Email this article Innovative Strategies for Estimating Postmortem Interval in Forensic Practice: Multi-Omics, Artificial Intelligence, and Combined Models
- Authors: Mustafina G.R., Kuznetsov K.O.1, Kosobutskaya S.A.1, Sokolovkiy M.A.1, Semenova A.I.1, Korotun V.N.1
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Affiliations:
- N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
- Section: Reviews
- Submitted: 25.07.2025
- Accepted: 13.10.2025
- Published: 27.10.2025
- URL: https://for-medex.ru/jour/article/view/16307
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17816/fm16307
- ID: 16307
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Abstract
Determining the time since death (postmortem interval, PMI) is one of the key challenges in forensic practice, as the accuracy of this estimation directly affects the reliability of expert conclusions and the efficiency of investigative procedures. Traditional methods based on morphological signs and thermometric measurements have limited accuracy, particularly at extended intervals. Recent research focuses on the development of innovative approaches, including molecular technologies, microbiome analysis, multi-omics strategies, and the integration of artificial intelligence for big data processing. This article provides an overview of the latest methods for estimating PMI, with particular attention to nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome profiling. The potential of immunohistochemical markers, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance for quantitative assessment of biochemical changes in tissues and biological fluids is discussed. Advances in forensic entomology are also highlighted, including the application of molecular and chemical techniques for validating insect developmental stages.
A separate section addresses the implementation of machine learning and deep learning algorithms to build predictive models based on multifactorial datasets, including microbiome profiles, imaging data, and environmental parameters. Examples of combined approaches integrating biomolecular markers with computational technologies are presented, demonstrating improved accuracy in PMI estimation during both early and advanced decomposition stages. The integration of traditional and innovative methods, the development of standardized protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration open new opportunities for forensic medicine, forming a basis for creating reliable, reproducible, and universal algorithms for PMI assessment.
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About the authors
Gulgena R. Mustafina
Email: gulgenarm@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2534-6385
SPIN-code: 8904-2046
Kirill O. Kuznetsov
N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Author for correspondence.
Email: kuznetsovarticles@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2405-1801
SPIN-code: 3053-3773
Russian Federation
Svetlana A. Kosobutskaya
Email: fotinia78@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5484-9574
SPIN-code: 2589-3752
Maksim A. Sokolovkiy
Email: maks_sokolovskiy@internet.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0005-4998-3532
Alvina I. Semenova
Email: semyonowaalvina@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-7823-9322
Valery N. Korotun
Email: korotun_vn@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9654-3269
References
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