Lexikon

biomarkers of adverse effects are defined as any measurable biochemical, physiologic, or other alteration within an organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health impairment or disease (NAS/NRC 1989). This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals of tissue dysfunction (e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital epithelial cells), as well as physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or decreased lung capacity. Note that these markers are often not substance specific. They also may not be directly adverse, but can indicate potential health impairment (e.g., DNA adducts).

Source: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp140.pdf

differentiation between biomarkers for exposures and adverse effects is done here and separately discussed the markers used for assessing and proving exposure and other ones for assessing the response of and organism or organ.

A biomarker of exposure is a xenobiotic substance or its metabolites or the product of an interaction between a agent and some target molecule or cell that is measured within a compartment of an organism NAS/NRC 1989. The preferred biomarkers of exposure are generally the substance itself or substance-specific metabolites in readily obtainable body fluid or excreta. However, several factors can confound the use and interpretation of biomarkers of exposure. The body burden of a substance may be the result of exposures from more than one source. The substance being measured may be a metabolite of another xenobiotic e.g., high urinary levels of phenol can result from exposure to several different aromatic compounds. Depending on the properties of the substance e.g., biologic half-lifeand environmental conditions e.g., duration and route of exposure, the substance and all of its metabolites may have been eliminated from the body by the time biologic samples can be taken. It may be difficult to identify individuals exposed to hazardous substances that are commonly found in body tissues and fluids e.g., essential mineral nutrients such as copper, zinc and selenium.

Biomarkers of effect are defined as any measurable biochemical,physiologic, or other alteration within an organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health impairment or disease NAS/NRC 1989. This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals of tissue dysfunction e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital epithelial cells, as well as physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or decreased lung capacity. Note that these markers are often not substance specific. They also may not be directly adverse,but can indicate potential health impairment e.g., DNA adducts.