Biomarker is a term that has gained increasing importance in the field of medicine and healthcare. It is a measurable substance or characteristic that is used to indicate the presence or progression of a disease or condition. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of biomarker, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
A biomarker is defined as a biological molecule, gene, or characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention.
Origin
The term biomarker was first coined in the 1980s by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Greek words “bios” meaning life and “marker” meaning a sign or indication.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a biomarker is “a measurable biological substance or characteristic that is an indicator of a physiological or pathological process or pharmacological response to a therapeutic intervention.”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines biomarker as “a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator (such as a metabolite) of a process, event, or condition (such as aging, disease, or exposure to a toxic substance).”
Associations
Biomarkers are used in various fields such as medicine, pharmacology, and environmental science. In medicine, biomarkers are used to diagnose diseases, monitor disease progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. In pharmacology, biomarkers are used to identify potential drug targets and to assess the safety and efficacy of drugs. In environmental science, biomarkers are used to assess the impact of pollutants on living organisms.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of biomarker include biological marker, molecular marker, diagnostic marker, and prognostic marker.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of biomarker. However, some related terms that could be considered antonyms include non-biomarkers and non-indicators.
The same root words
The same root words as biomarker include biochemistry, biology, bioscience, and biotechnology.
Example Sentences
- The presence of a specific protein biomarker in the blood indicates the presence of cancer.
- The use of biomarkers has revolutionized the way we diagnose and treat diseases.
- The development of new biomarkers is essential for improving the accuracy of diagnostic tests.
- Environmental scientists use biomarkers to assess the impact of pollutants on marine life.
- The identification of a genetic biomarker could lead to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.