Biomarkers of Inherited and Acquired Susceptibility to Toxic Substances

A brief overview is presented of genetic testing within the context of molecular epidemiology. Results are outlined for three pertinent studies completed in the author's laboratory: (1) the relationship of gastrointestinal absorption of aluminum to Alzheimer's disease and the allelic risk factor apolipoprotein E-∈4 for the latter; (2) inherent metallothionein induction capacities in peripheral-blood mononuclear leucocytes of non-smokers; and (3) characterization of nickel-induced mutations to illustrate compound-specific, acquired genetic damage. Potential applications in genetic screening (i.e., the detection of inherited susceptibility/protection factors) and genetic monitoring (i.e., determination of acquired changes in an individual's genetic material) are discussed.