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Molecular epidemiology in environmental carcinogenesis
F P Perera1, L A Mooney, C P Dickey
1Columbia University School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, New York, New York 10032, USA. fpp1@columbia.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Molecular epidemiology uses biologic markers to assess cancer risk from environmental exposures. Validated biomarkers can identify at-risk individuals for timely intervention, aiding cancer prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Environmental exposures (lifestyle, occupation, pollution) are linked to cancer and other diseases.
- Molecular epidemiology integrates laboratory methods to quantify carcinogen dose and effects.
- Understanding individual susceptibility factors is crucial for disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate biologic markers for assessing molecular dose and preclinical effects of carcinogens.
- To investigate the role of genetic and acquired susceptibility factors in modulating biomarker responses.
- To examine the association between validated biomarkers and cancer risk in ongoing studies.
Main Methods:
- Validation studies of biomarkers including DNA/protein adducts, gene mutations, and gene polymorphisms (e.g., P450s, glutathione transferase M1).
- Analysis of serum micronutrient levels.
- Involvement of diverse populations (adults, infants, children) with varying exposures, including cancer cases and controls.
- Dose-response analyses correlating biomarkers with environmental exposures (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cigarette smoke, air pollution).
Main Results:
- Group-level dose-response relationships observed between biomarkers and environmental exposures.
- Significant interindividual variation in biomarkers suggests modulation by genetic and acquired susceptibility factors.
- Ongoing studies on lung and breast cancer show encouraging associations between biomarkers and cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Validated biomarkers are essential tools in molecular epidemiology for cancer prevention.
- Biomarkers can identify populations and individuals at elevated risk.
- Early identification allows for effective, timely interventions to mitigate cancer risk.