic science. Developments in PMI estimation can take advantage of machine learning techniques. Currently, applying an algorithm to obtain information on multiple organs and conducting joint analysis to accurately estimate PMI are still in the early stages. This study aimed to establish a multi-organ stacking model that estimates PMI by analyzing differential compounds of four organs in rats. In a total of 140 rats, skeletal muscle, liver, lung, and kidney tissue samples were collected at each time point after death. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to determine the compound profiles of the samples. The original data were preprocessed using multivariate statistical analysis to determine discriminant compounds. In addition, three interrelated and increasingly complex patterns (single organ optimal model, single organ stacking model, multi-organ stacking model) were established to estimate PMI. The accuracy and generalized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the multi-organ stacking model were the highest at 93% and 0.96, respectively. Only 1 of the 14 external validation samples was misclassified by the multi-organ stacking model. The results demonstrate that the application of the multi-organ combination to the stacking algorithm is a potential forensic tool for the accurate estimation of PMI.
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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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Zhang K, Tuo Y, Liu R, Yan H, Xiang P, Wang Z, Huang P. The use of untargeted and widely targeted metabolomics to distinguish between asphyxia and sudden cardiac death as the cause of death in rats: A preliminary study. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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12
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Tozzo P, Amico I, Delicati A, Toselli F, Caenazzo L. Post-Mortem Interval and Microbiome Analysis through 16S rRNA Analysis: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2641. [PMID: 36359484 PMCID: PMC9689864 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112641] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is an issue that has always represented a challenge in the field of forensic science. Different innovative approaches, compared to the more traditional ones, have been tried over the years, without succeeding in being validated as successful methods for PMI estimation. In the last two decades, innovations in sequencing technologies have made it possible to generate large volumes of data, allowing all members of a bacterial community to be sequenced. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a review regarding new advances in PMI estimation through cadaveric microbiota identification using 16S rRNA sequencing, in order to correlate specific microbiome profiles obtained from different body sites to PMI. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. For this purpose, 800 studies were identified through database searching (Pubmed). Articles that dealt with PMI estimation in correlation with microbiome composition and contained data about species, body site of sampling, monitoring time and sequencing method were selected and ultimately a total of 25 studies were considered. The selected studies evaluated the contribution of the various body sites to determine PMI, based on microbiome sequencing, in human and animal models. The results of this systematic review highlighted that studies conducted on both animals and humans yielded results that were promising. In order to fully exploit the potential of the microbiome in the estimation of PMI, it would be desirable to identify standardized body sampling sites and specific sampling methods in order to align data obtained by different research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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13
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Gandhi S, Chinnadurai V, Bhadra K, Gupta I, Kanwar RS. Urinary metabolic modulation in human participants residing in Siachen: a 1H NMR metabolomics approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9070. [PMID: 35641596 PMCID: PMC9156790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The main physiological challenge in high altitude environment is hypoxia which affects the aerobic metabolism reducing the energy supply. These changes may further progress toward extreme environment-related diseases. These are further reflected in changes in small molecular weight metabolites and metabolic pathways. In the present study, metabolic changes due to chronic environmental hypoxia were assessed using 1H NMR metabolomics by analysing the urinary metabolic profile of 70 people at sea level and 40 people at Siachen camp (3700 m) for 1 year. Multivariate statistical analysis was carried out, and PLSDA detected 15 metabolites based on VIP score > 1. ROC analysis detected cis-aconitate, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Tyrosine, Choline and Creatinine metabolites with a high range of sensitivity and specificity. Pathway analysis revealed 16 pathways impact > 0.05, and phenylalanine tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis was the most prominent altered pathway indicating metabolic remodelling to meet the energy requirements. TCA cycle, Glycine serine and Threonine metabolism, Glutathione metabolism and Cysteine alterations were other metabolic pathways affected during long-term high-altitude hypoxia exposure. Present findings will help unlock a new dimension for the potential application of NMR metabolomics to address extreme environment-related health problems, early detection and developing strategies to combat high altitude hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gandhi
- Metabolomics Research Facility, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India.
| | - Vijayakumar Chinnadurai
- Cognitive Control and Machine Learning Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Kuntal Bhadra
- Department of Endocrinology and Thyroid Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Isha Gupta
- Metabolomics Research Facility, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Ratnesh Singh Kanwar
- Department of Endocrinology and Thyroid Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi, 110054, India
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14
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Chighine A, Porcu M, Ferino G, Lenigno N, Trignano C, d'Aloja E, Locci E. Infant urinary metabolomic profile in a fatal acute methadone intoxication. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:569-575. [PMID: 35018499 PMCID: PMC8847265 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02772-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A case report suspicious for a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is here described. Pathological findings were consistent with an acute respiratory failure while toxicological analysis revealed an elevated blood methadone concentration. Death was then ascribed to an acute methadone intoxication. In addition to the routinary approach, the urinary sample collected at autopsy was investigated with a 1H NMR metabolomic approach and the identified metabolomic profile was challenged with the urinary metabolomic profiles previously obtained from 10 newborns who experienced perinatal asphyxia and 16 healthy control newborns. Intriguingly, the urinary profile of the methadone intoxicated infant was very similar to those belonging to the perinatal asphyxia newborns, especially to those belonging to the newborns characterised by the worst outcome. The results offer several hints on a shared metabolic derangement between different mechanisms of asphyxia/hypoxia. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a metabolomic approach in a pathological case, in which metabolomics offers useful additional information regarding the mechanism and the cause of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Michele Porcu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Lenigno
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Trignano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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15
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Zarrouk E, Lenski M, Bruno C, Thibert V, Contreras P, Privat K, Ameline A, Fabresse N. High-resolution mass spectrometry: Theoretical and technological aspects. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Dawidowska J, Krzyżanowska M, Markuszewski MJ, Kaliszan M. The Application of Metabolomics in Forensic Science with Focus on Forensic Toxicology and Time-of-Death Estimation. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120801. [PMID: 34940558 PMCID: PMC8708813 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the diagnostic methods used by scientists in forensic examinations have enormously expanded. Metabolomics provides an important contribution to analytical method development. The main purpose of this review was to investigate and summarize the most recent applications of metabolomics in forensic science. The primary research method was an extensive review of available international literature in PubMed. The keywords “forensic” and “metabolomics” were used as search criteria for the PubMed database scan. Most authors emphasized the analysis of different biological sample types using chromatography methods. The presented review is a summary of recently published implementations of metabolomics in forensic science and types of biological material used and techniques applied. Possible opportunities for valuable metabolomics’ applications are discussed to emphasize the essential necessities resulting in numerous nontargeted metabolomics’ assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dawidowska
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.D.); (M.J.M.)
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Marta Krzyżanowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Michał Jan Markuszewski
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland; (J.D.); (M.J.M.)
| | - Michał Kaliszan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-3491255
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Kim HM, Kang JS. Metabolomic Studies for the Evaluation of Toxicity Induced by Environmental Toxicants on Model Organisms. Metabolites 2021; 11:485. [PMID: 34436425 PMCID: PMC8402193 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution causes significant toxicity to ecosystems. Thus, acquiring a deeper understanding of the concentration of environmental pollutants in ecosystems and, clarifying their potential toxicities is of great significance. Environmental metabolomics is a powerful technique in investigating the effects of pollutants on living organisms in the environment. In this review, we cover the different aspects of the environmental metabolomics approach, which allows the acquisition of reliable data. A step-by-step procedure from sample preparation to data interpretation is also discussed. Additionally, other factors, including model organisms and various types of emerging environmental toxicants are discussed. Moreover, we cover the considerations for successful environmental metabolomics as well as the identification of toxic effects based on data interpretation in combination with phenotype assays. Finally, the effects induced by various types of environmental toxicants in model organisms based on the application of environmental metabolomics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Min Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jong Seong Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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18
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Chighine A, Locci E, Nioi M, d'Aloja E. Looking for Post-Mortem Metabolomic Standardization: Waiting for Godot-The Importance of Post-Mortem Interval in Forensic Metabolomics. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:1946-1947. [PMID: 34283584 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the post-mortem interval exerts a strong effect on the metabolome, independently of the biological matrix or the cause of death. A sound and shared approach in standardization is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Matteo Nioi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Ernesto d'Aloja
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
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19
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Mondello C, Stassi C, Minutoli L, Baldino G, Alibrandi A, Spatola GF, Uzzo ML, Micali A, Puzzolo D, Asmundo A, Ventura Spagnolo E. Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 Immunohistochemical Pattern in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles at Different Times after Death: An Experimental Study on PMI Estimation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11061062. [PMID: 34207610 PMCID: PMC8229155 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11061062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) is a challenge for forensic pathologists because data emerging from methods commonly applied are not always conclusive, since several conditions exist that may affect the reliability of these parameters. Thus, new approaches have been proposed to overcome such a limit. In recent years, several studies have been performed on proteins analyzing their expression/degradation patterns in relation to the progressing of the post mortem interval. (2) Methods: The immunoreactivity patterns of two apoptosis mediators—Caspase 9 and Caspase 3—have been tested in order to evaluate their potential role as markers of the post mortem interval. The immunohistochemical analysis was performed on samples of skeletal and cardiac muscles obtained from rats at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 72 h after death. (3) Results: The observed immunoreactivity patterns of both Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 showed a significant correlation with increasing post mortem interval either in skeletal or cardiac muscles, while the comparison of the immunoreactivity patterns of the two apoptotic mediators within each tissue appeared consistent with a preliminary activation of the “initiator” Caspase 9, which, in turn, subsequently activates the “executioner” Caspase 3. (4) Conclusion: The different expressions and decrease immunohistochemically observed on both caspases with progressing PMI support the usefulness of the combined analysis for post mortem interval estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Chiara Stassi
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Baldino
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi 75, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Francesco Spatola
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.F.S.); (M.L.U.)
| | - Maria Laura Uzzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.F.S.); (M.L.U.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (A.M.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Legal Medicine Section, Department for Health Promotion and Mother-Child Care, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (C.S.); (G.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3496465532
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20
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Nioi M, Napoli PE, Demontis R, Locci E, Fossarello M, d’Aloja E. Postmortem Ocular Findings in the Optical Coherence Tomography Era: A Proof of Concept Study Based on Six Forensic Cases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:413. [PMID: 33670928 PMCID: PMC7997319 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem analysis of the ocular globe is an important topic for forensic pathology and transplantology. Although crucial elements may be gathered from examining cadaveric eyes, the latter do not routinely undergo in-depth analysis. The paucity of quantitative and objective data that are obtainable using current, invasive necroscopic techniques is the main reason for the limited interest in this highly specialized procedure. The aim of the current study is to describe and to object for the first time the postmortem ocular changes by mean of portable optical coherence tomography for evaluating ocular tissues postmortem. The design involved the postmortem analysis (in situ, and without enucleation) of 12 eyes by portable spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography. The scans were performed, in corneal, retinal and angle modality at different intervals: <6 h, 6th, 12th, and 24th hour and after autopsy (25th-72nd hour). The morphological changes in the cornea, sclera, vitreous humor and aqueous humor were easy to explore and objectify in these tissues in first 72 h postmortem. On the other hand, the "in situ" observation of the retina was difficult due to the opacification of the lenses in the first 24 h after death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Nioi
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.D.); (E.L.); (E.d.)
| | - Pietro Emanuele Napoli
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (P.E.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Roberto Demontis
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.D.); (E.L.); (E.d.)
| | - Emanuela Locci
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.D.); (E.L.); (E.d.)
| | - Maurizio Fossarello
- Eye Clinic, Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (P.E.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Ernesto d’Aloja
- Forensic Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (R.D.); (E.L.); (E.d.)
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