MEVE 013: Unit 17 - Biomarkers

-

UNIT 17: BIOMARKERS

17.1 Introduction

Biomarkers are measurable indicators that reflect biological states, conditions, or diseases. They have revolutionized how we diagnose diseases, monitor health, and assess environmental stressors. In environmental biotechnology and health sciences alike, biomarkers provide valuable data to understand how external agents influence living systems. In this unit, we explore biomarkers' classification, uses in medicine and environmental monitoring, and their increasing relevance in modern diagnostics and research.

17.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Define what biomarkers are and their significance.
  • Understand different types and classifications of biomarkers.
  • Explore diverse applications of biomarkers in medical and environmental contexts.
  • Recognize the role of biomarkers in therapeutic development and anti-doping regulation.
  • Analyze the future potential of biomarker technology in health and environmental monitoring.

17.3 Definition of Biomarkers

Biomarkers (biological markers) are defined as measurable indicators of a biological condition, physiological change, or disease state. They can be molecules, genes, enzymes, proteins, or other measurable biological parameters found in blood, tissues, urine, or cells.

According to the NIH, a biomarker is "a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention."

17.4 Classification of Biomarkers

Biomarkers are broadly classified based on their functional use:

  1. Diagnostic Biomarkers
    • Identify the presence or absence of a disease.
    • Example: Elevated troponin levels for heart attack.
  2. Prognostic Biomarkers
    • Predict the likely progression or outcome of a disease.
    • Example: HER2 gene in breast cancer.
  3. Predictive Biomarkers
    • Indicate how well a patient will respond to a specific treatment.
    • Example: EGFR mutation in non-small-cell lung carcinoma.
  4. Pharmacodynamic/Response Biomarkers
    • Reflect the biological response after administering a drug or therapy.
  5. Susceptibility/Risk Biomarkers
    • Indicate an individual’s likelihood of developing a disease or condition.
  6. Safety Biomarkers
    • Indicate toxicity or adverse effects of drugs or chemicals on the body.
  7. Environmental Biomarkers
    • Reflect exposure to environmental pollutants or stressors and their effects on organisms.

17.5 Application of Biomarkers

17.5.1 Disease Diagnostic

Biomarkers play a crucial role in early disease detection. For example, PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is used for diagnosing prostate cancer, while HbA1c indicates blood glucose levels over time in diabetic patients.

17.5.2 Clinical Monitoring of the Patient

They help monitor disease progression or recovery in patients undergoing treatment. For example, CD4+ T-cell count is routinely used to monitor HIV/AIDS patients.

17.5.3 Disease Prognostic

Prognostic biomarkers predict disease outcome or progression. For instance, BRCA1/2 mutations are linked to breast and ovarian cancer risk, enabling preventative care and targeted treatment.

17.5.4 Therapeutic Development

Biomarkers assist in drug discovery and clinical trials by identifying patient populations, assessing drug efficacy, and minimizing adverse reactions. They contribute to personalized medicine, optimizing treatment plans based on individual biomarker profiles.

17.5.5 Anti-Doping Test of Athletes

Biomarkers are used in sports medicine to detect illicit use of performance-enhancing drugs. The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) monitors selected biological variables over time to indirectly reveal doping.

17.5.6 Environmental Monitoring

Environmental biomarkers detect physiological changes in organisms caused by exposure to pollutants or environmental stress. They can be used to monitor heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

17.6 Biomarkers in Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring using biomarkers involves analyzing the physiological, biochemical, or molecular responses of organisms to pollutants. For example:

  • Metallothioneins: Proteins produced by organisms in response to heavy metals.
  • Cytochrome P450 enzymes: Involved in detoxifying organic pollutants.
  • Stress proteins (HSPs): Indicate environmental stress conditions.
  • Cholinesterase inhibition: A marker for pesticide exposure in aquatic fauna.

Biomarkers provide early-warning systems, allowing timely action before ecological damage becomes widespread. They are used in ecotoxicology, risk assessment, and pollution control.

17.7 Future of Biomarkers

The future of biomarkers lies in multi-omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) approaches, AI-powered diagnostics, and personalized environmental risk assessment. The integration of wearable sensors, point-of-care devices, and real-time data analysis will make biomarker monitoring more accessible and precise.

Emerging trends include:

  • Development of non-invasive biomarkers (saliva, sweat, breath).
  • Digital biomarkers using apps and wearables.
  • Integration into public health surveillance systems.
  • Use in climate change impact studies on human and ecosystem health.

17.8 Importance of Biomarkers

  • Early Detection: Identifies health problems at a stage when intervention is most effective.
  • Personalized Medicine: Enables targeted therapies based on individual biology.
  • Therapeutic Monitoring: Tracks treatment efficacy and toxicity.
  • Environmental Health: Assesses ecological risks and the health of organisms.
  • Public Health: Helps in managing outbreaks, exposures, and long-term surveillance.

In summary, biomarkers are indispensable tools in the modern scientific landscape, bridging health, environment, and technology.

17.9 Summary

Biomarkers serve as powerful indicators of biological, environmental, or pathological processes. They are classified based on their function in diagnostics, prognostics, therapeutics, and environmental monitoring. Their applications range from disease detection to pollution assessment. As research advances, biomarkers will continue to play a vital role in precision healthcare, environmental sustainability, and bio-surveillance.

17.10 Keywords

  • Biomarker-A measurable indicator of a biological condition or process.
  • Diagnostic Biomarker-A biomarker used to detect or confirm a disease.
  • Prognostic Biomarker-A biomarker that predicts disease progression or outcome.
  • Predictive Biomarker-Indicates the likely response to a specific treatment.
  • Environmental Biomarker-A biological response used to assess exposure to environmental pollutants.
  • Metallothionein-A protein that binds heavy metals, used as a biomarker for metal exposure.
  • Cytochrome P450-Enzyme system that metabolizes toxins and drugs, used as an environmental biomarker.
  • Anti-Doping Biomarker-Biomarker used to detect illicit substances in athletes.
  • Personalized Medicine-Tailored medical treatment based on individual biomarker profiles.
  • Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)-A profile of biomarkers used over time to detect doping in sports.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more