It is well known that proteins are important bio-macromolecules in human organisms, and numerous proteins are widely used in the clinical practice, whereas their application in forensic science is currently limited. This limitation is mainly attributed to the postmortem degradation of targeted proteins, which can significantly impact final conclusions. In the last decade, numerous methods have been established to detect the protein from a forensic perspective, and some of the postmortem proteins have been applied in forensic practice. To better understand the emerging issues and challenges in postmortem proteins, we have reviewed the current application of protein technologies at postmortem in forensic practice. Meanwhile, we discuss the application of proteins in identifying the cause of death, and postmortem interval (PMI). Finally, we highlight the interpretability and limitations of postmortem protein challenges. We believe that utilizing the multi-omics method can enhance the comprehensiveness of applying proteins in forensic practice.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is increasingly recognized in forensic practice with controversial diagnosis. Here we described the epidemiological characteristics and reported the pathogenetic mechanism, diagnostic challenges, and forensic implications of Chinese ARVC autopsy cases. Two cases of sudden cardiac death owing to ARVC were reported. Retrospective analysis were performed on such 2 cases and 45 cases of separate ARVC complete autopsy case reports through Chinese literature databases in the last 30 years. There were 27 males and 20 females, and the mean age at death was 35 years. Sudden cardiac death was the first manifestation observed in most patients, with no previous family and medical history. Exercise, acute stress, increased cardiac workload, and ethanol are frequently involved. The mean heart weight was 393 g (range, 240–590 g), and 10 cases had relative heart hypertrophy. Microscopic abnormalities included replacement of myocardium by adipose infiltration in 68.09% cases and fibroadipose in 31.91% cases; 80.85% cases were restricted to the right ventricle (RV), whereas biventricular subtype was seen in the remaining 19.15% cases. The preliminary quantitative histology showed 60.7% of fat tissues, 12.1% of fibrosis, and 27.2% residual myocytes in RV. Inflammatory cell infiltration was found in 25.53% cases, but myocyte necrosis was found in only 1 case. In 10.64% of cases, cardiac conduction was infiltrated by fibrosis, adipose, or both. In this review, the most characteristic and distinct histopathologic features that are diagnostic or highly suggestive of ARVC for forensic pathologists were identified. Combining gross and histological examinations with postmortem genetic analysis is recommended for identifying ARVC.