Metabolomics, Genomics and Proteomics

Xenobiotics

Xenobiotics are encountered by humans on a daily basis and include drugs, environmental pollutants, cosmetics, and even components of the diet. These chemicals undergo metabolism and detoxication to produce numerous metabolites, some of which have the potential to cause adverse effects such as toxicity. They can also block the action of enzymes or receptors used for endogenous metabolism or affect the efficacy of a co-administered drug. Therefore, it is essential to determine the full metabolic effects that these chemicals have on the body. Metabolomics, the comprehensive analysis of small molecules in a biofluid, can reveal biologically relevant perturbations that result from xenobiotic exposure.