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SM Journal of Forensic Research and Criminology

Biochemical, Genetic, Pathological and Histochemical Alterations as Forensic Markers of Hypothermia in Rats

[ ISSN : 2574-2426 ]

Abstract
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Received: 13-Oct-2017

Accepted: 13-Nov-2017

Published: 16-Nov-2017

Research Article | Volume 1 - Issue 3 | Article DOI :

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Badr El-Bialy¹, Nermeen El-Borai¹*, Shimaa M Abou-Zeid¹, Anis Zaid² and Amanallah El-Bahrawy²

¹Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Sadat City, Egypt
²Department of Pathology, University of Sadat City, Egypt

Corresponding Author:

Nermeen El-Borai, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897, Egypt, Tel: 002 01007365569; Fax: 002 048 2603215; Email: nermeenborai@yahoo.com

Keywords

Hypothermia; Biochemical; Immunohistopthological; Comet; Brain

Abstract

Human and animals have many adaptive mechanisms against extreme thermal conditions. Failure of these mechanisms induces various alterations in many organs especially brain. This study was performed on rats to investigate the effect of exposure to extreme cold till loss of consciousness or until death. Serum levels of glucose, Triglyceride (TG), Cholesterol (CHO), Total Protein (TP) and cortisol were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were estimated in brain tissue. The genetic alteration of hypothermia was studied by measuring DNA damage using comet assay. Additionally, histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in brain tissue were recorded. Hypothermia, significantly decreased serum glucose and CHO while increased TG and cortisol levels but had no effect on TP level. Also, marked increase in MDA level and DNA damage in brain tissue concurrently with reduction of TAC were recorded. Histopathological alterations including vasogenic perivascular edema, necrosis/ loss of Purkinje cells of cerebellum, neuronal degeneration/ necrosis and perineuronal edema in cerebrum and hippocampus were observed. Moreover, hypothermia decreased the immunopositivity of synaptophysin and neurofilaments but temporary increased the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in brain tissue. In conclusion, hypothermia, despite several adaptive mechanisms, induced lethal harmful biochemical, genetic, pathological and immunohistochemical alterations which can be used as useful markers for hypothermia.

Citation

El-Bialy B, El-Borai N, Abou-Zeid SM, Zaid A and El-Bahrawy A. Biochemical, Genetic, Pathological and Histochemical Alterations as Forensic Markers of Hypothermia in Rats. SM J Forensic Res Criminol. 2017; 1(3): 1014