"Host factors"--evolution of concepts of individual sensitivity and susceptibility.
The detection of a rapidly increasing number of genetic polymorphisms in xenogen-metabolizing enzymes, of hereditary as well as acquired individual differences in DNA repair, and of the close associations between central nervous structures, the endocrine, and the immune system provides a challenge to develop an evidence-based, comprehensive model of susceptibility. Reviewing the evolution of respective approaches from 400 B.C. until today, this article proposes a conceptional framework that integrates the diverse, and sometimes puzzling contributions from all different fields of life science.
Hoffmann
W
W
UFT-Centre for Environmental Research and Technology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 1, D-28359 Bremen, Germany. HOFFMANN@Uni-Bremen.de
Oberheitmann
B
B
Frentzel-Beyme
R
R
D005075:Biological Evolution; D004782:Environmental Health; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D016272:Occupational Health; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011634:Public Health