ABSTRACT

Biomarkers are indicators of variation in cellular or biochemical components

or processes, structure, or function that are measurable in biological systems or samples (1). The markers can have a physiologic effect in the intact organ-

isms, such as changes in gaseous exchange. The markers can also be indica-

tors of alteration in the structure or function of specific organs. The markers

of inflammation and immune response are a separate category. Finally, there

are markers of the cellular and biochemical response.