Evaluating the Role of DNA Fragmentation, Apoptosis Markers, and Lung Degradation Parameters of Albino Rats in the Determination of Postmortem Interval in the First 72 Hours after Death

Abstract

Background: Death leads to significant biochemical and morphological changes in the tissues. The lung is crucial in forensic investigations for its unique decay characteristic. DNA denaturation and caspases are vital components of the postmortem apoptotic pathway. The study aims to evaluate the role of DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 expression, and autolytic changes in the determination of postmortem interval (PMI) in the lungs of male albino rats at 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours (h) after death. The study also addresses the potential implications and challenges of applying these markers in real-life forensic cases. Methods: In the present research, 35 male albino rats were equally allocated into five groups. The sacrificed bodies were stored in a chamber at 25 ± 2 °C for 0 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after death. At the planned schedule, a biochemical examination of lung tissue DNA content and caspase-3 expression was validated by immunohistochemical analysis and histological assessment. Result: A statistically significant time-dependent increase in lung DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 expression (p < 0.05) with prolonged PMI time starting from 6 h postmortem to 72 h. Conclusion: DNA fragmentation, caspase-3, and histological autolysis scoring are reliable markers for estimating time passing since death.