NCJ Number
248157
Journal
Forensic Science International Genetics Volume: 12 Dated: September 2014 Pages: 181-184
Date Published
September 2014
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A recent proof-of-concept pilot study proposed using microRNA (miRNA) markers for determining the time of death; the current study investigated whether these miRNA markers show the same diurnal (distinctive differences between nighttime and daytime) expression patterns in blood that would make them useful for estimating when bloodstains were deposited.
Abstract
The study concludes that the two miRNA markers (miRNA-142-5p and miRNA-541) previously suggested for time-of-death determination in vitreous humor are not suitable for estimating the time (day or night) for forensic bloodstains. Future studies may determine whether miRNA makers with significant diurnal expression patterns can be identified and how useful they would be for determining the time of deposition. This study analyzed venous blood samples collected from 12 healthy individuals every 4 hours during the 24-hour day/night period under controlled sleep-laboratory conditions. MiRNA-142-5p normalized against miRNA-222 showed no statistically significant expression difference between blood samples collected during daytime and nighttime. (one-way ANOVA p=0.81) and also no statistically significant rhythmicity during the 24-hour day/night period. MiRNA-541 amplification in blood was above the 34-cycle threshold applied in the study, indicating quantities too low for obtaining reliable data. 2 figures and 24 references