Biomarkers Used in Forensic Autopsy for Estimation of Time Since Death

Background: Accurate estimation of the time since death (TSD) or post-mortem interval (PMI) is a fundamental aspect of forensic investigations. Conventional methods are often influenced by environmental and physiological factors, necessitating the use of objective biochemical markers. Case Series: This case series presents three hypothetical forensic autopsy cases in which serial biochemical biomarkers were evaluated to estimate the PMI. Blood, vitreous humor, and other biological specimens were assessed for biomarkers including potassium (K⁺), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate, glucose, phosphorus, and magnesium. The biochemical findings were correlated with known or estimated times of death and conventional post-mortem observations. Results: Progressive increases in CPK, LDH, potassium, phosphorus, lactate, and magnesium, along with a decline in glucose, demonstrated predictable post-mortem trends. The combined interpretation of multiple biomarkers provided a more reliable estimation of PMI than any individual marker alone. Conclusion: Post-mortem biochemical biomarkers are valuable adjuncts to routine forensic autopsy for estimating the time since death. A multimarker approach integrating biochemical, molecular, and conventional forensic findings has the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of PMI estimation, although larger prospective studies are required for validation. Keywords: Post-mortem interval; Time since death; Forensic autopsy; Post-mortem biochemistry; Biomarkers; Potassium; Creatine phosphokinase; Lactate dehydrogenase; Vitreous humor; Forensic pathology.