Racemization of aspartic acid from human dentin in the estimation of chronological age.
The estimation of chronological age in cadavers, human remains and in living human beings by various methods is discussed. These methods, which are based on the age dependent non-enzymatic changes of l-form amino acids to d-form amino acids, mainly aspartic acid, are among the most reliable and accurate methods to date. Most of these methods use gas chromatography (GC). In this review, results of aspartic acid racemization in dentin at different targets are discussed. In addition, pre-considerations and guidelines are given for the selection of dentin from teeth. A pilot project was run to evaluate the efficiency of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescence detection. New buffer conditions were found to obtain stable derivatives of aspartic acid enantiomers for the estimation of racemization.
Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, O&N2, Postbus 923, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Raja
R
Yekkala
Carine
C
Meers
Ann
A
Van Schepdael
Jos
J
Hoogmartens
Ivo
I
Lambrichts
Guy
G
Willems
D000293:Adolescent; D000366:Age Determination by Teeth / Q000379:methods*; D000368:Aged; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000737:chemistry*; D002021:Buffers; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry*; D005553:Forensic Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
D002021:Buffers; D001224:Aspartic Acid