RESUMEN
In spite of the inhibitory effects of ethanol (EtOH) on platelet function, soft blood clots are often observed in cadaveric blood in cases of sudden death after alcohol ingestion. In order to resolve this discrepancy, we have focused on the role of vascular endothelial cells. We tried to investigate the effects of EtOH and LPS on endothelial cells from various perspectives; thrombogenic factor (Von Willebrand factor, VWF), fibrinolytic factor (tissue plasminogen activator, tPA) and inflammatory factor (Interleukin-6, IL-6). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with various concentrations of EtOH (0-160 mM) with or without LPS. Treatment with EtOH and LPS increased VWF release from HUVECs without enhancement mRNA expression. Treatment with 40 mM of EtOH also increased IL-6 release from HUVECs without enhancement mRNA expression. Although EtOH inhibited LPS-induced IL-6 mRNA expression, 20 mM of EtOH still had an increasing effect on the release of IL-6. These doses of EtOH are consistent with a moderate drunkenness level in a normal person. On the other hand, mRNA expression and release reaction of tPA were not affected by EtOH and LPS addition. In conclusion, EtOH enhances procoagulant status via VWF release and IL-6 production cooperation with LPS and may contribute to soft blood clot formation in cadaveric blood.
Asunto(s)
Factores de Coagulación Sanguínea/metabolismo , Endotelio Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Endotelio Vascular/metabolismo , Etanol/farmacología , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Coagulación Sanguínea , Línea Celular , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Cambios Post Mortem , Activador de Tejido Plasminógeno/metabolismo , Venas Umbilicales/efectos de los fármacos , Factor de von Willebrand/metabolismoRESUMEN
We describe here the usefulness of analysis of tracheal contents in a case of death by fire, which revealed that the deceased had used the accelerants. The analysis of tracheal contents provides useful information for the determination of the circumstances of the scene.
Asunto(s)
Incendios , Medicina Legal/métodos , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Gases/análisis , Tráquea/química , Femenino , Humanos , Hidrocarburos/análisis , PetróleoRESUMEN
Personal identification is an essential subject in forensic practice. With skeletonized remains, an anthropological examination is performed for personal identification. Here we describe the positive identification of skeletonized human remains from the serial numbers of implanted metallic plate and screws.
Asunto(s)
Placas Óseas , Tornillos Óseos , Antropología Forense/métodos , Registros Médicos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
A case of fatal poisoning involving ethanol with psychotropic drugs is presented. Quantitative toxicological analysis showed that the concentrations of ethanol, amoxapine and phenobarbital in the femoral blood were 2.86 mg/ml, 0.41 microg/ml and 6.80 microg/ml, respectively. We concluded that the cause of death was due to the combination use of ethanol, amoxapine and phenobarbital.
Asunto(s)
Etanol/envenenamiento , Psicotrópicos/envenenamiento , Adulto , Amoxapina/sangre , Amoxapina/envenenamiento , Etanol/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Fenobarbital/sangre , Fenobarbital/envenenamiento , Psicotrópicos/sangreRESUMEN
We present here a case of sudden death resulting from the rupture of an aneurysm of the splenic artery. From the histopathological findings, we concluded that the formation of the splenic aneurysm was associated with the fibromuscular dysplasia.
Asunto(s)
Aneurisma Roto/patología , Arteria Esplénica/patología , Adulto , Muerte Súbita/etiología , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
A case of fatal poisoning involving clomipramine, chlorpromazine and flunitrazepam is presented. Quantitative toxicological analysis showed that the concentrations of clomipramine, chlorpromazine and 7-aminoflunitrazepam (a metabolite of flunitrazepam) in the femoral blood were 3.24 microg/ml, 0.36 Kg/ml and 0.61 microg/ml, respectively, and large amounts of drugs were also detected from the stomach contents. We concluded that the cause of death was due to the combined use of clomipramine, chlorpromazine and flunitrazepam.
Asunto(s)
Clorpromazina/envenenamiento , Clomipramina/envenenamiento , Flunitrazepam/envenenamiento , Psicotrópicos/envenenamiento , Suicidio , Adulto , Clorpromazina/análisis , Clomipramina/análisis , Femenino , Flunitrazepam/análisis , Humanos , Psicotrópicos/análisisRESUMEN
We applied here energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent spectrometry (EDXRF) to two medico-legal autopsy cases of bromvalerylurea ingestion. Rapid elemental analysis using EDXRF identified bromide in blood, urine and stomach contents of victims during autopsy. The present cases indicate that screening with EDXRF, an instrument suitable for non-destructive, rapid elemental analysis, provides useful information for identification of drugs.
Asunto(s)
Bromuros/análisis , Bromisovalum/envenenamiento , Hipnóticos y Sedantes/envenenamiento , Espectrometría por Rayos X , Adulto , Femenino , Toxicología Forense , Contenido Digestivo/química , Humanos , Masculino , Detección de Abuso de Sustancias/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Asthma is the one of the major causes of sudden death in Japan. Postmortem diagnosis of asthma has been based on morphological findings in lungs, but it histological evidence, was also reported that the biochemical markers such as total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) are useful. CASE REPORT: We present here a case of fatal asthmatic death. A Japanese male in his thirties, complaining of dyspnea, collapsed suddenly. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, but cardiopulmonary resuscitation was ineffective. From autopsy findings, we concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia due to asthma attack. Biochemical findings indicated that the deceased had a severe asthmatic condition. CONCLUSION: In the presented case, the biochemical examination of the serum obtained at autopsy gave helpful information for the diagnosis that asthmatic attack was a cause of death.