1
|
Huang W, Zhao S, Liu H, Pan M, Dong H. The Role of Protein Degradation in Estimation Postmortem Interval and Confirmation of Cause of Death in Forensic Pathology: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1659. [PMID: 38338938 PMCID: PMC10855206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that proteins are important bio-macromolecules in human organisms, and numerous proteins are widely used in the clinical practice, whereas their application in forensic science is currently limited. This limitation is mainly attributed to the postmortem degradation of targeted proteins, which can significantly impact final conclusions. In the last decade, numerous methods have been established to detect the protein from a forensic perspective, and some of the postmortem proteins have been applied in forensic practice. To better understand the emerging issues and challenges in postmortem proteins, we have reviewed the current application of protein technologies at postmortem in forensic practice. Meanwhile, we discuss the application of proteins in identifying the cause of death, and postmortem interval (PMI). Finally, we highlight the interpretability and limitations of postmortem protein challenges. We believe that utilizing the multi-omics method can enhance the comprehensiveness of applying proteins in forensic practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Shuquan Zhao
- Faculty of Forensic Pathology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Huine Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Meichen Pan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Road, Hankou, Wuhan 430030, China; (W.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Geissenberger J, Pittner S, Ehrenfellner B, Jakob L, Stoiber W, Monticelli FC, Steinbacher P. Effect of temporary freezing on postmortem protein degradation patterns. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1803-1814. [PMID: 37268796 PMCID: PMC10567868 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03024-y] [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] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A precise determination of time since death plays a major role in forensic routine. Currently available techniques for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) are restricted to specific time periods or cannot be applied for individual case-specific reasons. During recent years, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that Western blot analysis of postmortem muscle protein degradation can substantially contribute to overcome these limitations in cases with different background. Enabling to delimit time points at which certain marker proteins undergo distinct degradation events, the method has become a reasonable new tool for PMI delimitation under various forensic scenarios. However, additional research is yet required to improve our understanding of protein decomposition and how it is affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Since there are temperature limits for proteolysis, and investigators are confronted with frozen corpses, investigation of the effects of freezing and thawing on postmortem protein decomposition in the muscle tissue is an important objective to firmly establish the new method. It is also important because freezing is often the only practical means to intermittently preserve tissue samples from both true cases and animal model research. METHODS Sets of dismembered pig hind limbs, either freshly detached non-frozen, or thawed after 4 months of freeze-storage (n = 6 each), were left to decompose under controlled conditions at 30 °C for 7 days and 10 days, respectively. Samples of the M. biceps femoris were regularly collected at predefined time points. All samples were processed via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting to identify the degradation patterns of previously characterized muscle proteins. RESULTS Western blots show that the proteins degrade predictably over time in precise patterns that are largely unaffected by the freeze-and-thaw process. Investigated proteins showed complete degradation of the native protein band, partly giving rise to degradation products present in distinct time phases of the decomposition process. CONCLUSION This study provides substantial new information from a porcine model to assess the degree of bias that freezing and thawing induces on postmortem degradation of skeletal muscle proteins. Results support that a freeze-thaw cycle with prolonged storage in frozen state has no significant impact on the decomposition behavior. This will help to equip the protein degradation-based method for PMI determination with a robust applicability in the normal forensic setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Geissenberger
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - S Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - B Ehrenfellner
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - L Jakob
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - W Stoiber
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - F C Monticelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - P Steinbacher
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Battistini A, Capitanio D, Bailo P, Moriggi M, Tambuzzi S, Gelfi C, Piccinini A. Proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry of postmortem muscle protein degradation for PMI estimation: A pilot study. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 349:111774. [PMID: 37399773 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The determination of the postmortem interval is a topic of great forensic interest. The possibility of using new technologies has allowed the study of postmortem decay of biomolecules in the determination of PMI. Skeletal muscle proteins are promising candidates because skeletal muscle exhibits slower postmortem decay compared to other internal organs and nervous tissues, while its degradation is faster than cartilage and bone. In this pilot study, skeletal muscle tissue from pigs was degraded at two different controlled temperatures, 21 °C and 6 °C, and analysed at predefined times points: 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The obtained samples were analysed by mass spectrometry proteomics approach for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins and peptides. Immunoblotting validation was performed for the candidate proteins. The results obtained appeared significant and identified several proteins useful for possible postmortem interval estimation. Of these proteins, PDLIM7, TPM1, and ATP2A2 were validated by immunoblotting at a larger number of experimental points and at different temperatures. The results obtained are in agreement with those observed in similar works. In addition, the use of a mass spectrometry approach increased the number of protein species identified, providing a larger panel of proteins for PMI assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Battistini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Manuela Moriggi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccinini
- Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fu C, Zhang P, Zou X, Song T. Descriptive analyses of differentially expressed proteins during intrapuparial stage based on the label-free proteomics technique between Chrysomya megacephala and Synthesiomyia nudiseta. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 64:102269. [PMID: 37201397 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The lack of rapid and accurate species identification methods on pupae restricts the practical application of forensic entomology. It is a new idea to construct portable and rapid identification kits based on the principle of antigen/antibody interaction. Screening differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of fly pupae is a basis of solving the problem. Here, we used the label-free proteomics technique to discover the DEPs and further validate using the parallel reaction monitoring technique (PRM) in the common flies. In this study, we reared the Chrysomya megacephala and Synthesiomyia nudiseta at constanttemperature, and then we sampled at least four pupae at 24 h intervals until the end of the intrapuparial stage. We found 132 DEPs between Ch. megacephala, and S. nudiseta groups, with 68 and 64 proteins being up-regulated and down-regulated between the two groups. Among the 132 DEPs, we selected five proteins having potential for further development and utilization, such as C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, Malate dehydrogenase, Transferrin, Protein disulfide-isomerase, and Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, for further validation using PRM-targeted proteomics, with the trends of PRM results being consistent with the label-free data for corresponding proteins. The present study investigated DEPs via the label-free technique during the pupal development in the Ch. megacephala, and S. nudiseta and provided reference data for development of rapid and accurate identification kits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunliu Fu
- Hainan Modern Women and Children's Hospital, Haikou 571100, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Xing Zou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center, Haikou 570100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zissler A, Stoiber W, Geissenberger J, Steinbacher P, Monticelli FC, Pittner S. Influencing Factors on Postmortem Protein Degradation for PMI Estimation: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1146. [PMID: 34201836 PMCID: PMC8304065 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review provides an overview of the current research status on the effects of influencing factors on postmortem protein degradation used to estimate the PMI (postmortem interval). Focus was set on characteristics of internal and external influencing factors and the respective susceptibility and/or robustness of protein degradation. A systematic literature search up to December 2020 was conducted on the effect of influencing factors investigated in the context of postmortem protein degradation in the tissues of animals and humans using the scientific databases PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as the reference lists of eligible articles. We identified ten studies investigating a total of seven different influencing factors in degrading tissues/organs (n = 7) of humans and animals using six different methodological approaches. Although comparison of study outcomes was impeded by the high variety of investigated factors, and by high risk of bias appraisals, it was evident that the majority of the influencing factors concerned affected protein degradation, thus being able to modulate the precision of protein degradation-based PMI estimation. The results clearly highlight the need for a thorough screening for corresponding factors to enable the introduction of appropriate correction factors and exclusion criteria. This seems especially relevant for the protein degradation-based study of human PMI to increase the reliability and precision of the method and to facilitate a broader applicability in routine forensic casework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Zissler
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Janine Geissenberger
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Peter Steinbacher
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (A.Z.); (W.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.)
| | - 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;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang J, Chen G, Qian H, Shang Q, Xiao J, Liang M, Gao B, Li T, Liu X. PP2A-C may be a promising candidate for postmortem interval estimation. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:837-844. [PMID: 33409557 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Determining the postmortem interval (PMI) is an important task in forensic pathology. However, a reliable means of determining the PMI between 24 h and approximately 7 days after death has not yet been established. A previous study demonstrated that subunit A of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A-A) is a promising candidate to estimate the PMI during the first 96 h. However, more detailed work is still needed to investigate PP2A's function in PMI estimation. PP2A is a serine/threonine phosphatase consisting of three subunits (PP2A-A, PP2A-B, and PP2A-C), and its activation is reflected by Tyr-307 phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit (P-PP2A-C). In this study, we speculated that the other two subunits of PP2A and the activation of PP2A may play different roles in estimating the PMI. For this purpose, mice were euthanized and stored at different temperatures (4, 15, and 25 °C). At each temperature, the musculus vastus lateralis was collected at different time points (0, 24, 48, and 96 h) to investigate the degradation of PP2A-B, PP2A-C, and P-PP2A-C (Tyr-307). Homocysteine (Hcy) was used to establish a hyperhomocysteinemia animal model to explore the effects of plasma Hcy on PMI estimation. The data showed not only that PP2A-C was more stable than PP2A-B, but also that it was not affected by homocysteine (Hcy). These characteristics make PP2A-C a promising candidate for short-term (24 h to 48 h) PMI estimation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Qian
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Shang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiao
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoyao Gao
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China. .,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinshe Liu
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China. .,The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mizukami H, Hathway B, Procopio N. Aquatic Decomposition of Mammalian Corpses: A Forensic Proteomic Approach. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:2122-2135. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Mizukami
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U.K
| | - Bella Hathway
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U.K
| | - Noemi Procopio
- The Forensic Science Unit, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Ellison Building, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kumar S. Troponin and its applications in forensic science. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_3_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
11
|
Safranin O without fast green is the best staining method for testing the degradation of macromolecules in a cartilage extracellular matrix for the determination of the postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 16:252-258. [PMID: 31820320 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Methods for the determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) include methods that monitor the postmortem changes of cells and molecules in different tissues. The rate of pathological degradation of macromolecules in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of hyaline cartilage could be verified by assessing the intensity of collagen and proteoglycan (PG) staining. In the presented in vitro pilot study, this methodology was used for the first time to determine PMI. The osteochondral samples of three donors were stored at 11 °C and 35 °C and analyzed on day 1, day 12, and day 36 postmortem. The intensity of staining using Masson's trichrome and Sirius red for collagen, and Alcian blue and Safranin O dyes for PG was estimated ten times according to the modified Bern grading scale. Statistical analysis showed that the Safranin O without Fast green method is the most appropriate (raters agreement 0.5541) for up to 36 days postmortem, and that the influence of time is more important (p = 0.023) than the influence of temperature (p = 0.061) on the degradation of the ECM macromolecules. The described method, which is simple and can be performed in any histological laboratory, should be verified in corpore conditions, on a large number of donors, and using an objective method for assessing the intensity of cartilage macromolecule staining for PMI determination.
Collapse
|
12
|
Syed S, Alshahrani I, Shiblee M, Aseere AM, Dawasaz AA, Togoo RA. Estimation of the individuality of the palatal rugae pattern. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1607901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadatullah Syed
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Oral Biology, King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Alshahrani
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Shiblee
- Department of Computer Engineering, King Khalid University College of Engineering, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M. Aseere
- Department of Computer Engineering, King Khalid University College of Engineering, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Azhar Dawasaz
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Oral Biology, King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rafi Ahmad Togoo
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Choi KM, Zissler A, Kim E, Ehrenfellner B, Cho E, Lee SI, Steinbacher P, Yun KN, Shin JH, Kim JY, Stoiber W, Chung H, Monticelli FC, Kim JY, Pittner S. Postmortem proteomics to discover biomarkers for forensic PMI estimation. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:899-908. [PMID: 30864069 PMCID: PMC6469664 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of postmortem degradation of skeletal muscle proteins has emerged as a novel approach to estimate the time since death in the early to mid-postmortem phase (approximately 24 h postmortem (hpm) to 120 hpm). Current protein-based methods are limited to a small number of skeletal muscle proteins, shown to undergo proteolysis after death. In this study, we investigated the usability of a target-based and unbiased system-wide protein analysis to gain further insights into systemic postmortem protein alterations and to identify additional markers for postmortem interval (PMI) delimitation. We performed proteomic profiling to globally analyze postmortem alterations of the rat and mouse skeletal muscle proteome at defined time points (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpm), harnessing a mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach. Hierarchical clustering analysis for a total of 579 (rat) and 896 (mouse) quantified proteins revealed differentially expressed proteins during the investigated postmortem period. We further focused on two selected proteins (eEF1A2 and GAPDH), which were shown to consistently degrade postmortem in both rat and mouse, suggesting conserved intra- and interspecies degradation behavior, and thus preserved association with the PMI and possible transferability to humans. In turn, we validated the usefulness of these new markers by classical Western blot experiments in a rat model and in human autopsy cases. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of mass spectrometry-based analysis to discover novel protein markers for PMI estimation and show that the proteins eEF1A2 and GAPDH appear to be valuable markers for PMI estimation in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Min Choi
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Angela Zissler
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Dept. of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Eunji Cho
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Se-In Lee
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Ki Na Yun
- Dept. of Chemistry, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Shin
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Biomedical Omics Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea
| | - Walter Stoiber
- Dept. of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Heesun Chung
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, South Korea.
| | - Stefan Pittner
- Dept. of Forensic Medicine, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kuwayama K, Nariai M, Miyaguchi H, Iwata YT, Kanamori T, Tsujikawa K, Yamamuro T, Segawa H, Abe H, Iwase H, Inoue H. Estimation of day of death using micro-segmental hair analysis based on drug use history: a case of lidocaine use as a marker. Int J Legal Med 2018; 133:117-122. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-1939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
15
|
Li C, Li Z, Tuo Y, Ma D, Shi Y, Zhang Q, Zhuo X, Deng K, Chen Y, Wang Z, Huang P. MALDI-TOF MS as a Novel Tool for the Estimation of Postmortem Interval in Liver Tissue Samples. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4887. [PMID: 28687792 PMCID: PMC5501804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is a complicated task in forensic medicine, especially during homicide and unwitnessed death investigations. Many biological, chemical, and physical indicators can be used to determine the postmortem interval, but most are not accurate. Here, we present a novel matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method that can be used for the estimation of PMI using molecular images and multivariate analyses. In this study, we demonstrate that both rat and human liver tissues of various PMIs (0, 2, 4, and 6days) can be discriminated using MALDI imaging and principal component analysis (PCA). Using genetic algorithm (GA), supervised neural network (SNN), and quick classifier (QC) methods, we built 6 classification models, which showed high recognition capability and good cross-validation. The histological changes in all the samples at different time points were also consistent with the changes seen in MALDI imaging. Our work suggests that MALDI-TOF MS, along with multivariate analysis, can be used to determine intermediate PMIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhi Li
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Zhengdong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Ya Tuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Xianyi Zhuo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Kaifei Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Yijiu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, P.R.China, Shanghai, 200063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Carvajal-Zarrabal O, Hayward-Jones PM, Nolasco-Hipolito C, Barradas-Dermitz DM, Calderón-Garcidueñas AL, López-Amador N. Use of Cardiac Injury Markers in the Postmortem Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1332-1335. [PMID: 28111741 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the daily practice of forensic pathology, sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a diagnostic challenge. Our aim was to determine the usefulness of blood biomarkers [creatine kinase CK-MB, myoglobin, troponins I and T (cTn-I and T), and lactate dehydrogenase] measured by immunoassay technique, in the postmortem diagnosis of SCD. Two groups were compared, 20 corpses with SCD and 8 controls. Statistical significance was determined by variance analysis procedures, with a post hoc Tukey multiple range test for comparison of means (p < 0.05). SCD cases showed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of cTn-T and cTn-I compared to the control group. Although only cases within the first 8 h of postmortem interval were included, and the control group consisted mainly of violent death cases, our results suggest that blood troponin levels may be useful to support a diagnosis of SCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Carvajal-Zarrabal
- Biochemical and Nutrition Chemistry Area, University of Veracruz, SS Juan Pablo II s/n, 94294, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Patricia M Hayward-Jones
- Biochemical and Nutrition Chemistry Area, University of Veracruz, SS Juan Pablo II s/n, 94294, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Cirilo Nolasco-Hipolito
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy Sustainability of the Faculty of Engineering, University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Dulce Ma Barradas-Dermitz
- Biological-Chemistry Area, Veracruz Institute of Technology, Calzada M.A. de Quevedo 2779, 91860, Veracruz, Ver, Mexico
| | | | - Noé López-Amador
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Veracruz, SS Juan Pablo II s/n, 94294, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Calderón Garcidueñas AL, Melo Santiesteban G, Denis Rodríguez E, Cerda Flores RM, Denis Rodríguez PB. Forensic study of skin postmortem changes as a supplementary test to determine postmortem interval (first 78 hours). COLOMBIA FORENSE 2016. [DOI: 10.16925/cf.v3i2.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Determining the postmortem interval is usually based on macroscopic-morphological criteria (cadaveric phenomena); some other objective methods are often difficult to access in daily practice; therefore we analyze the usefulness of the histopathological examination of the skin as a supplementary method for determining the postmortem interval. Materials and methods. 23 patients and 92 skin biopsies were analyzed. All samples were taken in a maximum time of 6 h postmortem. Biopsies were classified into 4 groups according to the postmortem interval, with 23 biopsies in each group: 1 (1 to 6 h.); 2 (25 to 30 h.); 3 (49 to 54 h.); 4 (73 to 78 h); 21 histological criteria were analyzed with Fisher test and principal component analysis. Results. Skin biopsies of 23 corpses (mean age 51.6 years, 15 males and 8 females) were studied. 21 histological criteria were analyzed by Fisher test; statistical significance (p <0.001) with a reliability of 94.61% was achieved in 15 parameters. With the 15 selected parameters, a principal component analysis established that there were differences among the 4 analyzed groups. Conclusions. The skin histological changes may be used as a supplementary parameter in the forensic evaluation of the early postmortem interval.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee DG, Yang KE, Hwang JW, Kang HS, Lee SY, Choi S, Shin J, Jang IS, An HJ, Chung H, Jung HI, Choi JS. Degradation of Kidney and Psoas Muscle Proteins as Indicators of Post-Mortem Interval in a Rat Model, with Use of Lateral Flow Technology. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160557. [PMID: 27552165 PMCID: PMC4995019 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated potential protein markers of post-mortem interval (PMI) using rat kidney and psoas muscle. Tissue samples were taken at 12 h intervals for up to 96 h after death by suffocation. Expression levels of eight soluble proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. Degradation patterns of selected proteins were clearly divided into three groups: short-term, mid-term, and long-term PMI markers based on the half maximum intensity of intact protein expression. In kidney, glycogen synthase (GS) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β were degraded completely within 48 h making them short-term PMI markers. AMP-activated protein kinase α, caspase 3 and GS were short-term PMI markers in psoas muscle. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) was a mid-term PMI marker in both tissues. Expression levels of the typical long-term PMI markers, p53 and β-catenin, were constant for at least 96 h post-mortem in both tissues. The degradation patterns of GS and caspase-3 were verified by immunohistochemistry in both tissues. GAPDH was chosen as a test PMI protein to perform a lateral flow assay (LFA). The presence of recombinant GAPDH was clearly detected in LFA and quantified in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that LFA might be used to estimate PMI at a crime scene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Gi Lee
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Eun Yang
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Hwang
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Soo Kang
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yeul Lee
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyeon Choi
- National Core Research Center for Nanomedical Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonchul Shin
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Soon Jang
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo An
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesun Chung
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Il Jung
- National Core Research Center for Nanomedical Technology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (HIJ); (JSC)
| | - Jong-Soon Choi
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (HIJ); (JSC)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kumar S, Verma AK. Estimation of postmortem interval using the data of insulin level in the cadaver׳s blood. Data Brief 2016; 7:354-6. [PMID: 26977436 PMCID: PMC4781973 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An assessment of levels of Insulin in cadaveric fluids, to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) was carried out. To profile postmortem changes of Insulin, it was extracted at different intervals i.e. (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 h), from the heart of 22 human cadavers. The cases included were the subjects of accidental deaths without any prior history of disease and their exact time of death was known. Immunoanalyzer Cobas e-411 instrument was used to detect the relationship between the amount of Insulin and PMI. Level of Insulin was measured in cardiac blood. Statically, significant correlations between levels of Insulin and PMI were studied and correlation coefficients were calculated. SPSS (version 12.0) was used for statistical analysis. Insulin levels in cadaver blood are correlated significantly with PMI with a p value of <0.001. When insulin level increases by 1 unit the duration decreases by 0.93 units. The least square regression line is: [Duration(Y)=22.71−0.93 Insulin level (X)]
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachil Kumar
- Post Graduate Department of Pathology, K.G. Medical University, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Anoop K Verma
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, K.G. Medical University, Lucknow, UP, India
| |
Collapse
|