[Application of PCR techniques in toxicology]

Molecular biology techniques have become widely used in toxicology, leading to the creation of a new science--molecular toxicology. The goal of molecular toxicology is to detect and study the changes induced by xenobiotics at the molecular level. The research scope of molecular toxicology includes examination of mutations in genomic DNA, differences in mRNA expression and study of genotype indicating individual sensitivity. The processes of activation and detoxification of xenobiotics, drugs and environmental carcinogens involve several enzymes (xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes--XMEs). Most of the chemicals entering our bodies, regardless of whether they have medical, pathogenic or carcinogenic properties, require metabolic activation by phase I enzymes (cytochrome P-450). In the next process the phase I products are usually detoxified by phase II enzymes, mainly by epoxide hydrolase, glutathione transferase, N-acetyltransferase or sulfotransferase. PCR techniques allow precise study of the effects of xenobiotics on cells and tissues by examining the level of activation of genes coding for phase I and II enzymes, or by testing the activity of other elements of the transcriptome. Studies of sensitivity of individual cells or tissues based on examination of mutation or gene polymorphism presence are also relevant. This paper presents the possibility of using various PCR techniques in toxicology and especially in the study of genetically determined sensitivity to xenobiotics. It also covers the possibilities of applying qPCR and qRT-PCR methods in the search for exposure biomarkers with particular emphasis on individual cytochrome P450 isoforms. Furthermore, it provides information about the possibility of implementing the differential display technique in the identification of new genes activated by toxic agents.