NCJ Number
198077
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 1278-1282
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
November 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated candidate mRNAs expressed by endometrial cells for their value as a marker for the identification of menstrual blood, thereby providing a method in identifying and confirming the origin of bleeding in cases such as alleged rape and sexual assaults.
Abstract
It is of great importance in the forensic examination of bloodstains to determine the origin of bleeding. It is necessary in cases of alleged rape and sexual assaults to determine whether bloodstains are attributed to injury or menstrual bleeding. Methods used in the identification of menstrual blood require sufficient quantities of blood and are sensitive to inadequate storage methods, thereby creating problems in the identification of menstrual blood. A new approach is the detection of messenger-RNA (mRNA) which is expressed in endometrial tissue, not in blood. This paper evaluates mRNA markers suitable for the identification of menstrual blood. RNA was isolated from autopsy tissue samples and menstrual blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers. Results from the screening of autopsy endometrium and blood samples indicated that number genes were not constantly expressed in endometrium or detected in blood. Menstrual blood samples, vaginal swabs, and traumatic bloodstains from the volunteers were screened for the presence of mRNA by housekeeping gene analysis. In bloodstains and vaginal swabs, no matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNA expression was found. The results indicate that a majority of mRNAs expressed in endometrium can be detected in blood and other organs and therefore cannot serve as a marker for menstrual blood. Matrix metalloproteinase mRNA is preferentially expressed in endometrium and cannot be found in blood and vaginal mucosa. References