I wrote an article a while back about how the line between science fiction and modern medicine is blurring. The article focused on genomic medicine and how healthcare could be customized based on one’s genetic makeup. The idea was that by mapping an individual’s DNA, their healthcare could be made more proactive as well as personal. For example, if they a person shows a high risk for a certain type of cancer, their physician might be forewarned and thus more prepared.
Some companies, such as Human Longevity, Inc., are offering services such as whole genome mapping whereby advanced whole body and brain imaging scans are added to the information their physicians use to create a customized health care strategy. At this point in time, however, the costs of such testing are still only available to the wealthy.
Recently, the use of biomarkers has become a popular topic of discussion in the medical community. Biomarkers can be used to detect the presence of illness, monitor treatment, and even predict the likelihood of a future illness. One of the key uses of biomarkers is to detect the presence of chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, disease, or the irritation of tissue. It is commonly associated with redness, swelling, pain, and heat in that part of the body. There are two types of inflammation – acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is usually short-lived and goes away as the body heals. Chronic inflammation, as the name indicates, is long-lasting and can cause serious health problems if not addressed. Biomarkers are particularly useful in detecting chronic inflammation and are, therefore, beneficial in treatment.
The immune system is incredibly complex, with each cell playing a specific role and communicating with other cells to properly perform their function. In the case of inflammation, biomarkers can provide valuable information about its presence as well as the extent of inflammation. For example, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a well-studied biomarker produced in the liver and then flows into the bloodstream. Its role is to amplify the immune response by activating other inflammatory proteins and attracting immune cells to a damaged or diseased area. Detecting its presence gives healthcare teams a better insight into what is happening.
When the body is experiencing acute inflammation, the body is working to heal itself, which is normal. When experiencing chronic inflammation, however, the normal immune response is not being turned off. It is essentially running at a low level all the time, which can lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to know when this is going on. This is where the use of biomarkers for detection of inflammation becomes useful. These inflammatory biomarkers can provide not only the pretense of inflammation but also where it is happening, what may be causing it, and how severe it is.
Medicine is advancing at an exponential rate, and the potential to do extraordinary things with it is mind-blowing. In the future, cancer might be treated before it is even noticeable by standard testing or even prevented altogether. Heart disease and other leading causes of death could become things of the past. Regardless of your position on the use of such technology, there is no debating that humans are on the verge of a major technological advancement, and it is coming sooner rather than later.
