Exposome
Exposome
The Exposome (/ɛkˈspoʊzoʊm/) is a term used in the field of Epidemiology to describe the measure of all the exposures of an individual in a lifetime and how those exposures relate to health. The concept was first proposed by Christopher Wild in 2005.
Etymology
The term "Exposome" is derived from the words "exposure" and "-ome" to parallel the terms "Genome" and "Proteome". The "-ome" suffix is used to denote the whole array or set of molecules in a biological sample.
Definition
The Exposome can be defined as the totality of human environmental (i.e. non-genetic) exposures from conception onwards, complementing the Genome and its role in human health and disease. It includes exposures from the environment, diet, behavior, and endogenous processes.
Components
The Exposome is generally divided into three overlapping and interconnected domains:
- The general external environment (e.g., climate, urban vs. rural residence)
- The specific external environment (e.g., diet, physical activity, tobacco, alcohol, infections, etc.)
- The internal environment (e.g., metabolism, gut microflora, inflammation, oxidative stress)
Importance
Understanding the Exposome is crucial for understanding disease etiology, as it provides a comprehensive view of exposure. It can help in identifying preventable causes of non-communicable diseases and reducing their burden.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Exposome
- Wikipedia's article - Exposome
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