Gene expression profiling in animal models exposed to different industrial solvents offers a promising tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in occupational diseases and identifies the candidate genes. Each individual solvent produces unique expression pattern on the array, distinct from the profiles generated by other compounds. They may be treated as reliable markers of their early effects. Furthermore, the use of microbes in determining their toxicity seems to be a normal approach. Since many of the compounds are carcinogenic, the role of genes in cell proliferation, neoplastic growth and other metabolic pathways needs further attention. The application of toxicogenomic data in health risk assessment has led to skepticism in certain stake-holders. Premature use of high throughput data could have dire consequences. Nevertheless, there appears to be a general agreement that toxicogenomics will play a larger role in regulatory decision making. This review provides latest information on molecular markers of exposure to major industrial solvents.
Carbon Tetra Chloride, benzene, toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, ethyl alcohol, toxicogenomics, cDNA microarray technology
