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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
Biobanking of Human Aqueous and Vitreous Liquid Biopsies for Molecular Analyses
Published on: September 11, 2023
PMI estimation through metabolomics and potassium analysis on animal vitreous humour
Emanuela Locci1, Matteo Stocchero2, Rossella Gottardo3
1Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
Introduction:
The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) remains a major challenge in forensic science. Most of the proposed approaches lack the reliability required to meet the rigorous forensic standards.
Objectives:
We applied 1H NMR metabolomics to estimate PMI on ovine vitreous humour comparing the results with the actual scientific gold standard, namely vitreous potassium concentrations.
Methods:
Vitreous humour samples were collected in a time frame ranging from 6 to 86 h after death. Experiments were performed by using 1H NMR metabolomics and ion capillary analysis. Data were submitted to multivariate statistical data analysis.
Results:
A multivariate calibration model was built to estimate PMI based on 47 vitreous humour samples. The model was validated with an independent test set of 24 samples, obtaining a prediction error on the entire range of 6.9 h for PMI < 24 h, 7.4 h for PMI between 24 and 48 h, and 10.3 h for PMI > 48 h. Time-related modifications of the 1H NMR vitreous metabolomic profile could predict PMI better than potassium up to 48 h after death, whilst a combination of the two is better than the single approach for higher PMI estimation.
Conclusion:
The present study, although in a proof-of-concept animal model, shows that vitreous metabolomics can be a powerful tool to predict PMI providing a more accurate estimation compared to the widely studied approach based on vitreous potassium concentrations.
