RNA Expression Pattern for Post Mortem Hair Samples: Forensic Implication

Aims: The aim of our study is to investigate RNA patterns of a postmortem hair sample. The present work intend therefore to study the quantitative analysis of Ribonucleic acids quality and quantity.

Study Design: This is an experimental and descriptive study which used convenient sampling technique in sample selection.

Methodology: The respondents of this study comprised of living subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria selected through convenient sampling technique. Hair Samples from participants were collected after informed consent using hair tweezers and labelled Ziploc bags. RNA was extracted using the TRI-reagent and its quality and quantity assessed using the Nanodrop. Concentration and purity of RNA were assessed by spectrophotometric analysis using NanoDrop 2000c.

Results: RNA quality seems to diminish with time initially but improved at day 7 and 14, with an improved purity (1.94 and 2.03). However, at a later date the purity diminished further owing to possible degradation with death. RNA Quantity diminishes from 0hrs to 7 days, but rises slowly afterwards from day 14 – 4 months. Pearson’s shows a correlation (r = -0.47) of RNA quality with time. A remarkable feature of this study involved the high linear rate of RNA degradation which resulted in the decrease in RNA quantity within 0-7days. This could be as a result of increased intracellular enzymatic activity, which is dependent on the natural aqueous environment common to all living cells.

Conclusion: In forensic investigations requiring pure RNA for analysis, this research can be used as an inference to revealing that pure RNA can be obtained some days postmortem, and that hair stands as a good object for case diagnosis.