Quantification of mRNA degradation as possible indicator of postmortem interval--a pilot study.

Author(s): Bauer M, Gramlich I, Polzin S, Patzelt D

Publication: Leg Med (Tokyo), 2003, Vol. 5, Page 220

PubMed ID: 14602165 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine if the degree of mRNA degradation, as measured by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the fatty acid synthase gene, is correlated to postmortem interval (PMI) or the duration of refrigerated storage in postmortem blood and brain specimens or blood sampled from living individuals, respectively.

   Summary of Findings:

   The authors report a significant time-dependent decrease in the fraction of intact FASN mRNA in blood specimens from living patients during refrigerated storage. Although 50% of the blood samples drawn from deceased individuals failed to provide consistent results (likely due to extensive hemolysis), the remaining specimens showed decreasing fractions of intact FASN mRNA with increasing postmortem interval. Postmortem brain specimens exhibited a similar decrease of intact FASN mRNA with increasing postmortem interval, however, brain mRNA degraded at a slower rate than that extracted from blood.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Tissue - Brain

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Autopsy
   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   RNA	RT-PCR
   RNA	Electrophoresis
   RNA	Spectrophotometry

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Storage	Storage duration	0 day 1 day 2 days 3 days
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Biospecimen location	Blood Brain
   Preaquisition	Postmortem interval	7 - 145 h

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