Free DHT is a valuable biomarker for evaluating conditions related to hair loss, prostate health, and hormonal imbalances. Understanding and monitoring free DHT levels, alongside other hormonal markers, can provide crucial insights for maintaining overall health and addressing specific medical conditions.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Percent Free Dialysis is a laboratory measurement used to assess the bioavailable portion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. DHT is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5a-reductase. This conversion primarily takes place in target tissues, such as the skin, prostate, and hair follicles, and DHT plays a crucial role in male sexual development and secondary sexual characteristics.

If you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose). Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to help you make sense of this important biomarker.

What Is the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI)?

The Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) is a lab measurement that combines various biomarkers to estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze specific factors in your blood and provide a clear picture of your risk level. Think of it as a personalized health snapshot that helps predict your likelihood of diabetes in the near future.

If you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose). Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to help you make sense of this important biomarker.

What Is the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI)?

The Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) is a lab measurement that combines various biomarkers to estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze specific factors in your blood and provide a clear picture of your risk level. Think of it as a personalized health snapshot that helps predict your likelihood of diabetes in the near future.

Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), also known as anguidine, is a type A trichothecene mycotoxin primarily produced by Fusarium fungi. Trichothecenes are known as major contaminants of cereals and cereal-containing foods.

Dialister invisus is generally considered an endodontic pathogen (Endo is the Greek word for inside and odont is Greek for tooth). Dialister invisus is often associated with periodontitis, caries, halitosis, and endodontic infections. 

Dialister invisus (D. invisus) is capable of generating both acetate and propionate, and the abundance of this bacterium is reduced in patients with CD.

Dialister invisus is generally considered an endodontic pathogen (Endo is the Greek word for inside and odont is Greek for tooth). Dialister invisus is often associated with periodontitis, caries, halitosis, and endodontic infections. 

Dialister invisus (D. invisus) is capable of generating both acetate and propionate, and the abundance of this bacterium is reduced in patients with CD.

Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and Histamine Regulation

Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is a crucial enzyme responsible for regulating histamine levels by breaking down extracellular histamine, primarily in the microvilli of the small intestine. When DAO levels are low, the body struggles to effectively degrade histamine, leading to an accumulation of histamine and related symptoms. Histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is another enzyme that assists in histamine breakdown, though it plays a secondary role compared to DAO.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

D. fragilis infects the large intestine. This parasite does not have a cyst stage, and cannot survive long outside the body alone. It may be spread in pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) eggs. Infection is common worldwide, including in the United States. D. fragilis is known to cause non-invasive diarrheal illness in humans. 90% of children are symptomatic, whereas only 15-20% of adults are. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and stomach cramping. Loss of appetite and weight, nausea, and fatigue are also common.

Recommended treatment is iodoquinol (650 mg tid x 20 days, adult dose). Alternatives include tetracycline (500 mg qid x 10 days, adult dose) and metronidazole (500-750 mg tid x 10 days, adult dose). Natural agents include berberine, wormwood, black walnut, grapefruit seed extract, and oil of oregano.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP) is a metabolite of organophosphates, which are one of the most common causes of poisoning worldwide and are frequently intentionally used as pesticides. They can enter the body through the lungs or skin, or by eating contaminated food. Even at low levels, organophosphates may be hazardous to the nervous system, especially for foetuses and young children. Repeated or prolonged exposure may induce impaired memory and concentration, disorientation, severe depression, irritability, confusion, headache, speech diculties, delayed reaction times, nightmares, sleepwalking, drowsiness, or insomnia. Organophosphates function by inhibiting the action of cholinesterase enzymes in nerve cells. An inuenza-like condition with headache, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and malaise.

Diethylphosphate (DEP) is a metabolite of organophosphate pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture to control pests and in residential environments to manage insects and rodents. Organophosphates exert their effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for proper nerve function. This inhibition disrupts nerve signaling, which can lead to a range of health issues.

Exposure to organophosphate pesticides, and consequently to DEP, has been associated with several health concerns, including neurological deficits, neurodegenerative diseases, and peripheral nerve damage. Furthermore, long-term exposure may contribute to neurodevelopmental issues, oxidative stress, psychological effects, and liver function abnormalities.

Monitoring DEP levels through panels like ToxDetect helps assess exposure to organophosphates and their potential impacts on health. Understanding DEP concentrations can guide preventive measures to reduce the risks associated with these toxic chemicals.

Organophosphates are one of the most toxic groups of substances in the world, primarily found in pesticide formulations. They are inhibitors of cholinesterase enzymes, leading to overstimulation of nerve cells, causing sweating, salivation, diarrhea, abnormal behavior, including aggression and depression. Children exposed to organophosphates have more than twice the risk of developing pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), an autism spectrum disorder. Maternal organophosphate exposure has been associated with various adverse outcomes including having shorter pregnancies and children with impaired reflexes.