The Genotoxic Effect of Gunshot Wounds

Evidence for alterations in chromosomes of experimental animals (rats) and humans after gunshot wounds is presented. The rate of chromatid exchanges induced by gunshot wounds in humans depends on the saturation of body tissues with ascorbic acid. It is assumed that free-radical processes underlie the deleterious effect of gunshot wounds on chromosomes.     

Differences in the Element Contents Between Gunshot Entry Wounds with Full-jacketed Bullet and Lead Bullet

To elucidate characteristics of gunshot residues in gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed and lead bullets, element contents in entry gunshot wounds and control skins were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). It was found that a high content of Fe and Zn was deposited in the gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed bullet, whereas a high content of Pb was deposited in the gunshot entry wounds with lead (unjacked) bullet. It should be noted that the content of Pb was significantly higher in the gunshot entry wounds with lead bullet than in those with full-jacketed bullet. Regarding the relationships among elements, it was found that there were significant direct correlations between Pb and either Sb or Ba contents in both gunshot entry wounds with full-jacketed and lead bullets. As Pb increased in both gunshot entry wounds, Sb and Ba also increased in the wounds.