PROTEIN ADDUCT BIOMARKERS - STATE-OF-THE-ART

Covalent protein adducts formed after exposure to xenobiotics may prov ide readily measurable indicators of these exposures. After adequate c haracterization of the dose-dependent formation of a specific adduct, the adduct can often be used as a quantitative marker for exposure, DN A adduct formation, or, possibly, risk of disease. By elucidating the structure of an adduct and studying the conditions under which it form s, information about the reactions that lead to its formation can be o btained. Continuing work in this area includes methods to expand the n umber, types, and levels of chemical exposures that can be Studied by covalent adduct formation. In addition to the use of this technology i n the field of occupational health, basic research in this area provid es insights into metabolic pathways and biochemistry. as well.