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Sakr MF, El-Khalek AMA, Mohammad NS, Abouhashem NS, Gaballah MH, Ragab HM. Estimation of postmortem interval using histological and oxidative biomarkers in human bone marrow. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00753-9. [PMID: 37987965 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00753-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
In forensic medicine, estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is of great importance for the timeline and the reconstruction of the events surrounding death. Bone marrow (BM) is one of the largest organs in the body, with good resistance to autolysis and contamination. Therefore, the present study aims to correlate different postmortem intervals and bone marrow antioxidant enzyme levels using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, detection of the changes in the histological structure of human bone marrow in relation to the time passed since death. BM samples from 20 forensic autopsy cadavers were obtained from cases referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine in the Ministry of Justice, Dakahlia Governorate, processed for histopathological examination as well as estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GRX) using ELISA. Results of ELISA analysis showed a significant decrease in the level of antioxidant enzymes with increasing PMI; regarding histopathological examination, from 6 to > 18 h PMI, the changes in morphology after death were gradual, progressive, and regular, indicating great value in PMI determination. Also, 18 h of PMI showed loss of cellular details, absence of fat cells, and necrosis of BM with the nucleus dispersed as eosinophilic debris. Estimation of antioxidant enzymes level in human bone marrow using ELISA and detection of the changes in the histological structure of human bone marrow in relation to time passed since the death, either separately or in combination, can be used to estimate PMI accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amal Mohamad Abd El-Khalek
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nanies Sameeh Mohammad
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nehal S Abouhashem
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Hosnia M Ragab
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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2
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Shchegolev AI, Tumanova UN, Savva OV. [Characteristics of histochemical, molecular genetic and radiation-induced liver changes depending on the postmortem interval]. Sud Med Ekspert 2023; 66:59-63. [PMID: 37192462 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20236603159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze literature data on postmortem changes in the liver and their use in determination of postmortem interval. Biological death expectedly causes the development of postmortem disorders not only in the liver structure, but also changes in its biochemical and histochemical parameters. Literature data about changes of histochemical, immunohistochemical and biomolecular characteristics of liver tissue, as well as bacterial migration to the liver depending on the duration of postmortem period, are presented. The effectiveness of radiology for visualization of postmortem changes and, accordingly, for determining the postmortem interval is noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Shchegolev
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - U N Tumanova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Savva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
- Bureau of Forensic Medicine named after D.I. Mastbaum, Ryazan, Russia
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3
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Nusair SD, Ananbeh M, Zayed A, Ahmad MI, Qinna NA. Postmortem sampling time effect on toxicity biomarkers in rats exposed to an acute lethal methomyl dose. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1674-1680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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4
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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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Pittner S, Bugelli V, Benbow ME, Ehrenfellner B, Zissler A, Campobasso CP, Oostra RJ, Aalders MCG, Zehner R, Lutz L, Monticelli FC, Staufer C, Helm K, Pinchi V, Receveur JP, Geißenberger J, Steinbacher P, Amendt J. The applicability of forensic time since death estimation methods for buried bodies in advanced decomposition stages. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243395. [PMID: 33296399 PMCID: PMC7725292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval in advanced postmortem stages is a challenging task. Although there are several approaches available for addressing postmortem changes of a (human) body or its environment (ecologically and/or biochemically), most are restricted to specific timeframes and/or individual and environmental conditions. It is well known, for instance, that buried bodies decompose in a remarkably different manner than on the ground surface. However, data on how established methods for PMI estimation perform under these conditions are scarce. It is important to understand whether and how postmortem changes are affected under burial conditions, if corrective factors could be conceived, or if methods have to be excluded for respective cases. We present the first multi-methodological assessment of human postmortem decomposition carried out on buried body donors in Europe, at the Amsterdam Research Initiative for Sub-surface Taphonomy and Anthropology (ARISTA) in the Netherlands. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate postmortem changes of morphology, skeletal muscle protein decomposition, presence of insects and other necrophilous animals as well as microbial communities (i.e., microbiomes) from August to November 2018 associated with two complete body exhumations and eight partial exhumations. Our results clearly display the current possibilities and limitations of methods for PMI estimation in buried remains and provide a baseline for future research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- Dept. of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M. Eric Benbow
- Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Dept. of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Angela Zissler
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carlo P. Campobasso
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University L. Vanvitelli of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Roelof-Jan Oostra
- Dept. of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC – location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice C. G. Aalders
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC – location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Zehner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Christian Staufer
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katharina Helm
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vilma Pinchi
- Dept. of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Joseph P. Receveur
- Dept. of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Zissler A, Stoiber W, Steinbacher P, Geissenberger J, Monticelli FC, Pittner S. Postmortem Protein Degradation as a Tool to Estimate the PMI: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E1014. [PMID: 33256203 PMCID: PMC7760775 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We provide a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the current research status of protein degradation-based postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Special attention is paid to the applicability of the proposed approaches/methods in forensic routine practice. Method: A systematic review of the literature on protein degradation in tissues and organs of animals and humans was conducted. Therefore, we searched the scientific databases Pubmed and Ovid for publications until December 2019. Additional searches were performed in Google Scholar and the reference lists of eligible articles. Results: A total of 36 studies were included. This enabled us to consider the degradation pattern of over 130 proteins from 11 different tissues, studied with different methods including well-established and modern approaches. Although comparison between studies is complicated by the heterogeneity of study designs, tissue types, methods, proteins and outcome measurement, there is clear evidence for a high explanatory power of protein degradation analysis in forensic PMI analysis. Conclusions: Although only few approaches have yet exceeded a basic research level, the current research status provides strong evidence in favor of the applicability of a protein degradation-based PMI estimation method in routine forensic practice. Further targeted research effort towards specific aims (also addressing influencing factors and exclusion criteria), especially in human tissue will be required to obtain a robust, reliable laboratory protocol, and collect sufficient data to develop accurate multifactorial mathematical decomposition models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Zissler
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (P.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (P.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (P.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Janine Geissenberger
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (P.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Fabio C. Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Stefan Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
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Pittner S, Gotsmy W, Zissler A, Ehrenfellner B, Baumgartner D, Schrüfer A, Steinbacher P, Monticelli F. Intra- and intermuscular variations of postmortem protein degradation for PMI estimation. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1775-1782. [PMID: 32632798 PMCID: PMC7417396 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, protein decomposition has become of increasing interest for the use in forensic estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). Especially skeletal muscle tissue has proven to be a prime target tissue, among other reasons, due to its large abundance in the human body. In this regard, it is important to know whether there are any intra- and intermuscular differences in the behavior of protein degradation. Thus, samples from different locations within several skeletal muscles as well as from cardiac and smooth muscle tissue samples were collected from three autopsy cases with varying degree of decomposition. Samples were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and compared for protein degradation patterns. Intramuscular variations turned out to be minimal and without major influence for the use of the method. Observed intermuscular differences provide possibilities for future improvement of the precision and temporal application range. The results of this study show the strengths and current limitations of protein degradation-based PMI estimation and provide a deeper understanding of intraindividual postmortem protein degradation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Walther Gotsmy
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Zissler
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | | | - Anna Schrüfer
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabio Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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8
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Paltian JJ, da Fonseca CAR, Pinz MP, Luchese C, Antunes Wilhelm E. Post-mortem interval estimative through determination of catalase and Δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activities in hepatic, renal, skeletal muscle and cerebral tissues of Swiss mice. Biomarkers 2019; 24:478-483. [PMID: 31094223 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2019.1619837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of the challenging tasks in forensic science due to the lack of quick and inexpensive methods. Our objective is to develop innovative and alternative means for PMI evaluation. Methods: The relationship between PMI and enzymatic modifications in mice tissues was described. After being sacrificed, Swiss mice were randomly divided into groups according to the time elapsed since death. The activities of catalase (CAT) and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) were determined in hepatic, renal, skeletal muscle and cerebral tissues. Results: CAT activity increased in kidney and brain 6 h after death and this increase remained for up to 24 h in the brain and 48 h in the kidney. δ-ALA-D had its activity decreased in the liver and kidneys in 6 h. In the skeletal muscle, δ-ALA-D activity was reduced only 48 h after death. Conversely, an increase on δ-ALA-D activity was observed in the brain at 6 h, followed by its decrease at 24 and 48 h. Conclusion: With the association of this set of results, it is possible to provide an estimate of PMI. Additionally, these results can be used as an auxiliary parameter associated with other methods to estimate PMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaini J Paltian
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Caren A R da Fonseca
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Mikaela P Pinz
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
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