{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Molecular biomarkers for assessing the heat-adapted phenotype: a narrative scoping review.
{Author}: Corbett J;Young JS;Tipton MJ;Costello JT;Williams TB;Walker EF;Lee BJ;Stevens CE;
{Journal}: J Physiol Sci
{Volume}: 73
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2023 Oct 17
{Factor}: 2.257
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12576-023-00882-4
{Abstract}: Heat acclimation/acclimatisation (HA) mitigates heat-related decrements in physical capacity and heat-illness risk and is a widely advocated countermeasure for individuals operating in hot environments. The efficacy of HA is typically quantified by assessing the thermo-physiological responses to a standard heat acclimation state test (i.e. physiological biomarkers), but this can be logistically challenging, time consuming, and expensive. A valid molecular biomarker of HA would enable evaluation of the heat-adapted state through the sampling and assessment of a biological medium. This narrative review examines candidate molecular biomarkers of HA, highlighting the poor sensitivity and specificity of these candidates and identifying the current lack of a single 'standout' biomarker. It concludes by considering the potential of multivariable approaches that provide information about a range of physiological systems, identifying a number of challenges that must be overcome to develop a valid molecular biomarker of the heat-adapted state, and highlighting future research opportunities.