Toxicoepigenomics: Epigenetic disruption by environmental exposures and implications for biomarker development.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms and technologies without systematic search protocol or primary human data
PubMed 41506210 · doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141070
What was done
This narrative review synthesized current literature on toxicoepigenomics, examining how environmental pollutants (such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and air pollutants) and lifestyle factors alter epigenetic regulation. The authors evaluated mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA expression, higher-order chromatin structure, and retained introns, while reviewing advances in high-throughput profiling technologies (whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, single-cell epigenomics, and epigenetic clocks).
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or specific numerical effect sizes. It describes qualitative synthesis showing that multiple pollutant classes interact with lifestyle factors to alter gene expression and splicing fidelity, and identifies high-throughput epigenomic tools as key methods for developing exposure-responsive biomarkers.
Why it matters
Epigenetic markers may serve as sensitive indicators of environmental toxicant exposure and associated disease risk. Synthesizing these mechanisms helps structure the development of precision surveillance tools and exposure biomarkers.
Limits
The abstract provides no systematic review methodology, search parameters, or study selection criteria. No primary clinical or experimental data are presented, and quantitative risk estimates or specific biomarker performance metrics are absent.
Cited by
- supports Exercise, diet, sunlight exposure, circadian rhythms, sleep, and stress levels impact gene expression and the epigenetic profile.