Comparison of post-mortem vitreous fluid and blood levels in diabetes-induced rabbit models

Aim: Deaths in Forensic Science practices are split into two groups: natural and unnatural deaths. Sudden unexpected deaths are an important part of natural deaths. Complications of a systemic disease are one of the causes of sudden unexpected deaths. Diabetes is a common systemic disease in the world and our country. Acute complications of diabetes may cause sudden unexpected deaths. Cause of death in sudden unexpected deaths may not be identified some cases even if all examinations are made. Post-mortem biochemistry analysis is required to reveal the cause of death. Biochemistry analysis done in vitreous fluid which is more protected and les contaminated by bacteria comparing to blood will produce more accurate results. Thus, we aimed to diagnose the acute complications of diabetes by comparing glucose levels of post-mortem blood and vitreous fluid in death cases caused by diabetes. Material and method: Our study was conducted on 17 New Zealand type rabbits taken from Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center. Rabbits were separated into 8 hyperglycemia, 8 hypoglycemia and 1 control group. Rabbits were monitored for 5 days after experimental diabetes induction, killed with ketamine and blood and vitreous fluids were taken at the point of death. Later on dead bodies of rabbits were left in their living environment and blood and vitreous fluid samples were taken again at the post-mortem first day. Samples were stored at -20 C after centrifuge. Samples of blood and vitreous fluids were analyzed at Çukurova University Department of Biochemistry with oxidase kit. Statistical analysis of results was made with Student t test and p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 17 rabbits were separated into 8 hyperglycemia, 8 hypoglycemia and 1 control group. Mean blood glucose levels of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia group were in diabetic range during 5 days of monitoring but there was no statistical significance. Blood glucose levels of hyperglycemic rabbits were measured as 512±52,1 mg/dl, while vitreous glucose levels were 518,3±76,8 mg/dl at the point of death. After keeping dead bodies of rabbits for one day, blood and vitreous glucose levels were measured as 433,9±59,3 mg/dl and 329,8±86,6 mg/dl, respectively. Blood glucose levels of hypoglycemic rabbits were measured as 39±3,8 mg/dl, while vitreous glucose levels were 53,4±13,9 mg/dl at the point of death. After keeping dead bodies of rabbits for one day, blood and vitreous glucose levels were measured as 36±4,2 mg/dl and 1,6±0,6 mg/dl, respectively. After analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between day 0 and 1 vitreous levels of hypoglycemia group. Conclusion: Diabetes is a common disease in our country. Acute complications of diabetes might cause sudden unexpected deaths. It can be clearly seen that biochemistry analysis should be done and vitreous fluid samples should be taken in all judicial cases with sudden unexpected deaths so diagnosis would be easier. This will contribute to identification of death cause and secure the justice.