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03-01-2024 | Polymerase Chain Reaction | Original Article

The use of vitreous humour as a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification in forensic science

Authors: Vanja Čanović, Živana Slović, Danijela Todorović, Miloš Todorović, Ivana Andrić, Dušan Radojević, Milena Ilić, Katarina Vitošević

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 4/2024

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Abstract

Vitreous humour (VH) is routinely collected for toxicological analyses. However, only a few studies have examined its possible use in genotyping. Because of its isolation from the rest of the body, later onset of postmortem changes, and availability, VH could be a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification and other molecular analyses in forensic genetics. During forensic autopsies, samples of different VH volumes (5 ml, 4 ml, 3 ml, 2 ml, 1 ml, and 0.5 ml) were taken from 66 cadavers 24–48 h after death. DNA was also isolated from the samples immediately after collection and after a specific time of storage (1, 2, and 6 months). DNA was isolated using phenol‒chloroform‒isoamyl alcohol (PCI), and the yield and purity of the obtained DNA were determined spectrophotometrically using a FastGene NanoView Photometer. The integrity of the isolated DNA molecule was determined by PCR amplification of the hTERT (113 bp) gene. The results showed that VH could be a reliable source of genetic material for forensic analysis, and the method used for DNA extraction was effective. The yield of the isolated DNA ranged from 6.20 to 609.5 ng/µl, and the purity of the samples was 1.24–2.34. The isolated DNA concentration and integrity depend on the sample volume, but the DNA purity does not. It is also shown that DNA can be extracted from VH samples that have been stored for up to 6 months at − 20 °C. Therefore, using VH can be a valuable material for DNA identification.
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Metadata
Title
The use of vitreous humour as a potential source of DNA for postmortem identification in forensic science
Authors
Vanja Čanović
Živana Slović
Danijela Todorović
Miloš Todorović
Ivana Andrić
Dušan Radojević
Milena Ilić
Katarina Vitošević
Publication date
03-01-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-023-00760-w