Influencia do formol utilizado para conservação de cadaveres na obtenção de DNA nuclear em tecido muscular / Influence of formatin used for preservation of cadavers in obtaining nuclear DNA in muscle tissue

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

With the new scientific and technological advances, as well as behavioral and social changes, it is becoming increasingly common the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis in a criminal setting and paternity identification. Science and technology work together to maximize its use in dead and living human tissue in different degrees of conservation. Formaldehyde is the fixation solution most commonly used in academic and scientific settings, either for research purpose or cadaver preservation. However, some authors suggest that fixation of human tissue with formalhyde can cause disintegration of DNA and its use and effect on DNA has been the subject of much controversy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of formalhyde on the DNA chain and collaborate with the scientific community to promote the unrestricted use of formalhyde in the fixation of human tissue. The analysis of DNA genetic profile had a positive impact in the lives of millions of people. DNA provides the vehicle for the transmission of hereditary characteristics unique for each individual and for this reason is a very reliable tool for human identification. DNA analysis has a particularly important role when identification is not possible by dactyloscopic and anthropologic techniques. This is a common situation encountered in "Servicos Medicos Legais" particularly in advanced decomposed cadavers or when reliable anthropologic characteristics are not available. The use of formalhydeide, as the fixation solution, in the above conditions, according to some authors, can interfere with future DNA analysis. Others believe that the interference of the formalhyde in the DNA analysis is minimal. There are few reports of experimental research in the literature addressing this topic. Taking in consideration that increasing use of DNA analysis and accessibility to general public as well as governmental institutions, we understand the importance of developing a research and establish guidelines for DNA analysis in tissue fixated by formalhydeide. This research propose the analysis of formalhyde in the concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% in human muscle tissue and its effect in the degradation of nuclear DNA, verifying the validity of genetic analysis of DNA in cadavers submitted to conservation by techniques using formalhydeide. The study group was consisted of 40 non-identified cadavers. Based on the results we concluded despite formalhydeide 10% being universally used in academic, judicial and scientific settings, the more adequate fixation solution is the formalhydeide 5% due to its efficacy, low cost and simplicity of use. All 40 samples fixated with formalhydeide 10 and 20% present degradation of DNA (100%).

ASSUNTO(S)

genetics genetica

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