Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, College of Medicine, Cairo University
2
Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, College of Medicine, Alexandria University
3
College of Biotechnology, UMS,Dubai, UAE
Abstract
Background: Study of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation has become an important tool in forensic investigations due to its reliability and specificity. DNA methylation is highly dynamic and sensitive to several environmental and lifestyle factors. DNA samples collected from crime scenes can be tested according to their methylation patterns to help in the identification of different types of biological pieces of evidence including hair, blood, semen, and saliva found at the crime scene. Furthermore, it could help in the identification of sex, age and shed light on the overall identity of the suspect or victim.
Objectives: This study aimed to validate the use of DNA methylation-specific markers in the identification of peripheral blood, menstrual blood, and saliva, and to investigate the stability of these markers. Additionally, this research assessed the effect of exposure of blood and saliva to different environmental conditions on the detection of DNA methylation-specific markers.
Methodology: The samples used in this study are peripheral blood, saliva, and menstrual blood. DNA was extracted from all samples and its quality was detected on gel electrophoresis. Then bisulfite conversion and real-time PCR had been applied using BLM1 primer to detect peripheral blood samples, MENS1 primer to detect menstrual blood samples, and SPEI1 to detect saliva samples. Dried Stains from the saliva, menstrual blood, and peripheral blood samples were collected and exposed to different environmental conditions.
Results: The results of real-time PCR and statistical analysis of BLM1 and MENS1 primers showed better results than SPEI1 primers in identifying fresh body fluids as well as those exposed to different environmental conditions of degradation.
Conclusion: DNA methylation is highly specific to the tissue type, age, and sex of the person. This unique characteristic of DNA methylation is exploited in the identification of victims or culprits during a forensic investigation. Amount, as well as the integrity of DNA used for analysis, is often the determining factor in the success of methylation studies. Various factors such as exposure to UV radiation, high temperature, pH, and salt concentration can affect DNA stability.
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