Wound age estimation based on chronological changes in chitinase 3-like protein 1 expression

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Wound age estimation is crucial in forensic practice but remains challenging.
• Previous research indicated chronological changes in CHI3L3 expression in murine skin wounds.
• The chitinase and chitinase-like protein (C/CLP) family members are potential candidates for wound age markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chronological expression of chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) in wound healing.
• To evaluate CHI3L1 as a potential biomarker for wound age estimation in forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• Murine skin wound models were used to examine CHI3L1 expression patterns.
• Human cadaver skin wounds were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.
• Quantitative analysis of CHI3L1-positive cells and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• CHI3L1 expression exhibited chronological changes in both murine and human skin wounds.
• CHI3L1 levels were low in wounds aged 0-1 days, increased significantly from days 4-6, and decreased from days 7-13.
• ROC analysis demonstrated that CHI3L1 could effectively distinguish wounds aged 4-6 days with high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions:

• CHI3L1 expression is a reliable indicator of wound age.
• CHI3L1 holds promise as a novel biomarker for forensic wound age estimation.