THE USE OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN ASSESSMENT OF PMI OF PORCINE MODELS

The accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) remains a central challenge in forensic investigations. This study evaluated the potential of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and liver histotaphonomy as biomarkers for PMI assessment using porcine models (Sus scrofa). Two domestics pigs were euthanized, and blood and liver tissue samples were collected at defined intervals over five days. Biochemical assays were conducted using spectrophotometric methods to quantify ALP activity, while histological analysis employed Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining to monitor glycogen depletion in hepatic tissues. This results revealed fluctuating ALP activity during the early postmortem phase, with a notable peak at 30hrs followed by a sharp decline beyond 48 hours. By 72–108 hours postmortem, ALP levels were markedly reduced, indicating progressive enzymatic degradation linked to autolysis and microbial activity. Histological findings supported these biochemical trends, demonstrating abundant glycogen deposits in hepatocytes within the first 6–10 hours, moderate presence up to 48 hours, and complete depletion by day 3. The parallel decline in both ALP activity and glycogen integrity underscores their forensic relevance for PMI estimation, particularly within the early postmortem period (0–72 hours). This study concludes that ALP activity, in conjunction with hepatic glycogen depletion patterns, provides a complementary approach for early PMI determination in porcine models, serving as a valuable proxy for human forensic applications. Hence, biochemical and histological changes after death, are needed to be studied using combined multiparametric approaches in forensic practice.