Changes in colour of different human tissues as a marker of age

Int J Legal Med. 2007 Mar;121(2):158-62. doi: 10.1007/s00414-006-0136-4. Epub 2006 Nov 18.

Abstract

This study deals with age estimation based on colour changes of human tissue from the intervertebral discs, Achilles tendon and rib cartilage. The investigated colour changes are the result of the accumulation of non-enzymatic browning products in the tissue. Samples of excised tissues were photographed with a digital camera and the pictures were evaluated using the image analysis processor Lucia G 4.11 processor. The values of the intensities of the RGB channels (MeanRed, Mean Green, MeanBlue) and parameters from the IHS system (MeanSaturation, HueTypical, HueVariation, BrightVariation and MeanBrightness) were evaluated. The results confirm that colour changes of some tissues depend on ageing and are a good tool for age estimation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / pathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / pathology*
  • Biomarkers
  • Cartilage / pathology*
  • Color*
  • Female
  • Forensic Sciences / instrumentation
  • Forensic Sciences / methods*
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Intervertebral Disc / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photography
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Ribs

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Glycation End Products, Advanced