Presents the use of salivary leukocytes as a non-invasive biomatrix for assessing DNA damage and repair in biomonitoring studies using the comet assay, including methodological optimization and validation of both fresh and cryopreserved samples.

Concludes a week-long series of expert discussions with a plenary overview of NanoHarmony’s efforts to support OECD test guideline development, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term regulatory impact for nanosafety.

This presentation focuses on the molecular pathways involved in the development of asbestos-related diseases, emphasising the roles of oxidative stress, DNA repair, and xenobiotic metabolism. It explores how both germline mutations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these pathways influence individual susceptibility. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers can identify clinically relevant biomarkers that support early diagnosis and risk assessment.