DNA adducts, genotoxicity mechanism of alkyl compounds in association with forensic dentistry

Abstract

In addition to fingerprints and DNA analysis, forensic dentistry through dental records offers one of the main methods of forensic identification in challenging cases. Combining the methods of forensic dentistry and DNA analysis can further improve the chances of positive identification. Often the sampling of the victim is done in the area of the mouth, teeth, and periodontal tissue, then DNA testing is carried out. One test type aims to characterize the DNA damage (DNA adducts) induced by alkylating agent genotoxicity. The DNA adducts that can be observed are N7- methylguanine, O6-methylguanine, and O4-methylthymine. O6-methylguanine or O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) as repair pathway can be a biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the role of forensic dentistry to analyze oral cancer as one cause of a person's death.