Chemical- and effect-oriented exposomics: Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) environment is rapidly changing, necessitating new research approaches.
• Molecular exposomics, focusing on all molecular exposures, is crucial for understanding persistent organic pollutants.
• Existing knowledge on molecular stressors needs integration for assessing lifetime human and eco-toxicological risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elaborate on exposomic studies as a novel field for human and environmental research in the TGR.
• To present theoretical considerations and quantitative approaches for molecular exposomics.
• To propose a unified framework for environmental and human exposomics, using the TGR as a model system.

Main Methods:

• Development of theories linking exposure extension, time, and effects, drawing parallels to thermodynamics.
• Integrated use of biomarkers for exposure and effects, employing in vivo, in vitro, and chemical analysis.
• Utilization of virtual organisms as well-defined sub-compartments for studying exposure over time.

Main Results:

• A theoretical framework for molecular exposomics, emphasizing time-dependency and lifetime exposure assessment.
• Integration of chemical analysis, biomarkers, and virtual organisms for comprehensive risk evaluation.
• Demonstration of the TGR as a suitable model for biomonitoring due to its dynamic environmental state.

Conclusions:

• Exposomics offers a perspective for risk evaluation of chronic exposures in the 21st century.
• Novel theories, tools (like virtual organisms), and multidisciplinary approaches are essential for advancing exposomics.
• Environmental and human exposomics should be treated as a unified global issue for effective knowledge utilization.