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Theories of signs define a novel approach to the analysis of clinical biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 11:46 authored by Pietro Ghezzi, Kevin DaviesKevin Davies, Aidan Delaney, Luciano FloridiBiomarkers are widely used not only as prognostic or diagnostic indicators, or as surrogate markers of disease in clinical trials, but also to formulate theories of pathogenesis. We identify two problems in the use of biomarkers in mechanistic studies. The first problem arises in the case of multifactorial diseases, where different combinations of multiple causes result in patient heterogeneity. The second problem arises when a pathogenic mediator is difficult to measure. This is the case of the oxidative stress (OS) theory of disease where the causal components are reactive oxygen species (ROS) that have very short half-lives. In this case, it is usual measure the traces left by the reaction of ROS with biological molecules, rather than the ROS themselves. Borrowing from the philosophical theories of signs, we look at the different facets of biomarkers and discuss their different value and meaning in multifactorial diseases and system medicine, to inform their use in patient stratification in personalized medicine.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesISSN
0027-8424Publisher
National Academy of SciencesExternal DOI
Issue
10Volume
115Page range
2473-2477Department affiliated with
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-02-21First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-08-20First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-01-26Usage metrics
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