Quantitative estimation of TNF-α and IL-3 by using ELISA from human lung tissue in fatal asphyxial deaths.

Asphyxia-related deaths have always been a challenging task in the specialty of forensic pathology. Apart from helpful macroscopical signs (e.g., strangulation marks, cyanosis, petechial haemorrhage, and lung edema), recent literature indicates that prolonged asphyxia is sufficient to induce an increase in mast cells (MC). Inflammatory cells migrate from the bone marrow to the lungs, aiding in the diagnosis of fatal asphyxial death. The present study analyzed human lung tissue samples from 90 medico-legal autopsy cases, including 45 asphyxial deaths and 45 controls (non-asphyxial deaths). The cases ranged from 2 to 68 years, with a mean age of 33.23 years. In 90 cases, 74 cases were of males, and 16 were of females. Human lung tissue samples were analyzed by using the sandwich ELISA method. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in TNF-α and IL-3 concentration in fatal asphyxial deaths, including those caused by hanging, drowning, and smothering. Mean ± SD in asphyxial and non-asphyxial cases for the TNF-α and IL-3 concentration statistically analysed. In asphyxial cases, the average IL-3 concentration (Conc.) was 1558.50 ± 350.53 pg/ml, and the average TNF-α concentration (Conc.) was 499.75 ± 479.41 pg/ml. In contrast, in non-asphyxial cases, the average IL-3 concentration (Conc.) was found to be 849.73 ± 484.99 pg/ml, and the average TNF-α concentration (Conc.) was 208.08 ± 81.23 pg/ml. The mean change in IL-3 and TNF-α (Conc.) values are found to significant (<0.01) in asphyxial cases as compared to non-asphyxial cases. The ROC (Receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis revealed that TNF-α (AUC = 0.89) and IL-3 (AUC = 0.87) concentration (conc.) were stronger predictors of asphyxial deaths with an optimal cut-off value of 455.20 pg/ml for TNF-alpha and 1700.62 pg/ml for IL-3 respectively. Our findings imply that mast cells (MC) are critical in fatal hypoxia-related mortality and that TNF-α and IL-3 can be reliable markers for detecting mast cells in asphyxial deaths. It could be very beneficial to forensic pathologists tasked with differentiating fatal asphyxial fatalities from other causes of death.

Forensic implications of pituitary macroadenoma: An autopsy case report.

Pituitary adenomas are the most common tumours of the sellar region. Functional pituitary adenomas are related with immense assorted variety in their endocrine manifestations secondary to hypo or hyperfunction of the pituitary gland and mass impact. They can have a slow but severe impact on vision due to compression of the optic nerves, optic chiasm and cavernous sinus. Hereby, we discuss a case of a 29-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency with an alleged history of chest pain after ingestion of rat poison (zinc phosphide) in an attempt to commit suicide. Autopsy finding revealed a large mass that was present in the pituitary fossa impinging onto the optic chiasma. On further inquiry of the law enforcing agencies, it was found that the patient was undergoing treatment for psychiatric illness, and she had also complained of vision loss for the past few months. The parents of the deceased lodged a case of homicide by the husband. This case demonstrates the psycho-social and forensic implications of a pituitary tumour. The role of collaborative efforts of the autopsy team and the law enforcing agencies are emphasised.