Forensic application of epidermal AQP3 expression to determination of wound vitality in human compressed neck skin

Abstract

In forensic practices, it is often difficult to determine wound vitality in compression marks of the neck with naked eyes. AQP1 and AQP3 are the major water channels associated with skin. Thus, we immunohistochemically examined the expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in neck skin samples to discuss their forensic applicability to determination of the wound vitality. Skin samples were obtained from 56 neck compression cases (hanging, 35 cases; strangulation, 21 cases). The intact skin from the same individual was taken as a control. Although AQP1 was immnunostained in dermal capillaries in both the neck compression marks and intact skin samples, there was no significant difference in the magnitude of AQP1 expression between both groups. On the contrary, AQP3-positive signals could be faintly detected in uninjured skin samples, and the positive signals seemed more intense in the keratinocytes in compression regions. Morphometrical analyses revealed that the ratio of AQP3-expressed keratinocytes was significantly enhanced in neck compression regions, compared with control groups. From the viewpoints of forensic pathology, immunohistochemical detection of AQP3 in the neck skin can be considered a valuable marker to diagnose the trace of antemortem compression.

Intrathrombotic appearances of AQP-1 and AQP-3 in relation to thrombus age in murine deep vein thrombosis model

“…Thus, we found several common markers for the determination of both wound ages and thrombus ages. In addition to the differentiation between freshwater and saltwater drowning [30,31], we demonstrated the usefulness of AQP-1 and AQP-3 in the determination wound vitality or ages [21,22]. These observations implied that AQPs might be involved in thrombus formation/resolution.…”

“…Previously, we demonstrated the forensic significances of AQP-1 and AQP-3 from the determination of wound vitality or ages [21,22]. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined intrathrombotic appearance of AQP-1 and AQP-3 and discussed the possibility of their application to thrombus age estimation in forensic practices.…”

Death in the sauna-vitality markers for heat exposure

“…So far, there are known 13 aquaporins in humans. Together with aquaporin 1, it transports water and glycerol through the cell membrane and can be used to determine the age of wounds [17][18][19][20][21][22][23]. It is responsible for moisture regulation in the skin and therefore heat release [24].…”

Membrane Attack Complex in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Systematic Review for Post Mortem Applications

“…Obviously, in this context, also the method used for the marker analysis is important, having to be simple, reliable, and replicable. Immunohistochemistry seems to prove these features, resulting one of the most common investigation used in several forensic setting to assess the causes of death (i.e., sepsis and asphyxia) [66][67][68][69].…”