[Phospholipids in fatal strangulations (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Forensic Pathology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Phospholipids are crucial components of cell membranes.
• Hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells, releases cellular contents, potentially altering serum composition.
• Previous research suggested a link between vital phenomena and phospholipid secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid content and various factors in human cadavers.
• To determine the influence of hemolysis and cause of death on phospholipid concentrations.
• To validate findings regarding phospholipid secretion as a vital response in strangulation cases.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of phospholipid concentrations in serum from heart blood and cerebral sinus blood.
• Analysis of 145 unselected, non-putrefied human cadavers.
• Correlation with factors including age, sex, arteriosclerosis, cause of death, and rate of hemolysis.
• Specific examination of 46 cases of death by hanging.

Main Results:

• Serum phospholipid content showed a relationship with the cause of death, despite individual value variations.
• Age, sex, arteriosclerosis, and general state of the cadaver had no discernible influence.
• Low levels of hemolysis decreased phospholipid concentration, while extensive hemolysis increased it.
• Compression of cervical vessels in hanging cases led to significant differences in phospholipid levels between heart and sinus blood serum.

Conclusions:

• The cause of death is a significant factor influencing serum phospholipid concentrations.
• Increased phospholipid secretion during strangulation, as observed in hanging deaths, supports its interpretation as a vital phenomenon.
• Hemolysis rate critically affects measured phospholipid levels, requiring careful consideration in forensic analysis.