Comparative use of aqueous humour 1H NMR metabolomics and potassium concentration for PMI estimation in an animal model

• DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02468-w
• Publication Date: 2020-11-20T18:03:31Z
• Authors: Emanuela Locci; Matteo Stocchero; Rossella Gottardo; Fabio De-Giorgio; Roberto Demontis; Matteo Nioi; Alberto Chighine; Franco Tagliaro; Ernesto d’Aloja
• Keywords: Aqueous humour; Medical law; Animal model

Estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a matter concern in forensic scenario. Traditional and novel approaches are not yet able to fully address this issue, which relies on complex biological phenomena triggered by death. For purpose, eye compartments may be chosen for experimental studies because they more resistant modifications. Vitreous humour, particular, has been extensively investigated, with potassium concentration ([K+]) being marker that is better correlated PMI estimation. Recently, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic approach based aqueous humour (AH) from an animal model was proposed estimation, resulting robust validated regression model. Here we studied variation [K+] same setup. determined through capillary ion analysis (CIA) performed. Moreover, it investigated whether information related could improve metabolome predictive power estimating PMI. Interestingly, found part profile explain most carried potassium, suggesting rise both metabolite concentrations similar mechanism. In first 24-h window, AH shows greater than behaviour, its potential use as additional tool time since