Regulation of miRNAs as new tool for cutaneous vitality lesions demonstration in ligature marks in deaths by hanging

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate that the application of miRNA expression in forensic pathology, in cases of hanging, applying the method on skin samples. The proposed investigative protocol allowed us to highlight a different miRNA expression in the skin ligature marks of subjects who died by hanging compared to healthy skin control samples. The results obtained showed an increase in the expression of miRNAs recognized as regulators of the inflammatory response in skin lesions such as miR125a-5p and miR125b-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of additional miRNAs – miR214a-3p, miR128-3p, miR130a-3p, and miR92a-3p – with anti-inflammatory activity was highlighted. It was possible to document a statistical significance to control skin samples only for miR103a-3p (p < 0.05), miR214-3p and miR92a-3p (p < 0.01) The upregulation of miR222-3p and miR150-5p, respectively related to mast-cell activation and neutrophils after the application of traumatic stimuli supports the immunohistochemical data showed in literature. The diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs could expand the range of diagnostic tools available in the assessment of the vitality of a lesion.

Hypo-Expression of Flice-Inhibitory Protein and Activation of the Caspase-8 Apoptotic Pathways in the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex Due to Ischemia Induced by the Compression of the Asphyxiogenic Tool on the Skin in Hanging Cases

“…In all cases of hanging, skin sections were removed at the neck in long strips perpendicular to the base of the ligature marks at the site of the major depth of the marks. In control cases skin samples were taken from the anterior face of the neck [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Anaphylactic Death: A New Forensic Workflow for Diagnosis

“…The tryptase level can be increased by cell autolysis or liquefaction [ 54 ]. Higher values of tryptase serum have also been found in other types of death, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), amniotic fluid embolism, and heroin-related deaths [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. β-tryptase is a more reliable indicator of acute mast cell activation.…”

MicroRNAs: An Update of Applications in Forensic Science

“…To the best of our knowledge, very few studies analyzed miRNA differences between ante and post-mortem skin lesions [ 77 , 78 ].…”

“…In another recent study, Neri et al investigated miRNA expression changes in the skin ligature marks of subjects who died by hanging. The authors found increased levels of miR125a-5p and miR125b-5p, two miRNAs involved in the inflammatory phase of wound healing, and also increased levels of miR92a-3p, miR128-3p, miR130a-3p (miRNAs with an anti-inflammatory role) compared to control skin samples [ 78 ].…”