Integrating Forensic Autopsies with Proteomic Profiling for Suicide Risk Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of...

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Forensic Science
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Suicide is a global health crisis with over 700,000 deaths annually.
• It is a multifactorial event influenced by various risk factors, including neurobiological elements.
• Neurobiological factors offer objective measures for assessing suicidal tendencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing data on proteomic studies related to suicide.
• To identify candidate protein biomarkers for predicting suicide.
• To assess proteins for their utility in determining the manner of death in forensic cases.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.).
• Adhered to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.
• Included studies involving human proteomic analyses from individuals who attempted or completed suicide.

Main Results:

• Identified numerous candidate protein biomarkers from 14 eligible studies.
• Key proteins include tenascin-C, vimentin, glutathione S-transferase, and various glycolytic and ER stress proteins.
• Proposed a panel of these proteins for evaluation alongside clinical predictors.

Conclusions:

• Provided a comprehensive summary of proteomic studies on suicide.
• Aimed to bridge knowledge gaps in suicide biomarker research.
• The ultimate goal is to identify a reliable suicide biomarker.