A Clue on the Skin: A Systematic Review on Immunohistochemical Analyses of the Ligature Mark.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Mansueto, Gelsomina Feola, Alessandro Zangani, Pierluca Porzio, Antonietta Carfora, Anna Campobasso, Carlo Pietro
Editor	Freeman, Michael D.
Copyright Year	2022
Abstract	Background A ligature mark is a common injury in cases of hanging or strangulation. Estimation of age and vitality of the ligature mark can be crucial for differentiating antemortem and postmortem wounds and to distinguish between simulated suicidal hanging or accidental strangulation to conceal a crime and not simulated events. The immunohistochemistry has been recommended by several Authors as a reliable tool to determine whether an injury was sustained during life or not. Unfortunately, no general agreement on the immunohistochemical markers to be used has been found among the scientific community. The aim of the study was to detect the type and function of the immunohistochemical markers useful in the assessment of the vitality and age of the ligature marks for routine diagnostics. Methods Papers available on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were reviewed according to the PRISMA statement. Results Only eight papers satisfied all the following inclusion criteria: full texts in English dealing with human ligature marks and immunohistochemistry published on impacted or indexed scientific journals. Conclusions The assessment of the vitality of a ligature mark is still a challenging topic in forensic science. Under ideal conditions and in compliance with autopsy protocols, the diagnosis of death by hanging or strangulation on fresh bodies can be better supported by autopsy findings other than a ligature mark. The validation of immunohistochemical markers on large series could be of help in doubtful cases and differential diagnoses.
ISSN	16617827
Journal	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Int J Environ Res Public Health]
Volume Number	19
DOI	10.3390/ijerph19042035
PubMed Central reference number	PMC8871640
Issue Number	4
PubMed reference number	35206225
e-ISSN	16604601
Language	English
Publisher	Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
Publisher Date	2022-02-11
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	ligature mark skin hanging strangulation immunohistochemistry
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis Pollution Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health