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Molecular biological studies on teeth, and inquests
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Kanagawa Dental College, Japan.
Forensic Science International
|June 28, 1996
Summary
Dental analysis offers three identification methods: amino acid racemization for age estimation, DNA typing for sex determination, and dental records for mass disaster victim identification. These techniques enhance forensic identification accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Odontology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dental identification is crucial in forensic science.
- Established methods require validation and refinement.
- Emerging techniques offer enhanced accuracy and applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate key dental identification methods.
- To highlight the utility of amino acid racemization, DNA typing, and dental records.
- To assess their effectiveness in forensic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Amino acid racemization analysis of dentine.
- DNA extraction from dental pulp followed by PCR amplification and Y-specific probe analysis.
- Review of dental and radiological records for antemortem data.
Main Results:
- Amino acid racemization demonstrated high correlation (0.99) for age estimation using whole dentine and soluble dentine peptides.
- DNA typing accurately determined sex from degraded dental DNA, even from teeth extracted up to 21 months prior.
- Antemortem dental records significantly expedite identification in mass disaster scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Amino acid racemization is a reliable method for dental age estimation.
- DNA typing provides robust sex determination from degraded dental samples.
- Comprehensive antemortem dental data is vital for efficient forensic identification.