Toxgnostics

Toxigenomics, also known as toxigenics or toxignostics, is a relatively new field of study that combines the disciplines of toxicology and genomics.

Objectives

The objective of toxigenomics is to comprehend how genetic variations in people and communities influence their vulnerability to harmful chemicals and pollutants, as well as how these substances can alter gene expression and this sometimes called molecular medicine.

Genetics and human health

The study of how genetic differences in enzymes and other proteins involved in detoxification and metabolism influence an individual's sensitivity to toxic chemicals is one of the primary areas of research in toxigenomics. Variations in the gene for the enzyme CYP2E1, which is involved in the metabolism of numerous hazardous substances, have been associated with an increased risk of liver and kidney damage from exposure to specific toxins.

The relationship between toxicology and health

The study of how hazardous chemicals can alter the expression of genes, leading to alterations in the function of cells and tissues, is an additional important field of toxigenomics research. Studies have revealed, for instance, that exposure to some chemicals can alter the normal regulation of genes involved in cell growth and division, resulting in the onset of cancer.

Risk assessment

Additionally, toxicogenomics has applications in the realm of risk assessment. By knowing how genetic variants influence an individual's sensitivity to harmful chemicals, researchers can develop more precise and individualized approaches for measuring chemical exposure risk. This could lead to the creation of more effective public health and environmental protection policies.

Summary

Toxgnostics is a component of personalized medicine because it describes the guiding principles for the discovery of pharmacogenomic biomarker tests, also known as companion diagnostic tests, which determine whether a specific therapeutic agent will cause severe drug toxicity in an individual patient. Once at-risk patients have been identified, drug toxicity can be averted by prescribing a lower dose or a different treatment.

References

• "Toxigenomics: A new approach to the study of toxicology." by E.A. Furlong, R.J. Aitken, J.R. Gonzalez, Nature Reviews Genetics, volume 3, pages 811–819 (2002).
• "Toxigenomics: understanding the genetic basis of chemical toxicity" by J.R. Gonzalez, Chemical Research in Toxicology, volume 20, pages 873–880 (2007).
• "Toxigenomics: A new approach to understanding the toxic effects of environmental pollutants" by E.A. Furlong and R.J. Aitken, Environmental Health Perspectives, volume 109, supplement 6, pages 815–821 (2001).

Toxgnostics Resources
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