An Overview on Biological Markers in Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology：Concepts,Definitions and Use in Risk Assessment

Reproduction and development are complex couple-dependent processes.Risk assessment for these health outcomes requires the use of biomarkers to link exposures to disease.Biological markers of susceptibility,external dose,internal dose,biologically effective dose,early or late biological responses, altered reproductive or developmental function,and reproductive or developmental disease are introduced.Using these biomarkers it is possible to define a biologically based risk assessment methodology for reproductive and developmental toxicity.Risk assessment for reproductive toxicity requires definition of male and femal fecundity,couple-specific factors,spontaneous abortion,rate,and other factors.Using using sperm count as a biomarker for male fecundity,an example of a reproductive fisk assessment using biomarkers is performed..