Immunohistochemistry in forensic medicine: a mini-review

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Abstract

One of the most essential problem areas of modern forensic medicine is the determination of the cause of death, the reliable and accurate identification of life-time mechanical injuries and the determination of their prescription.

Histology has traditionally been the primary method of tissue examination. Over time, histochemistry has been incorporated, expanding the diagnostic options. Advancements in medical technology have facilitated more detailed tissue examination, which has become more widely available through the development of immunohistochemistry. This innovative method, based on the specific tissue staining, plays a crucial role in determining the cause of death, identifying lifetime mechanical injuries, and determining their prescription. A notable strength of immunohistochemistry lies in its superiority over previous methods in information content and accuracy. Furthermore, this method facilitates the identification of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, and components associated with tissue healing, such as growth factors. This approach facilitates the confirmation of the life-time injury, and the assessment of the healing stage, which greatly improves the accuracy of the determination of the time of injury. Immunohistochemistry is especially important in distinguishing true injuries from postmortem changes that may mimic a traumatic injury.

Consequently, the incorporation of this method into forensic practice enables a more objective and accurate examination, thereby minimizing the risk of diagnostic error.

The ongoing advancement of immunohistochemistry technologies and the increase in the range of markers used opens up new perspectives in forensic medicine and improves the reliability and informative value of expert opinions.

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About the authors

Olga O. Frolova

Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination

Email: olga.frolog@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0785-6819
SPIN-code: 5893-5925

MD

Россия, Moscow; Moscow

Aleksandr V. Maksimov

Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute; State University of Education

Author for correspondence.
Email: mcsim2002@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1936-4448
SPIN-code: 3134-8457

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Assistant Professor

Россия, Moscow; 24 Vera Voloshina st, Mytishi,141014

Timofey S. Sokolov

State University of Education

Email: slantima@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0002-7659-0986
SPIN-code: 8814-9942
Россия, 24 Vera Voloshina st, Mytishi,141014

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