New generation of analytical tests based on the assessment of enzymatic and nuclear receptor activity changes induced by environmental pollutants

Analytical methods show great potential in biological tests. The analysis of biological response that results from environmental pollutant exposure allows: (i) prediction of the risk of toxic effects and (ii) provision of the background for the development of markers of the toxicants presence. Bioanalytical tests based on changes in enzymatic activity and nuclear receptor action provide extremely high specificity and sensitivity. We describe the application of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (i.e., cytochromes P450, glutathione S-transferases, and sulfotransferases), enzymes involved in natural metabolic pathways (i.e., acyltransferases, and N-acetyltransferases), and several other enzymes. We also describe the tests employing changes in nuclear receptor activity, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor, pregnane X receptor, constitutive androstane receptor, and retinoid X receptor, as promising tests allowing the prediction of dangerous effects of environmental pollutants a long time after exposure.