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Bianchi I, Grassi S, Nardi E, Castiglione F, Focardi M. Dental DNA Mutations Occurring after Death: A Novel Method for Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) Estimation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8832. [PMID: 39201518 PMCID: PMC11354992 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168832] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation remains one of the major challenges in forensic practice, especially for late PMIs beyond 7-10 days after the death of the subject. In 2022, an innovative method to investigate the occurrence of mutations induced by the death of a subject in the DNA of post-mortem dental pulps at different PMIs was developed, applying a next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis. The present study aims to apply the same method of analysis to a small sample of teeth belonging to the same subject and analyzed at different PMIs/accumulated degree days (ADDs), and of teeth extracted from different subjects but analyzed at the same PMI/ADD to verify the repeatability of the results obtained in relation to the time elapsed since death. A total of 10 teeth were collected from 6 patients (3 males and 3 females) with PMI varying from 8 to 35 days, and ADD from 157.4 to 753.8. We found 1754 mutations in 56 genes, with more than 700 mutations having a prevalence > 5% and more than 300 variants considered of interest for the purposes of the study. Mutations that were not present at lower PMIs but manifested in later PMIs in pulps belonging to the same subject demonstrate that they can only have been acquired by the subject after death and according to the time elapsed since death. In total, 67 somatic mutations in 29 out of the 56 genes of the used panel occurred in a fashion that allows an association with specific PMI/ADD ranges (within 8 days, between 17 and 28, and beyond 30 days after death). The results suggest that temperature and humidity could influence the rate of DNA degeneration in dental pulps, thus PMI should be estimated in ADD more than days. The preliminary validation supports the hypothesis that the innovative method could be a useful tool for estimating the post-mortem interval even beyond the first week after death, but further analyses are needed to customize a specific genetic panel for forensic investigations and verify the influence of degenerative processes of soft tissues surrounding dental elements on DNA degeneration of pulps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Bianchi
- Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.)
- Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Grassi
- Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.)
- Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nardi
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.N.); (F.C.)
| | - Martina Focardi
- Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.)
- Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Cianci V, Mondello C, Sapienza D, Guerrera MC, Cianci A, Cracò A, Omero F, Gioffrè V, Gualniera P, Asmundo A, Germanà A. Potential Role of mRNA in Estimating Postmortem Interval: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8185. [PMID: 39125753 PMCID: PMC11311348 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158185] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the postmortem interval estimation still represents one of the main goals of forensic medicine, there are still several limitations that weigh on the methods most used for its determination: for this reason, even today, precisely estimating the postmortem interval remains one of the most important challenges in the forensic pathology field. To try to overcome these limitations, in recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on the potential use of the mRNA degradation time for reaching a more precise post mortem interval (PMI) estimation. An evidence-based systematic review of the literature has been conducted to evaluate the state of the art of the knowledge focusing on the potential correlation between mRNA degradation and PMI estimation. The research has been performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus. The analysis conducted made it possible to confirm the potential applicability of mRNA for reaching a more precise PMI estimation. The analysis of the results highlighted the usefulness of some mRNAs, such as β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA, especially in short time frames, within a few hours or days of death. The matrices on which these analyses were conducted were also analyzed, resulting in less exposure to the external environment, including the heart, brain, and dental pulp. The major limitations were also reported, including the short time intervals analyzed in most of the articles, the lack of mathematical models, and the failure to report the error rate between the mRNA degradation time and PMI. Given the still small number of published articles, the lack of globally recognized standardized methods, and the numerous techniques used to evaluate the mRNA degradation times, numerous and larger studies are still necessary to reach more solid and shared evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cianci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Daniela Sapienza
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.C.G.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessio Cianci
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Cracò
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University Hospital Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Fausto Omero
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Gioffrè
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS San Raffaele, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Gualniera
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.M.); (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.C.G.); (A.G.)
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Wenzlow N, Mills D, Byrd J, Warren M, Long MT. Review of the current and potential use of biological and molecular methods for the estimation of the postmortem interval in animals and humans. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:97-108. [PMID: 36744749 PMCID: PMC9999395 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231153930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We provide here an overview of the state of applied techniques in the estimation of the early period of the postmortem interval (PMI). The biological methods included consist of body cooling, CSF potassium, body cooling combined with CSF potassium, and tissue autolysis. For each method, we present its application in human and veterinary medicine and provide current methodology, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as target areas for improvement. We examine current and future molecular methods as they pertain to DNA and primarily to messenger RNA degradation for the estimation of the PMI, as well as the use of RNA in aging wounds, aging blood stains, and the identification of body fluids. Various types of RNA have different lengths, structures, and functions in cells. These differences in RNAs determine various intrinsic properties, such as their half-lives in cells, and, hence, their decay rate as well as their unique use for specific forensic tests. Future applications and refinements of RNA-based techniques provide opportunities for the use of molecular methods in the estimation of PMI and other general forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanny Wenzlow
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - DeEtta Mills
- Department of Biological Sciences and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jason Byrd
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mike Warren
- Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Cui C, Song Y, Mao D, Cao Y, Qiu B, Gui P, Wang H, Zhao X, Huang Z, Sun L, Zhong Z. Predicting the Postmortem Interval Based on Gravesoil Microbiome Data and a Random Forest Model. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010056. [PMID: 36677348 PMCID: PMC9860995 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The estimation of a postmortem interval (PMI) is particularly important for forensic investigations. The aim of this study was to assess the succession of bacterial communities associated with the decomposition of mouse cadavers and determine the most important biomarker taxa for estimating PMIs. High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the bacterial communities of gravesoil samples with different PMIs, and a random forest model was used to identify biomarker taxa. Redundancy analysis was used to determine the significance of environmental factors that were related to bacterial communities. Our data showed that the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes showed an increasing trend during decomposition, but that of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi decreased. At the genus level, Pseudomonas was the most abundant bacterial group, showing a trend similar to that of Proteobacteria. Soil temperature, total nitrogen, NH4+-N and NO3--N levels were significantly related to the relative abundance of bacterial communities. Random forest models could predict PMIs with a mean absolute error of 1.27 days within 36 days of decomposition and identified 18 important biomarker taxa, such as Sphingobacterium, Solirubrobacter and Pseudomonas. Our results highlighted that microbiome data combined with machine learning algorithms could provide accurate models for predicting PMIs in forensic science and provide a better understanding of decomposition processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- College of Resource and Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dongmei Mao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bowen Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peng Gui
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xingchun Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics of Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zhi Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Liqiong Sun
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zengtao Zhong
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Viciano J, López-Lázaro S, Tanga C. Post-Mortem Dental Profile as a Powerful Tool in Animal Forensic Investigations—A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162038. [PMID: 36009628 PMCID: PMC9404435 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary forensics is becoming more important in our society as a result of the growing demand for investigations related to crimes against animals or investigations of criminal deaths caused by animals. A veterinarian may participate as an expert witness or may be required to give forensic assistance, by providing knowledge of the specialty to establish a complete picture of the involvement of an animal and allowing the Courts to reach a verdict. By applying diverse dental profiling techniques, not only can species, sex, age-at-death, and body size of an animal be estimated, but also data about their geographical origin (provenance) and the post-mortem interval. This review concentrates on the dental techniques that use the characteristics of teeth as a means of identification of freshly deceased and skeletonised animals. Furthermore, this highlights the information that can be extracted about the animal from the post-mortem dental profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Viciano
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
| | - Sandra López-Lázaro
- Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 6850331, Chile
- Forensic Dentistry Lab, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense–CIO–, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
| | - Carmen Tanga
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
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Systematic Review on Post-Mortem Protein Alterations: Analysis of Experimental Models and Evaluation of Potential Biomarkers of Time of Death. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061490. [PMID: 35741301 PMCID: PMC9222196 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is a very complex issue due to numerous variables that may affect the calculation. Several authors have investigated the quantitative and qualitative variations of protein expression on post-mortem biological samples in certain time intervals, both in animals and in humans. However, the literature data are very numerous and often inhomogeneous, with different models, tissues and proteins evaluated, such that the practical application of these methods is limited to date. The aim of this paper was to offer an organic view of the state of the art about post-mortem protein alterations for the calculation of PMI through the analysis of the various experimental models proposed. The purpose was to investigate the validity of some proteins as “molecular clocks” candidates, focusing on the evidence obtained in the early, intermediate and late post-mortem interval. This study demonstrates how the study of post-mortem protein alterations may be useful for estimating the PMI, although there are still technical limits, especially in the experimental models performed on humans. We suggest a protocol to homogenize the study of future experimental models, with a view to the next concrete application of these methods also at the crime scene.
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Wang Y, Wang M, Xu W, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang J. Estimating the Postmortem Interval of Carcasses in the Water Using the Carrion Insect, Brain Tissue RNA, Bacterial Biofilm, and Algae. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:774276. [PMID: 35058896 PMCID: PMC8765475 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.774276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in the investigation of homicide cases. Unlike carcasses on land, various biological and abiotic factors affect the decomposition of carcasses in water. In addition, the insect evidence (e.g., blow flies) that is commonly used to estimate the PMI are unavailable before the carcasses float on water. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the PMI of a carcass in water. This study aimed to explore an effective way of estimating the PMI of a carcass in water. Carrion insects, brain tissue RNA, bacterial biofilm on the skin surface, and algae in water with PMI were studied using 45 rat carcasses in a small river. The results showed that carrion insects might not be suitable for the estimation of PMI of a carcass in water since they do not have a regular succession pattern as a carcass on land, and the flies only colonized six of the carcasses. The target genes (β-actin, GAPDH, and 18S) in the brain tissue were associated with the PMI in a time-dependent manner within 1 week after death. A polynomial regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the gene expression profiles and PMI. The correlation coefficient R2 of each regression equation was ≥ 0.924. A third-generation sequencing analysis showed that the bacteria on the skin surface of the carcass and the algae in the water samples around the carcass had a regular succession pattern, where Cryptomonas and Placoneis incased and decreased, respectively, within first 9 days. The results of this study provide a promising way to use the brain tissue RNA, bacterial biofilm, and algae to estimate the PMI of a carcass in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wang Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Wang Y, Wang M, Luo C, Li L, Xu W, Hu G, Wang Y, Amendt J, Wang J. Dynamics of insects, microorganisms and muscle mRNA on pig carcasses and their significances in estimating PMI. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 329:111090. [PMID: 34752998 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The accurate estimate of the postmortem interval (PMI) is of vital significance in the investigation of homicide cases. In this study, three pig carcasses were placed in the field to study the pattern of insect succession, the change of microorganisms and the degradation of muscle tissue RNA during the decomposition process. The results showed that insects could quickly colonize the carcasses and still exist on them until the end of the experiment (41 days). Their development and succession patterns are useful indicators for PMI estimation. The diversity of rectal microorganisms decreased with the decomposition time. In different decomposition periods, significant differences in the rectal and soil microbial composition and relative abundance were found, which could be used to estimate the PMI with an accuracy of 3-4 days. The RNA of muscle tissue was found to have a time-dependent relationship with the PMI. Ppia and Gapdh showed a linear upward trend within 10 h after the death, followed by a gradual downward trend from 10 to 240 h. The expression of β-actin gene showed a gradual downward trend during 0-240 h. This is the first study in China to analyze the changes of insects, muscle RNA and microorganisms on pig carcasses in the same natural environment, which provide basic data for the PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Wang Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
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Sangwan A, Singh SP, Singh P, Gupta OP, Manas A, Gupta S. Role of molecular techniques in PMI estimation: An update. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 83:102251. [PMID: 34592482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The time frames between death and reporting of the cadaver, known as post Mortem interval (PMI), is essential in investigation of homicide deaths, suspicious deaths, or other untimely deaths as well as natural deaths. Such information helps to connect the missing links in homicide or other relevant cases. Over the time several methods are developed which depends upon factors as several methods physiological, biochemical, entomological, and archaeological for the estimation of degradation of body with time. These methods lack precision, require expertise to achieve worthy results or authentic estimate. Although these methods are currently in use but, these evaluations are still unreliable and imprecise. Hence, we still need new methods for better estimation of PMI. Initially, the predictable morphological and chemical changes in cadaver are used as PMI indicators but, as the time since death increases, the above methods become less useful for as they can't pin point the time of death rather give a ballpark idea. With the advent of the field of molecular biology, the estimation of PMI is proposed to be executed by evaluating the degradation pattern of the biological markers (DNA, RNA, and Proteins). It is now proved that the DNA is fairly unwavering over long post-mortem phases, RNA is much more labile in nature, and sensitive to degradation in a tissue-specific manner. Thus, the main purpose (aim, agenda) of this document is to provide review that mainly focuses on potential use of RNA markers in estimation of PMI. For this Critical Review, the systematic evaluation of 47 studies is executed according to the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Sangwan
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Saurabh Pratap Singh
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Prerna Singh
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - O P Gupta
- Department of General Surgery, Career Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Abhigyan Manas
- Department of General Surgery, Career Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Shalini Gupta
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
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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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MicroRNAs as Useful Tools to Estimate Time Since Death. A Systematic Review of Current Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11010064. [PMID: 33401603 PMCID: PMC7823686 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating the time of death remains the most challenging question in forensic medicine, because post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation can be a remarkably difficult goal to achieve. The aim of this review is to analyze the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) to evaluate PMI. MiRNAs have been studied as hallmarks and biomarkers in several pathologies and have also showed interesting applications in forensic science, such as high sensible biomarkers in body fluid and tissue, for wound age determination and PMI evaluation due to their low molecular weight and tissue-specific expression. The present systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. We performed an electronic search of PubMed, Science Direct Scopus, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) from the inception of these databases to 12 August 2020. The search terms were (“PMI miRNA” or “PMI micro RNA”) and (“miRNA” and “time of death”) in the title, abstract and keywords. Through analysis of scientific literature regarding forensic uses of miRNAs, has emerged that the intrinsic characteristics of such molecules, and their subsequent resistance to degradation, make them suitable as endogenous markers in order to determine PMI. However, further and larger studies with human samples and standardized protocols are still needed.
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Ugrappa S, Jain A. An emergence of dental tissues in the forensic medicine for the postmortem interval estimation: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_20_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Heneghan N, Fu J, Pritchard J, Payton M, Allen RW. The effect of environmental conditions on the rate of RNA degradation in dried blood stains. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 51:102456. [PMID: 33444974 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between RNA degradation and the age of a bloodstain has been suggested by the work of several investigators. A prior study from this laboratory described a qPCR assay that was effective at estimating the age of bloodstains stored in an environmentally controlled laboratory for periods of up to one year. In this study, the effect of the environmental conditions on the rate of RNA degradation during storage was analyzed. Bloodstains were prepared on stain cards and stored in one of 9 different environments for periods of up to 24 weeks. At selected times during the storage term, RNA was extracted, reverse transcribed, and the integrity of select transcripts analyzed. Three temperatures (37 °C, 20 °C, and 4 °C) and three relative humidities (rH) (75 %, 35 %, and 10 %) were combined pairwise. The rate of RNA degradation was found to increase 5-10 fold in stains stored at 37 °C versus those stored at 20 °C. The rate of RNA degradation was faster for stains stored at 20 °C compared to 4 °C but differed only 2-4 fold. Multivariate regression analysis suggests elevations in temperature or rH will accelerate RNA degradation and will do so to a similar extent. It is clear from the data that the integrity of the transcriptome in dried bloodstains is better preserved in a cold and dry environment. Investigations are ongoing to develop an approach for the estimation of sample age that incorporates the environmental conditions of a crime scene into the age estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Heneghan
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jun Fu
- School of Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jane Pritchard
- School of Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Mark Payton
- Chair and Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Robert W Allen
- School of Forensic Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Tulsa, OK, United States.
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14
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Na JY. Estimation of the post-mortem interval using microRNA in the bones. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 75:102049. [PMID: 32861958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can be useful in forensic science because of their numerous characteristics, especially stability. Post-mortem interval (PMI) is crucial for death scene investigations. However, estimating PMI is challenging in cases involving significantly decomposed or destroyed bodies, such as those involving skeletonized remains. In this study, 71 bones (patella) were collected from the bodies during autopsies (PMI ranging from 1 day to 2 years). As the let-7e and miR-16 miRNAs were used as internal controls for the bone tissue in previous studies, these miRNAs were selected as targets to estimate PMI. The miRNA Ce_miR-39_1 was used as a spike-in internal control to normalize the target miRNA levels. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to correlate the expression levels of let-7e and miR-16 with increasing PMI. A negative correlation was observed between miRNA expression and increasing PMI. The expression of both let-7e and miR-16 was observed to be significantly different between group A and the other PMI groups (group A < 1 month; 1 month < group B < 3 months; 3 months < group C < 6 months; group D > 6 months). In conclusion, these data suggest that the expression level of specific miRNAs (let-7e and miR-16) in the bone tissue could be used to estimate PMI. However, more studies using long-term PMI samples are required to further corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Young Na
- Department of Pathology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, 20, Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Inostroza C, Carrasco P, Godoy M, Gatti G, Paulino B. Dental Forensic Kit (DFK®) and Quick Extract™ FFPE DNA extraction kit, a new workflow for obtaining dental DNA for human genetic identity. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 73:101992. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2020.101992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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16
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Liu R, Gu Y, Shen M, Li H, Zhang K, Wang Q, Wei X, Zhang H, Wu D, Yu K, Cai W, Wang G, Zhang S, Sun Q, Huang P, Wang Z. Predicting postmortem interval based on microbial community sequences and machine learning algorithms. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:2273-2291. [PMID: 32227435 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microbes play an essential role in the decomposition process but were poorly understood in their succession and behaviour. Previous researches have shown that microbes show predictable behaviour that starts at death and changes during the decomposition process. Research of such behaviour enhances the understanding of decomposition and benefits estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic investigations, which is critical but faces multiple challenges. In this study, we combined microbial community characterization, microbiome sequencing from different organs (i.e. brain, heart and cecum) and machine learning algorithms [random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN)] to investigate microbial succession pattern during corpse decomposition and estimate PMI in a mouse corpse system. Microbial communities exhibited significant differences between the death point and advanced decay stages. Enterococcus faecalis, Anaerosalibacter bizertensis, Lactobacillus reuteri, and so forth were identified as the most informative species in the decomposition process. Furthermore, the ANN model combined with the postmortem microbial data set from the cecum, which was the best combination among all candidates, yielded a mean absolute error of 1.5 ± 0.8 h within 24-h decomposition and 14.5 ± 4.4 h within 15-day decomposition. This integrated model can serve as a reliable and accurate technology in PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruina Liu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yuexi Gu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mingwang Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Microbiology and immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Chongqing Medical University, College of Basic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Wei
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Haohui Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Di Wu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wumin Cai
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Gongji Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Siruo Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qinru Sun
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, 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
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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17
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Peng D, Lv M, Li Z, Tian H, Qu S, Jin B, Long B, Liang W, Zhang L. Postmortem interval determination using mRNA markers and DNA normalization. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:149-157. [PMID: 31773316 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem interval (PMI) determination is an important part of criminal investigations, but it is still subject to uncertainty. Degradation of mRNA in PMI determination has been studied in decays; however, some studies have reported no correlation between PMI and RNA degradation. Thus, we aimed to determine whether RNA quantity was correlated with PMI. Heart and brain tissues were separated from a mouse model of a 0-48 h PMI with 29 time points. We then coextracted the DNA and RNA in one tube with Bioteke coextraction kits and selected some mRNA markers associated with cell oxygen deprivation and apoptosis as target genes, such as hypoxia-associated factor (HAF), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF2a), and factor inhibiting HIF (FIH). We measured the quantity of these markers using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Caspase-3 DNA and 18S were each used for normalization. The results showed that in the heart tissue, the degradation of HIF2a, AIF, and FIH was correlated with PMI, as was the degradation of HIF2a, FIH, and AIF in brain tissue when normalized with Caspase-3 DNA. However, when normalized with 18S, only the degradation of HIF2a in brain tissue was correlated with PMI. Interestingly, the quantity of HAF in brain tissue was found to increase after death with either 18S or Caspase-3 DNA normalization, and it was significantly correlated with 0-48 h PMI. These results indicated that mRNA quantity can be used to determine PMI and that Caspase-3 DNA is feasible for PMI estimation. In summary, we established mathematical models for PMI determination using multiple mRNA markers and multiple tissues and further studies are needed to validate and investigate these markers and mathematical models in human tissues.Duo Peng and Meili Lv contributed equally to this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Peng
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Meili Lv
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhilong Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Tian
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - ShengQiu Qu
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Bing Long
- Sichuan Police College, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Weibo Liang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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18
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Analysis of RNA in the estimation of post-mortem interval: a review of current evidence. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:1629-1640. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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19
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Courts C, Pfaffl MW, Sauer E, Parson W. Pleading for adherence to the MIQE-Guidelines when reporting quantitative PCR data in forensic genetic research. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 42:e21-e24. [PMID: 31270013 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Courts
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Michael W Pfaffl
- Technical University of Munich, Animal Physiology and Immunology, Freising, Germany
| | - Eva Sauer
- State Office of Criminal Investigation of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, Germany
| | - Walther Parson
- Innsbruck Medical University, Institute of Legal Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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20
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Mazzotti MC, Fais P, Palazzo C, Fersini F, Ruggeri A, Falconi M, Pelotti S, Teti G. Determining the time of death by morphological and immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen fibers in postmortem gingival tissues. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2019; 39:1-8. [PMID: 31078972 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The estimation of the post mortem interval (PMI) is still one of the most challenging variables to determine and the different approaches currently used in its estimation generally yield to large post mortem windows. In the present study we combined morphological and immunohistochemical analysis in order to reach a more detailed knowledge on tissue organization and degradation after death. Ultrastructural cellular changes and the extracellular matrix of gingival tissues, collected at different post mortem intervals, were observed by a Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), in combination with the immunohistochemical detection of extracellular matrix proteins (i.e. collagen type I and collagen type III) as potential post mortem biochemical markers. The final goal was to find a correlation between morphological modifications, biomarkers expression and the time of death. Samples of gingival tissues obtained from 10 cadavers at different post mortem intervals (short post mortem interval, 1-3 days; mid post mortem interval, 4-6 days; long post mortem interval, 7-9 days) were processed for light microscopy and TEM and they were also immunostained with anti-collagen type I and type III antibodies. Results showed gradual degradation of extracellular matrix in the suboral connective tissue in relation to the different time of death. Moreover PMI was related to an increase of nuclear chromatin condensation and cytoplasmic vacuolization both in epithelial and connective tissues. In conclusion, in addition to traditional forensic approaches to estimate PMI, the combined analyses of cellular morphology, ultrastructure and immunohistochemical expression of collagen proteins allow to better infer the PMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Mazzotti
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - P Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Palazzo
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Fersini
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Ruggeri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Teti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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21
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Tao L, Ma J, Han L, Xu H, Zeng Y, Yehui L, Li W, Ma K, Xiao B, Chen L. Early postmortem interval estimation based on Cdc25b mRNA in rat cardiac tissue. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 35:18-24. [PMID: 30237007 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The postmortem interval (PMI) is the amount of time that has elapsed since the time of death. Over the years, many approaches have been developed to assess PMI, but their time frame of applicability has been only days to weeks. Our present pilot study aimed to find the sensitive mRNA marker if the degradation of mRNA could be used to estimate the early postmortem interval (up to 24 h). METHODS In our study, we use the microarray to screen 217 mRNAs markers of rat cardiac tissue. Then, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate of the candidate markers at 7 time points within 24 h and at temperatures of 25 °C and 35 °C. Another 27 rats were then used to verify the model. RESULTS Among all of the candidate markers, △Cq (cell division cycle 25 homolog B(Cdc25b)) had the best correlation coefficient with early postmortem interval and was used to build a new model using the R software. The results of verification testing demonstrated that the error rate was less than 15%, demonstrating the high predictive power of our mathematical model. CONCLUSION In this study, Cdc25b was found to be the sensitive marker to estimate early postmortem interval, and Rpl27 was found to be suitable for use as the endogenous control. Our work provided new leads for molecular approaches to early postmortem interval estimation using the significant mRNA markers established here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianlong Ma
- Shenzhen Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Investigation Department of Shenzhen Public Security Bureau, Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Ministry of Public Security, Shenzhen, 518000,China
| | - Liujun Han
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Children's Hospital, Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Lyu Yehui
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 279 ZhouzhuHwy, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Wencan Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China; Forensic Lab, Criminal Science and Technology Institute, Pudong Branch, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 255 Yanzhong Road, Shanghai 200125, China
| | - Kaijun Ma
- Forensic Lab, Criminal Science and Technology Institute, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 803 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Bi Xiao
- Forensic Lab, Criminal Science and Technology Institute, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 803 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200082, China.
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131Dongan Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
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22
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Evaluating the potential of housekeeping genes, rRNAs, snRNAs, microRNAs and circRNAs as reference genes for the estimation of PMI. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 14:194-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-9973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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23
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Ribéreau-Gayon A, Rando C, Morgan RM, Carter DO. The suitability of visual taphonomic methods for digital photographs: An experimental approach with pig carcasses in a tropical climate. Sci Justice 2017; 58:167-176. [PMID: 29685298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the context of increased scrutiny of the methods in forensic sciences, it is essential to ensure that the approaches used in forensic taphonomy to measure decomposition and estimate the postmortem interval are underpinned by robust evidence-based data. Digital photographs are an important source of documentation in forensic taphonomic investigations but the suitability of the current approaches for photographs, rather than real-time remains, is poorly studied which can undermine accurate forensic conclusions. The present study aimed to investigate the suitability of 2D colour digital photographs for evaluating decomposition of exposed human analogues (Sus scrofa domesticus) in a tropical savanna environment (Hawaii), using two published scoring methods; Megyesi et al., 2005 and Keough et al., 2017. It was found that there were significant differences between the real-time and photograph decomposition scores when the Megyesi et al. method was used. However, the Keough et al. method applied to photographs reflected real-time decomposition more closely and thus appears more suitable to evaluate pig decomposition from 2D photographs. The findings indicate that the type of scoring method used has a significant impact on the ability to accurately evaluate the decomposition of exposed pig carcasses from photographs. It was further identified that photographic taphonomic analysis can reach high inter-observer reproducibility. These novel findings are of significant importance for the forensic sciences as they highlight the potential for high quality photograph coverage to provide useful complementary information for the forensic taphonomic investigation. New recommendations to develop robust transparent approaches adapted to photographs in forensic taphonomy are suggested based on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Ribéreau-Gayon
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, United Kingdom.
| | - Carolyn Rando
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, HI, United States.
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24
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Bai X, Peng D, Li Z, Tian H, Zhang L, Yang D, Bai P, Liang W. Postmortem interval (PMI) determination by profiling of HAF mRNA degradation using RT-qPCR. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2017.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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26
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Systematic analysis of gene expression patterns associated with postmortem interval in human tissues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5435. [PMID: 28710439 PMCID: PMC5511187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05882-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem mRNA degradation is considered to be the major concern in gene expression research utilizing human postmortem tissues. A key factor in this process is the postmortem interval (PMI), which is defined as the interval between death and sample collection. However, global patterns of postmortem mRNA degradation at individual gene levels across diverse human tissues remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of alteration of gene expression associated with PMI in human tissues. From the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database, we evaluated gene expression levels of 2,016 high-quality postmortem samples from 316 donors of European descent, with PMI ranging from 1 to 27 hours. We found that PMI-related mRNA degradation is tissue-specific, gene-specific, and even genotype-dependent, thus drawing a more comprehensive picture of PMI-associated gene expression across diverse human tissues. Additionally, we also identified 266 differentially variable (DV) genes, such as DEFB4B and IFNG, whose expression is significantly dispersed between short PMI (S-PMI) and long PMI (L-PMI) groups. In summary, our analyses provide a comprehensive profile of PMI-associated gene expression, which will help interpret gene expression patterns in the evaluation of postmortem tissues.
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27
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Han B, Bu P, Meng X, Hou X. Microarray profiling of long non-coding RNAs associated with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2657-2666. [PMID: 28587327 PMCID: PMC5450750 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a fatal disease with a poor prognosis and the molecular pathways underlying the pathogenesis of IPAH are not fully understood. In the present study, the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of lymphocytes obtained from 12 IPAH patients and 12 healthy controls were analyzed using Arraystar Human lncRNA Microarray v2.0, and their roles in the pathogenesis of IPAH were characterized using comprehensive bioinformatic tools. A total of 2,511 lncRNAs (2,004 upregulated and 507 downregulated) and 1,169 mRNAs (609 upregulated and 560 downregulated) were aberrantly expressed in IPAH patients with a fold-change of >2.0. Gene ontology analysis indicated that the coexpressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in the process of translation, while pathway analysis indicated that the coexpressed RNAs were enriched during the process of oxidative phosphorylation and in the ribosome. It was concluded that dysregulated lncRNAs are potentially associated with IPAH, and aberrant lncRNA expression in blood cells may serve as a diagnostic marker of IPAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Han
- Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Peili Bu
- Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Meng
- Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyang Hou
- Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Department, Shandong Province-owned Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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28
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Pittner S, Ehrenfellner B, Zissler A, Racher V, Trutschnig W, Bathke AC, Sänger AM, Stoiber W, Steinbacher P, Monticelli FC. First application of a protein-based approach for time since death estimation. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:479-483. [PMID: 27770266 PMCID: PMC5591615 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1459-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Awareness of postmortem degradation processes in a human body is fundamental to develop methods for forensic time since death estimation (TDE). Currently, applied approaches are all more or less limited to certain postmortem phases, or have restrictions on behalf of circumstances of death. Novel techniques, however, rarely exceed basic research phases due to various reasons. We report the first application of a novel method, based on decay of muscle proteins, in a recent case of murder-suicide, where other TDE methods failed to obtain data. We detected considerably different protein degradation profiles in both individuals involved and compared the data to our presently available database. We obtained statistical evidence for un-simultaneous death and therefore received valuable information to trace the progression of events based on protein degradation. Although we could not sensibly convert the data to respective times of death, this case highlights the potential for future application and elucidates the necessary further steps to develop a viable TDE method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Bianca Ehrenfellner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Victoria Racher
- Department of Mathematics, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Trutschnig
- Department of Mathematics, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arne C Bathke
- Department of Mathematics, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra M Sänger
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabio C Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Neuropsychiatry, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Straße 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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Lv YH, Ma JL, Pan H, Zeng Y, Tao L, Zhang H, Li WC, Ma KJ, Chen L. Estimation of the human postmortem interval using an established rat mathematical model and multi-RNA markers. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2016; 13:20-27. [PMID: 28032211 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-016-9827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, a R code-based mathematical model using RNA degradation patterns was developed for PMI determination in rat brain specimens. However, the postmortem changes of RNA are much more complicated in real cases, and there is still a huge challenge in efficiently applying information in animal data to real cases. In the present study, different RNA markers in both rat and human tissues were collected to screen valid biomarkers and the corresponding mathematical models were established and validated. With the same methodology, multi-RNA markers of myocardium and liver tissues were detected by qPCR and the Ct values of ten biomarkers generally increased with prolonged PMIs. 5S, miR-1 and miR-133a were shown to be optimum reference biomarkers that were not affected by a PMI of up to 5 or more days; however, liver-specific miR-122 began to degrade under higher temperatures and only 5S was selected as an endogenous control in the liver. Among the tested target RNAs, similar to our previous study in brain tissue, β-actin (ΔCt) was found to exhibit the best correlation coefficient with PMI and was employed to build mathematical models using R software. Following validation, the relatively low estimated error demonstrated that PMIs can be accurately predicted in human cases through comprehensive consideration of various factors and using effective biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Hui Lv
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 21 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Long Ma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Can Li
- Shanghai Public Security Bureau, Pudong Branch, 655 Dingxiang Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Jun Ma
- Forensic Lab, Criminal Science and Technology Institute, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 803 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai, 200082, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 131 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Li C, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Lin H, Zhang J, Huang P, Wang Z. Research progress in the estimation of the postmortem interval by Chinese forensic scholars. Forensic Sci Res 2016; 1:3-13. [PMID: 30483604 PMCID: PMC6197124 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2016.1229377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of time since death or the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important and frequently asked questions in forensic medicine. Medicolegal scholars and forensic pathologists around the world have studied the estimation of PMI extensively in the past, and many novel methods and advanced technologies have now been applied in the field. For several centuries, Chinese forensic examiners have also worked on the estimation of the PMI, and there are a large number of excellent studies published in Chinese rather than in English, and these are not easily accessible or known internationally. Therefore we have conducted a review of relevant studies published by Chinese forensic scholars in the last few decades. The scope of this review is to provide a concise summary of the current progress in the estimation of PMI by Chinese forensic researchers using molecular biology, spectroscopic technology, entomological methods, energy changes, thanatochemistry and other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Li
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinming Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hancheng Lin
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, PRC, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Kwak JH, Kim HK, Kim K, Noh BR, Cheon HI, Yeo M, Shakya R, Shrestha SA, Kim D, Choe S, Pyo JS. Proteomic Evaluation of Biomarkers to Determine the Postmortem Interval. ANAL LETT 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2016.1172080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pittner S, Ehrenfellner B, Monticelli FC, Zissler A, Sänger AM, Stoiber W, Steinbacher P. Postmortem muscle protein degradation in humans as a tool for PMI delimitation. Int J Legal Med 2016; 130:1547-1555. [PMID: 26951243 PMCID: PMC5055573 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1349-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Forensic estimation of time since death relies on diverse approaches, including measurement and comparison of environmental and body core temperature and analysis of insect colonization on a dead body. However, most of the applied methods have practical limitations or provide insufficient results under certain circumstances. Thus, new methods that can easily be implemented into forensic routine work are required to deliver more and discrete information about the postmortem interval (PMI). Following a previous work on skeletal muscle degradation in the porcine model, we analyzed human postmortem skeletal muscle samples of 40 forensic cases by Western blotting and casein zymography. Our results demonstrate predictable protein degradation processes in human muscle that are distinctly associated with temperature and the PMI. We provide information on promising degradation markers for certain periods of time postmortem, which can be useful tools for time since death delimitation. In addition, we discuss external influencing factors such as age, body mass index, sex, and cause of death that need to be considered in future routine application of the method in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Bianca Ehrenfellner
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabio C Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Neuropsychiatry, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Straße 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra M Sänger
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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Poór VS, Lukács D, Nagy T, Rácz E, Sipos K. The rate of RNA degradation in human dental pulp reveals post-mortem interval. Int J Legal Med 2015; 130:615-9. [PMID: 26608472 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1295-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem interval (PMI) is the amount of time elapsed since the time of death. Over the years, many methods were developed to assess PMI, but their precision and time frame of applicability are often limited. Our present pilot study aimed to prove if RNA degradation of human dental pulp can be used for PMI estimation. RNA was isolated from the pulps of healthy wisdom teeth and premolars. RNA degradation was determined as RNA integrity number (RIN) with Agilent Bioanalyzer and subsequently by amplification of different length products by PCR after reverse transcription. The RNA integrity analysis allowed us to determine the time of post-mortem interval with high confidence level in the first 21 days. With the PCR-based method, we were able to perform a crude estimation of incubation time of teeth between 20 and 42 days post extraction. These results show that this method might be a promising new tool for PMI estimation despite the limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor S Poór
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Hungary Szigeti Street 12, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dénes Lukács
- Dentoalveolar Division of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Dischka Győző Street 5, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Nagy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Ifjúság Street 13, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Evelin Rácz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Hungary Szigeti Street 12, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Sipos
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Hungary Szigeti Street 12, Pécs, Hungary.
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Exploration of the R code-based mathematical model for PMI estimation using profiling of RNA degradation in rat brain tissue at different temperatures. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2015; 11:530-7. [PMID: 26363634 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-015-9703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Precise estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in some criminal cases. This study aims to find some optimal markers for PMI estimation and build a mathematical model that could be used in various temperature conditions. Different mRNA and microRNA markers in rat brain samples were detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR at 12 time points within 144 h postmortem and at temperatures of 4, 15, 25, and 35 °C. Samples from 36 other rats were used to verify the animal mathematical model. Brain-specific mir-9 and mir-125b are effective endogenous control markers that are not affected by PMI up to 144 h postmortem under these temperatures, whereas the commonly used U6 is not a suitable endogenous control in this study. Among all the candidate markers, ΔCt (β-actin) has the best correlation coefficient with PMI and was used to build a new model using R software which can simultaneously manage both PMI and temperature parameters. This animal mathematical model is verified using samples from 36 other rats and shows increased accuracy for higher temperatures and longer PMI. In this study, β-actin was found to be an optimal marker to estimate PMI and some other markers were found to be suitable to act as endogenous controls. Additionally, we have used R code software to build a model of PMI estimation that could be used in various temperature conditions.
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Yang W, Li Y, He F, Wu H. Microarray profiling of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2015; 15:62. [PMID: 26141701 PMCID: PMC4490660 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-015-0056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disorder with around 1400 known mutations; however the molecular pathways leading from genotype to phenotype are not fully understood. LncRNAs, which account for approximately 98 % of human genome, are becoming increasingly interesting with regard to various diseases. However, changes in the expression of regulatory lncRNAs in HCM have not yet been reported. To identify myocardial lncRNAs involved in HCM and characterize their roles in HCM pathogenesis. Methods Myocardial tissues were obtained from 7 HCM patients and 5 healthy individuals, and lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles were analyzed using the Arraystar human lncRNA microarray. Real-time PCR was conducted to validate the expression pattern of lncRNA and mRNA. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and KEGG analysis of mRNAs was conducted to identify the related biological modules and pathologic pathways. Results Approximately 1426 lncRNAs (965 up-regulated and 461 down-regulated) and 1715 mRNAs (896 up-regulated and 819 down-regulated) were aberrantly expressed in HCM patients with fold change > 2.0. GO analysis indicated that these lncRNAs–coexpressed mRNAs were targeted to translational process. Pathway analysis indicated that lncRNAs–coexpressed mRNAs were mostly enriched in ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation. Conclusion LncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of HCM through the modulation of multiple pathogenetic pathways. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-015-0056-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Ultrasonics, The Second Hospital of Sichuan, No. 55, People's South Road, Wuhou District, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Ultrasonics, The Second Hospital of Sichuan, No. 55, People's South Road, Wuhou District, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Fawei He
- Department of Ultrasonics, The Second Hospital of Sichuan, No. 55, People's South Road, Wuhou District, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Haixiang Wu
- Department of Ultrasonics, The Second Hospital of Sichuan, No. 55, People's South Road, Wuhou District, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Pittner S, Monticelli FC, Pfisterer A, Zissler A, Sänger AM, Stoiber W, Steinbacher P. Postmortem degradation of skeletal muscle proteins: a novel approach to determine the time since death. Int J Legal Med 2015; 130:421-31. [PMID: 26041514 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estimating the time since death is a very important aspect in forensic sciences which is pursued by a variety of methods. The most precise method to determine the postmortem interval (PMI) is the temperature method which is based on the decrease of the body core temperature from 37 °C. However, this method is only useful in the early postmortem phase (~0-36 h). The aim of the present work is to develop an accurate method for PMI determination beyond this present limit. For this purpose, we used sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Western blotting, and casein zymography to analyze the time course of degradation of selected proteins and calpain activity in porcine biceps femoris muscle until 240 h postmortem (hpm). Our results demonstrate that titin, nebulin, desmin, cardiac troponin T, and SERCA1 degraded in a regular and predictable fashion in all samples investigated. Similarly, both the native calpain 1 and calpain 2 bands disintegrate into two bands subsequently. This degradation behavior identifies muscular proteins and enzymes as promising substrates for future molecular-based PMI determination technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabio C Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Neuropsychiatry, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Straße 79, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Pfisterer
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra M Sänger
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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Forensische Molekularpathologie. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-014-0975-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Perez AE, Haskell NH, Wells JD. Evaluating the utility of hexapod species for calculating a confidence interval about a succession based postmortem interval estimate. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 241:91-5. [PMID: 24905150 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Carrion insect succession patterns have long been used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) during a death investigation. However, no published carrion succession study included sufficient replication to calculate a confidence interval about a PMI estimate based on occurrence data. We exposed 53 pig carcasses (16±2.5 kg), near the likely minimum needed for such statistical analysis, at a site in north-central Indiana, USA, over three consecutive summer seasons. Insects and Collembola were sampled daily from each carcass for a total of 14 days, by this time each was skeletonized. The criteria for judging a life stage of a given species to be potentially useful for succession-based PMI estimation were (1) nonreoccurrence (observed during a single period of presence on a corpse), and (2) found in a sufficiently large proportion of carcasses to support a PMI confidence interval. For this data set that proportion threshold is 45/53. Of the 266 species collected and identified, none was nonreoccuring in that each showed at least a gap of one day on a single carcass. If the definition of nonreoccurrence is relaxed to include such a single one-day gap the larval forms of Necrophilaamericana, Fanniascalaris, Cochliomyia macellaria, Phormiaregina, and Luciliaillustris satisfied these two criteria. Adults of Creophilus maxillosus, Necrobiaruficollis, and Necrodessurinamensis were common and showed only a few, single-day gaps in occurrence. C.maxillosus, P.regina, and L.illustris displayed exceptional forensic utility in that they were observed on every carcass. Although these observations were made at a single site during one season of the year, the species we found to be useful have large geographic ranges. We suggest that future carrion insect succession research focus only on a limited set of species with high potential forensic utility so as to reduce sample effort per carcass and thereby enable increased experimental replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Perez
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, 53 Campus Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States.
| | - Neal H Haskell
- Department of Biology, Saint Joseph's College, 1498 S College Ave, Rensselaer, IN 47978, United States.
| | - Jeffrey D Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, United States.
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Deng W, Lv M, Wang L, Bai P, Liang W, Zhang L. mRNA degradation pattern analysis in post-mortem normalized using the DNA. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2013.10.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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