title: [Biological markers in epidemiology: concepts, applications, perspectives (part I)].
abstract: The inclusion of biomarkers in epidemiological research provides new possibilities for exposure assessment and the study of early structural or functional changes and pre-clinical stages of diseases. At the same time issues of validity, reliability, and quality control as well as logistics require special attention. Usually epidemiological studies become more expensive with regard to time and cost. Interdisciplinary collaboration between epidemiology, basic research, and laboratory research is crucial. A prerequisite for this collaboration are agreements on definitions, methods and procedures. The definition of "biomarker" and a description of previous uses of biomarkers in epidemiological studies are presented in the first part of this paper. The second part addresses genetic markers and markers of individual sensitivity and susceptibility. We will end with a discussion about the possible future of biomarkers in epidemiology.
authors.affiliation: Bremer Institut für Präventonsforschung und Sozialmedizin, Linzer, Strasse, Bremen.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Latza
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ahrens
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Greiser
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kroke
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nieters
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Schulze
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Terschüren
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wjst
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005819:Genetic Markers