Is zinc a reliable biochemical marker of chronic alcoholism in the overall context of a medico-legal autopsy?

Piette, M; Timperman, J; Vanheule, A.

doi:10.1016/0379-0738(86)90160-x

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Due to its ability to diffuse across all biological membranes, ethanol exerts its effects on the absorption of various exogenous compounds and heavy metals [11]. Abnormal concentration of trace elements has been found in both serum and tissues of alcoholics [12]. Zinc is one of the major trace elements, which has a clearly defined role in thyroid hormone metabolism.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Status of Thyroid Hormones and Na, K, and Ca Levels in Blood Following Ethanol Feeding

Pathak¹,

Dhawan

Pathak

2010

Biol Trace Elem Res

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The influence of zinc (Zn) on the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) was evaluated following ethanol toxicity to the rats. To achieve this, male Wistar rats (150-195 g) were given 3 ml of 30% ethanol orally, and zinc was given in the form of zinc sulfate (227 mg/l) in their drinking water daily for 8 weeks. Ethanol feeding resulted in a slight decrease in T(3) and T(4) levels and a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration, which may be due to the direct stimulatory effect of ethanol on thyroid. Interestingly, when zinc was given to these rats, all the above levels were brought quite close to their normal levels, thus indicating the positive role of zinc in thyroid hormone metabolism. Serum Zn and Ca levels were found to be reduced, but Na levels were raised upon ethanol feeding. Restoration of normal levels of these metals upon zinc supplementation to ethanol fed rats confirms that zinc has potential in alleviating some of the altered thyroid functions following ethanol administration.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Status of Thyroid Hormones and Na, K, and Ca Levels in Blood Following Ethanol Feeding

Pathak¹,

Dhawan

Pathak

2010

Biol Trace Elem Res

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“…Additionally, the substantial correlation was found between vitreous fructosamine with glucose levels, making it a plausible indicator of diabetes in the antemortem period. 57 Countless numbers of other biochemical compounds in the vitreous have been investigated, including ammonium, magnesium, amino acids, creatinine, creatine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine-kinase myocardial band, N-acetyl-cysteinactivated creatine kinase, liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase), chorionic gonadotropin, insulin and insulin analogs, carbohydratedeficient transferrin, hypoxanthine, 13,57 zinc, 67 aminopeptidase, 68 and hormones, 69 which we will not discuss in detail here. Vitreous humor is a useful substrate for post-mortem toxicological analysis (especially alcohol as well as other drugs) and has been thoroughly covered in other reviews.…”

Section: Other Compoundsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Eye in Forensic Medicine: A Narrative Review

Ang

Collis

Dhillon

et al. 2021

Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology

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The eye, with its distinctive anatomy, not only reflects a wide variety of diseases in life but also undergoes a myriad of post-mortem changes. Consequently, the eye has long been an area of interest in forensic science, primarily for the estimation of post-mortem interval and therefore the time of death and also for assistance in ascertaining the cause of death. There has been significant progress in the knowledge of ophthalmic forensic science using new technologies which have allowed further possibilities to arise where understanding of this field can assist the forensic pathologist. This review aims to highlight the current knowledge which exists in this field and also to identify important avenues for further investigation. Post-mortem changes of the eye along with its current applications and challenges will be discussed. These include the important areas of post-mortem iris biometrics, pupil size correlation with post-mortem interval, use of point-of-care technology on vitreous humor, and the use of ophthalmic imaging in pediatric abusive head trauma.

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