BIOMARKERS IN TOXICOLOGY

The use of biomarkers in toxicology is becoming increasingly important . This article briefly reviews some of the aspects in an attempt to gi ve an overall view of the field. Some of the new developments, particu larly in relation to biomarkers of exposure and response, are mentione d. Specific DNA and protein adducts can now be used as biomarkers of t he effective exposure so incorporating variations in environmental lev els and individual disposition. Analysis of urinary metabolite profile s by NMR can highlight novel markers and allow recognition of patterns of metabolite changes as biomarkers of a toxic response. Novel urinar y markers for liver and testicular dysfunction are discussed. Finally, the acetylator phenotype as a biomarker of susceptibility is describe d. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.