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A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
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Identification of specific molecular markers in severe heatstroke using transcriptomics techniques
Zhiao Duan1, Mei Wang2, Yunchao Zhou1
1Hainan Provincial Tropical Forensic Engineering Research Center & Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation (Tropical Forensic Medicine), Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, Hainan Province, China.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|October 13, 2025
Summary
This study identifies key liver gene markers, including Hspa1a and Cyp7a1, to differentiate heatstroke from fever in forensic cases. These molecular indicators aid in distinguishing hyperthermia-related deaths.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Heatstroke and fever deaths present diagnostic challenges in forensic pathology due to similar clinical signs.
- Identifying specific molecular markers is crucial for accurate post-mortem diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct molecular markers in liver tissue that can differentiate between heatstroke and fever using transcriptomic profiling.
- To validate potential biomarker candidates for forensic applications.
Main Methods:
- Established mouse models for heatstroke (42°C exposure) and LPS-induced fever.
- Performed RNA sequencing on liver tissues to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Validated candidate genes (Hspa1a, Hspa1b, Cyp7a1, Arrdc3, G6pc) using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.
Main Results:
- Identified 5,567 DEGs, with 142 heatstroke-specific and 254 fever-specific genes.
- Heatstroke showed significant upregulation of Hspa1a, Hspa1b, Cyp7a1, Arrdc3, and G6pc, related to protein homeostasis and metabolism.
- Fever induced immune and inflammation genes; validated markers confirmed differential expression.
Conclusions:
- Comparative transcriptomics successfully distinguished heatstroke from fever.
- Hspa1a, Hspa1b, Cyp7a1, Arrdc3, and G6pc are proposed as potential forensic biomarkers for hyperthermia-related deaths.
- Findings offer insights into molecular responses to heat stress and fever.
