Development of a new autopsy diagnostic method using biomarkers specific to insulin intoxication

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19481
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58040:Forensics medicine-related
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: Nagasawa Sayaka 千葉大学, 大学院医学研究院, 講師 (30536735)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: インスリン中毒 / バイオマーカ― / LC-MS/MS

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The results of microRNA analysis using blood from a mouse model of insulin intoxication and a control model showed no significant difference in the type and amount of expression in the two model groups, making it difficult to apply the blood-based biomarker.
On the other hand, after the application, we examined an analytical method for insulin preparations using LC-QFOT/MS using newly obtained analytical software, and were able to develop an analytical method capable of separating five types of insulin preparations that are mainly distributed in the market today in a short period of time. Using this analytical method, we applied it to an actual autopsy case and conducted quantitative analysis. As a result, it was possible to clarify the involvement of insulin preparations in the cause of death.

Free Research Field

法中毒学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

今回の検討では、microRNAを用いたインスリン中毒の新たな診断方法の確立を目的としていたが、これは達成されなかった。一方、インスリン製剤をLC-QTOF/MSにて迅速かつ高感度で定性・定量することが分析方法を確立することができた。この分析法が確立されたことで、解剖事例におけるインスリン製剤のスクリーニング及び定量が可能になった。実際この分析法を用いて、実際にインスリン中毒が疑われる事例に分析を実施し、インスリン製剤の死因への関与を明らかにすることができた。