Evaluation of the Postmortem Glucose and Glycogen Levels in Hepatic,Renal, Muscle,and Brain Tissues: Is It Possible to Estimate Postmortem Interval Using These Parameters?

The aim of our study was to investigate the postmortem levels of glucose and glycogen in hepatic, renal, muscle, and brain tissues and then examine the changes in those levels that could be useful for estimating postmortem interval. We established an animal model. Seventy female BALB/c albino mice were used in this study. After being sacrificed, the mice were randomly divided into six groups according to time elapsed since death (Group 1: 0 h; Group 2: 12 h; Group 3: 24 h; Group 4: 36 h; Group 5: 48 h; and Group 6: 60 h). Glucose levels were significantly different between groups for all tissues studied. Slope of the change per unit time was higher for the hepatic glucose levels. Based on these results, it is possible to estimate postmortem interval using postmortem glucose levels in hepatic tissue. Tissue‐specific assessment may contribute valuable information to postmortem interval studies.     

Comparative and Correlation Studies of Biochemical Substances in Vitreous Humor and Synovial Fluid

Vitreous humor (VH) and synovial fluid (SF) become optional postmortem samples for biochemistry investigation. However, few studies have explored SF as a potential source, and there is still controversy whether the biochemical concentrations in bilateral VH are the same. We explored the concentrations of biochemical substances in both VH and SF, and compared between both sides and between the fluids. We also correlated the biochemical concentrations in both fluids. All samples were centrifuged after collection and the supernatant fluids were used for the analysis. The results indicated no significant difference in the constituent concentrations between the fluids from both sides (p > 0.05). Sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in the VH, but in vice versa for glucose, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations (p < 0.001). Sodium, potassium, glucose, lactate, urea, uric acid, and creatinine concentrations between both fluids showed significant correlation (p < 0.05), but not chloride and magnesium concentrations.