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Post-mortem formation of ethanol: Is 1-propanol a reliable marker? A proof-of-concept study using an in vitro
Nicola Pigaiani1,2, Giacomo Musile1, Karen S Scott3
1Unit of Forensic Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 6, 2024
Summary
Post-mortem microbial ethanol production can be influenced by factors like glucose levels and temperature. Researchers developed a model using 1-propanol to estimate this microbial ethanol, aiding forensic toxicology.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ethanol is frequently found in post-mortem samples, but its interpretation is complicated by redistribution and microbial neogenesis.
- Microbial synthesis of ethanol can occur in vivo and in vitro from biomolecules, especially under anaerobic conditions.
- Accurate interpretation of post-mortem ethanol requires understanding and quantifying microbial contributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variables affecting microbial ethanol production in post-mortem conditions.
- To develop a mathematical model for estimating microbial ethanol production.
- To validate 1-propanol as a marker for microbially produced ethanol.
Main Methods:
- Human blood and cadaveric fragments were incubated anaerobically to simulate post-mortem conditions.
- A novel substrate, "cadaveric putrefactive blood," was created.
- Ethanol and 1-propanol levels were analyzed daily using HS-GC-FID, with statistical analysis including Mann-Whitney and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Early putrefactive stage, high blood glucose, elevated storage temperature, and longer incubation times significantly increased microbial ethanol production.
- A mathematical model was developed correlating ethanol production with 1-propanol.
- The study confirmed the feasibility of using 1-propanol as a marker for post-mortem ethanol production.
Conclusions:
- Post-mortem conditions such as putrefaction stage, glucose concentration, temperature, and time influence microbial ethanol synthesis.
- 1-Propanol serves as a reliable biomarker for estimating microbially produced ethanol in forensic investigations.
- The developed model aids in distinguishing endogenous ethanol from exogenous sources in post-mortem toxicology.
Keywords:
1‐propanolHS‐GC‐FIDblood ethanol concentrationforensic toxicologyhigher alcoholspost‐mortem ethanol productionMore Related Videos
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