Biologic markers are physical, chemical or immunologic indicators that reveal information about the biological state of a person or organism. The spelling of this term is based on the phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In IPA, "biological" is pronounced as /baɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/ while "markers" is pronounced as /ˈmɑːkəz/. Thus, combining the two words results in "biologic markers" with a phonetic transcription of /baɪəˈlɒdʒɪk ˈmɑːkəz/. These markers have significant value in medical research and diagnosis, as they can provide insights into the progression of diseases and response to treatments.
Biologic markers, also known as biomarkers, refer to measurable and quantifiable substances or characteristics in the body that are indicative of a particular biological process, condition, or disease. These markers can be found in various bodily fluids, tissues, or even genetic material such as DNA.
Biologic markers are commonly used in medical and scientific research to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and drug development. They provide objective evidence and insights into the underlying biological mechanisms of a condition or disease.
There are different types of biologic markers, including:
1. Molecular biomarkers: These are specific molecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, that can be detected and measured to indicate a particular biological process or disease state. For example, elevated levels of a specific protein in the blood may indicate the presence of a certain type of cancer.
2. Imaging biomarkers: These markers are obtained through various imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, or PET scans. They help evaluate structural or functional changes in tissues or organs, aiding in the diagnosis or assessment of disease progression.
3. Genetic biomarkers: These are specific variations in an individual's DNA sequence that are associated with an increased risk or susceptibility to develop certain diseases. Genetic biomarkers are vital in personalized medicine and tailoring treatment plans based on an individual's genetic make-up.
Overall, biologic markers play a significant role in advancing medical knowledge, revolutionizing patient care, and facilitating the development of targeted therapies.
The word "biologic markers" can be broken down into two parts: "biologic" and "markers".
1. Biologic: The term "biologic" comes from the noun "biology", which comes from the Greek words "bios" (meaning "life") and "logos" (meaning "study" or "word"). "Biologic" refers to something related to living organisms or their activities, functions, and structures. In the context of "biologic markers", it refers to markers that are related to living organisms or biological systems.
2. Markers: The word "markers" comes from the noun "mark", which originated from the Old English word "mearc". It refers to something that designates or indicates a particular point, position, or characteristic.