Application of CD83 and HSF5 to Identify Antemortem and Postmortem Skin Burns.

Abstract

To explore the forensic application value of cluster of differentiation 83 (CD83) and heat shock transcription factor 5(HSF5) in identifying antemortem and postmortem skin burns. Through reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), CD83 and HSF5 mRNA levels in the skin tissues of antemortem and postmortem burned mice and human samples were detected quantitatively. Compared with the control group and the postmortem burned group, the mRNA levels of CD83 and HSF5 in antemortem burned mice were higher. The high mRNA expressions of CD83 could be detected 96 h after death, and the mRNA expressions of HSF5 could be observed 72 h after death. Compared with undamaged skin, increased CD83 and HSF5 mRNA levels were detected in 11 out of 15 cases(P<0.05). CD83 and HSF5 can be used in forensic practice as indicators for vital reaction in antemortem burn identification.