Along with the regular toxicology testing, different samples collected during the autopsy might be subjected to metal level estimation to investigate the cause of death in some cases. Utilizing a scientific procedure on postmortem specimens is crucial for interpreting forensic toxicological analytical results. Even modest procedural errors made by incompetent forensic toxicologists and chemists who lack proper specialized training and knowledge can alter the scientific conclusions and hence the legal verdict. The current work studies an overview of eight metals and element levels in living and deceased human bodies. It could be a substantial contribution to establishing normal or so-called "reference" metal levels under antemortem and postmortem situations, hence aiding in identifying reliable future interpretations of results produced by numerous researchers in the same field.
Aim of the work: The current work aimed to study the concentration of eight metals in the blood samples (cardiac and femoral), urine, and other samples (Spleen, liver, and renal tissues) collected from human cadavers at different postmortem intervals in addition to blood and urine samples collected from the living population as a contribution to establishing normal or so-called "reference" metal levels under antemortem and postmortem situations.
Subjects and methods: Postmortem autopsy blood samples (cardiac and femoral), urine, and other samples (Spleen, liver, and renal tissues) were collected from 400 deceased subjects. These samples were analyzed for the estimation of the eight metals under research, namely, Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Antimony (Sb), Mercury (Hg), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb). In addition, blood and urine samples from 400 living volunteer subjects were analyzed for the same eight elements under study.
Results: In the postmortem group, the mean metal levels in cases with absent, early, and advanced putrefaction simultaneously in μg/L were 2.45 ± 3.30, 3.25 ± 5.18, and 3.81 ± 1.95 for As. For Se, the results were 10.74 ± 4.21, 10.54 ± 5.28, and 9.96 ± 4.14. 4.04 ± 1.74, 3.48 ± 1.32, and 3.74 ± 0.91 were the results for Ag. For Cd, they were 8.35 ± 3.91, 12.15 ± 3.05, and 24.51 ± 31.25 with P < 0.0001**. 1.48 ± 1.85, 1.61 ± 1.85, and 1.62 ± 1.74 were the same results for Sb; 6.07 ± 2.44, 5.22 ± 2.17, and 5.39 ± 1.82 for Hg. 395 ± 79.8, 553 ± 51.7, and 704 ± 97.2 for Zn with a P-value <0.005*. As for lead, the results were 15.61 ± 24.19, 14.76 ± 23.05, and 24.61 ± 52.72. As the postmortem interval increased, Cd and Zn levels increased (p < 0.0001, <0.005* simultaneously).
Keywords: Cadmium; Forensic toxicology; Heavy metals; ICP-MS; Lead; Postmortem.
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