Biological Markers in Epidemiology

This comprehensive volume provides a state-of-the-art perspective on methodological considerations in the use of biological markers in epidemiologic studies. The text discusses the use of biological markers for evaluation, biological responses, biologically effective dosage, internal dose, and susceptibility; methodological issues such as classification, sensitivity, stability, variability, and confounding variables are thoroughly examined. The characteristics of several specific classes of markers, such as sister-chromatid-exchange, protein and DNA adducts, micronuclei, urine mutagenicity assays, chromosome aberrations and oncogenes are described. Markers of susceptibility such as N-acetyltransferase are also discussed. Effective sample collection procedures, sensitive and specific assays for detection of the marker in the medium of choice are given careful consideration, as are the methodological issues applicable to epidemiologic studies.