Detection of intact insulin analogues in post‐mortem vitreous humour—Application to forensic toxicology casework. Issue 3 (26th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beckett, Nicola; Tidy, Rebecca; Douglas, Bianca; Priddis, Colin
• Is Part Of: Drug testing and analysis. Volume 13:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 604
• Page End: 613
• Publication Date: 2020-11-26
• Subjects: forensic proteomics -- insulin -- mass spectrometry -- toxicology -- vitreous humour; Drugs -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Drug testing -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; 615.1901
• DOI: 10.1002/dta.2974
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7603

Abstract

Abstract: The application of proteomic techniques to forensic science widens the range of analytical capabilities available to forensic laboratories when answering complex toxicology problems. Currently, these techniques are underutilised in post‐mortem toxicology because of the historic focus on smaller (<1, 000 amu) drug molecules. Definitive confirmation of an insulin overdose by analysis of post‐mortem biological matrices is rare and challenging, however can assist coronial investigations pertaining to accidental or intentional overdoses in both diabetic and nondiabetic populations. A semiautomated micro‐solid phase extraction paired with mass spectrometry‐based insulin methodology was developed and validated for routine use in a Forensic Coronial Toxicology Laboratory. This resulting work reports the first Australian cases where synthetic insulins were confirmed by mass spectrometry in the vitreous humour of Type 1 diabetics who intentionally or accidentally overdosed on their prescription medication glargine and aspart. The detection of glargine M1 in Case 1, aspart in Case 2 and glargine M1 was indicated in Case 3. This paper highlights advancements in forensic coronial toxicology and the promising potential of proteomic analysis in a forensic context. Abstract : Proteomic analysis in a forensic context is currently an underutilised technique, calling attention to a noticeable gap in forensic capabilities. A novel mass‐spectrometry method for the analysis of intact insulin analogues in post‐mortem vitreous humour is presented. The application of proteomic characterisation is successfully demonstrated within a forensic toxicology setting.