Determination of sexual dimorphism through molecular methods: a scoping review

Abstract

Abstract Background Sexual dimorphism is crucial in forensic investigations. Molecular methods involving amelogenin, a protein in tooth enamel, are used to determine sexual dimorphism by extracting DNA from teeth, amplifying the gene coding for amelogenin through PCR, and analyzing PCR product sizes to identify X and/or Y chromosomes. Objective This scoping review explored scientific studies using the amelogenin gene to determine sex in forensic dentistry. It addressed the research question: do molecular methods determine sexual dimorphism for forensic identification? Material and methods A literature review (1996–2024) was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE (via BVS), and CINAHL (via EBSCO host). Inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the selection process, summarized in a PRISMA flowchart. A PCC (Population-Concept-Context) strategy was applied to formulate the research question. Results Thirteen of the 1091 articles initially considered met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies examined forensic dentistry and sex determination through amelogenin identification. They were categorized into “with treatment” (7 studies) and “without treatment” (6 studies), and all involved in vitro research. Conclusion Molecular methods targeting the amelogenin gene on the X and Y chromosomes offer an accurate and reliable approach to determining sex.

Keywords

• Forensic dentistry
• Analyses
• Sex determination
• Amelogenin