Exploring Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Mechanical Asphyxia in the Heart Based on Proteomics Technology

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Proteomics

Background:

• Mechanical asphyxia diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific autopsy findings.
• Traditional methods may miss novel biomarkers for hypoxia-related deaths.
• Understanding protein expression changes is crucial for improved diagnostic specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel protein biomarkers for mechanical asphyxia using 4D-DIA proteomics.
• To investigate protein expression profiles in cardiac tissues from mechanical asphyxia models.
• To validate potential biomarkers in both animal and human samples.

Main Methods:

• 4D-data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was applied to cardiac samples.
• Differential protein expression analysis was performed comparing mechanical asphyxia groups to controls.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted.
• Protein interaction networks were used for biomarker selection and validation.

Main Results:

• 271 and 371 differentially expressed proteins were identified in strangulation and suffocation groups, respectively.
• 78 differentially expressed proteins were common across mechanical asphyxia groups.
• Enriched pathways included complement/coagulation cascades and inflammatory signaling.
• ALKBH5, NAA10, and CLPB were identified as potential biomarkers, with validated expression changes.

Conclusions:

• Proteomics offers a powerful approach for discovering reliable biomarkers in mechanical asphyxia.
• ALKBH5, NAA10, and CLPB show potential as diagnostic markers for mechanical asphyxia.
• This research enhances understanding of mechanical asphyxia's pathophysiology and improves diagnostic capabilities.