A biomarker is a measurable substance in the body that can indicate health or disease. It can be found in blood, urine, or tissue and can include proteins, genes, or molecules. Biomarkers help doctors understand what is happening in a person's body and can be used to track the progress of diseases or the effects of treatments.
Biomarkers are important because they provide valuable information for diagnosing medical conditions, monitoring health, and predicting outcomes. By analyzing biomarkers, healthcare providers can identify diseases earlier, customize treatment plans, and improve patient care. For example, cholesterol levels are a common biomarker used to assess heart health.
In the body, biomarkers function by reflecting biological processes. They can show how the body responds to a disease or how well a treatment is working. For instance, a rise in certain biomarkers may indicate inflammation or an illness, while a decrease may suggest improvement. This helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment.
Overall, biomarkers play a crucial role in modern medicine. They help bridge the gap between symptoms and concrete biological evidence, leading to better health outcomes for patients.