Adipocere formation was detected in a body exhumed 8 months after burial in a waterlogged coffin. Which biochemical pathway is PRIMARILY responsible for the saponification of subcutaneous fat?

• A Hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids by anaerobic bacteria with water
• B Oxidative rancidity converting oleic acid to stearic acid via peroxidation
• C Hydrolysis of triglycerides followed by saturation of released fatty acids by clostridial hydrogenase ✓
• D Esterification of palmitic acid with glycerol under alkaline soil conditions

Explanation

Adipocere (saponification) results from two sequential reactions: (1) bacterial lipases (especially Clostridium welchii and related anaerobes) hydrolyse triglycerides to free fatty acids and glycerol, and (2) hydrogenase enzymes of anaerobes reduce unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) to saturated hydroxy-fatty acids (principally hydroxystearic acid), forming a hard, waxy, soap-like material. Oxidative rancidity (option B) is an aerobic process and does not produce adipocere. Simple esterification (D) is not the primary mechanism.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.