title: An overview on biological markers in reproductive and developmental toxicology: concepts, definitions and use in risk assessment.
abstract: Reproduction and development are complex couple-dependent processes. Risk assessment for these health outcomes requires the use of biomarkers to link exposures to disease. Biological markers of susceptibility, external dose, internal dose, biologically effective dose, early or late biological responses, altered reproductive or developmental function, and reproductive or developmental disease are introduced. Using these biomarkers it is possible to define a biologically based risk assessment methodology for reproductive and developmental toxicity. Risk assessment for reproductive toxicity requires definition of male and female fecundity, couple-specific factors, spontaneous abortion rate, and other factors. Using using sperm count as a biomarker for male fecundity, an example of a reproductive risk assessment using biomarkers is performed.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Mattison
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000139:chemically induced; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015386:Hazardous Substances