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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Biological Samples Using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Assay
Published on: May 12, 2020
Estimating the postmortem interval by the difference between oxidant/antioxidant parameters in liver tissue.
Mustafa T Sener1, Halis Suleyman, Ahmet Hacimuftuoglu
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Summary
Oxidant and antioxidant levels, including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione S-transferases (GST), and Nitric Oxide (NO), can accurately predict the early postmortem interval (EPI). This research establishes a significant link between these biochemical markers and time since death.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Forensic Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the relationship between oxidant/antioxidant parameters and time of death.
- Establishing such a link could aid in forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between endogenous oxidant and antioxidant parameters and the early postmortem interval (EPI).
- To determine if biochemical markers can predict the time elapsed since death.
Main Methods:
- 60 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups.
- Liver tissues were collected hourly post-decapitation for biochemical analysis.
- Levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione S-transferases (GST), Total glutathione (tGSH), Catalase (CAT), and Nitric Oxide (NO) were measured.
Main Results:
- Linear regression analysis was performed with time of death as the dependent variable.
- A high predictive value (adjusted R square = 94.0%) was achieved.
- SOD, GST, and NO were identified as significant independent predictors of time of death.
Conclusions:
- Oxidant and antioxidant parameters are crucial for estimating the early postmortem interval (EPI).
- Biochemical markers offer a reliable method for determining time since death in forensic contexts.
