OH-Butyrylcarnitine (C4OH) is a hydroxy-acylcarnitine involved in the breakdown of short-chain fatty acids and certain amino acids. It reflects how efficiently mitochondria process these fuels to generate energy. Because C4OH is sensitive to shifts in fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial demand, its levels provide useful insight into metabolic flexibility and overall cellular energy function.

Oleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells.

Oleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells.

Oleic acid (OA) has an 18-carbon backbone with one double bond at the 9th position (18:1n9). Oleic acid’s main dietary source is olive oil, and it is also available as a supplement. OA can also be synthesized in the body by adding a double bond to stearic acid using the enzyme delta-9-desaturase. Oleic acid is important in cell membrane fluidity and has attracted a lot of positive attention due the amount of olive oil found in the ‘Mediterranean diet.’

Oleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells. Oleic acid is incorporated into cell membrane phospholipids, where it is important for proper membrane fluidity. Hormone responsiveness, infectivity of pathogens, mineral transport and immune competence are affected by membrane fluidity.

Oleic acid is the most common monounsaturated fatty acid in human cells.

Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are special types of proteins (called immunoglobulin G or IgG) that show up in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. These bands form when the immune system produces antibodies in the central nervous system (CNS). Finding these bands in the CSF can help doctors diagnose certain diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord, especially those involving inflammation.