RNA polymerase III antibodies target RNA polymerase epitopes 11 and 155 and are thus also known as anti-RP11 and anti-RP155.

These antibodies are found in 7% to 41% of patients with SSc and occur most often in dcSSc.

They are diagnostic for SSc, as they are rarely found in other autoimmune diseases, and are included in the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria.

The presence of RNA polymerase III antibodies is associated with progressive skin thickening, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), and renal crisis.

In addition, these antibodies are associated with onset of cancer within a 2-year timeframe before or after onset of SSc skin changes. Historically, RNA polymerase III antibodies indicated a poor prognosis, but mortality rates improved after the introduction of ACE inhibitors to treat renal crisis; the prognosis for patients with RNA polymerase III antibodies is now better than for those with Scl-70 or U3-RNP antibodies.

RNA polymerase III antibodies target RNA polymerase epitopes 11 and 155 and are thus also known as anti-RP11 and anti-RP155.

These antibodies are found in 7% to 41% of patients with SSc and occur most often in dcSSc.

They are diagnostic for SSc, as they are rarely found in other autoimmune diseases, and are included in the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria.

The presence of RNA polymerase III antibodies is associated with progressive skin thickening, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), and renal crisis.

In addition, these antibodies are associated with onset of cancer within a 2-year timeframe before or after onset of SSc skin changes. Historically, RNA polymerase III antibodies indicated a poor prognosis, but mortality rates improved after the introduction of ACE inhibitors to treat renal crisis; the prognosis for patients with RNA polymerase III antibodies is now better than for those with Scl-70 or U3-RNP antibodies.

The marker RPR (DX) w/Refl Titer, along with confirmatory non-reactive testing, is an important component of the diagnostic approach to syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. RPR, or Rapid Plasma Reagin, is a screening test used to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to a syphilis infection.

The marker "RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) Result" on a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test panel is a critical diagnostic tool for syphilis, a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The RPR test is a non-treponemal serological screening used to detect the presence of reagin, an antibody-like substance produced in response to the cellular damage caused by the syphilis bacteria. The test measures the levels of these antibodies in the plasma by assessing the agglutination (clumping) of certain cardiolipin-lecithin-cholesterol particles mixed with the patient's serum or plasma.

The RPR test is particularly valued for its ability to screen for active syphilis infections, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and in some cases, suggest re-infection or treatment failure. A positive RPR result often indicates an active syphilis infection but must be confirmed with specific treponemal tests, like the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test or the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination (TP-PA) test, to differentiate it from other conditions that can cause a positive RPR, such as certain autoimmune diseases or other infections.

The marker "RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) Titer" on a sexually transmitted disease (STD) test panel is an essential diagnostic tool in the assessment and management of syphilis, a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The RPR test is a non-treponemal serological test that quantitatively measures the concentration of reagin antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are produced as an immune response to components released from damaged cells caused by the syphilis bacterium.

The titer, or concentration, of these antibodies is reported as a ratio, which is determined by serially diluting the blood sample and noting the highest dilution at which agglutination (clumping) of test antigens still occurs.

The RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test is a screening blood test used to detect syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It identifies the presence of antibodies in the blood that the body produces in response to the infection. A non-reactive or negative RPR result generally indicates the absence of active syphilis infection. However, it's crucial to note that a confirmatory test is often necessary to validate the RPR findings.

A rubella blood test checks to see if you have antibodies to the rubella virus. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to help fight infections and keep you from getting sick. They're targeted to specific germs, viruses, and other invaders. Your doctor can tell a lot from the type of antibodies that you have in your blood.

Rubella, also called German measles or 3-day measles, isn't a problem for most people. It causes a mild fever and rash that go away in a few days. Most kids get vaccinated for it with the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) or MMRV (which also includes chickenpox) shots.

But when you're pregnant, rubella can be very serious. If you get it in the first 4 months, your baby could have eye, hearing, or heart problems or be born too soon.

Rubidium is a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level. It varies according to levels found in water supplies. 

Rubidium is a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level. It varies according to levels found in water supplies. 

SOURCES:

Soil, rocks, vegetation, water, contrast agent for PET scans, atomic clocks, photoelectric cells, magnetometers, GPS systems, fireworks.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Rubidium resembles potassium, and these two elements are metabolically interchangeable.

PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS:

Rb is rapidly and completely absorbed by the GI tract when ingested and is excreted mainly through the kidneys. Urinary excretion is consistent with a 50-day half-life. Physiologically, rubidium most resembles potassium, and these two elements are metabolically interchangeable. In the myocardium it is an active participant in the NA/K pump. Rubidium and lithium are often studied for CNS dysfunctions including mania and depression, and may work through the NMDA/nitrergic pathways.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Rb chloride was used historically to treat cardiac issues, syphilis, epilepsy and more recently has been studied for depression. Excess rubidium chloride was associated with weight gain, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, polyuria, confusion, excitement/agitation and dermatitis. In rats, rubidium chloride administration led to hypokalemia.

Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate. Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist.

HIGHER LEVELS:

- Higher levels of Ruminococcus spp. were associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

- Increased abundance of Ruminococcus spp. has been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

- Ruminococcus gnavus has been found to be in higher abundance in diarrhea predominant IBS.

- Intake of resistant starch has been associated with increased levels of R. bromii.

LOWER LEVELS:

- Reduced levels of R. bromii were observed in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

- Ruminococcus spp. are reportedly decreased in abundance with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

- A diet rich in animal protein and fat was found to reduce the abundance of this species in human gut.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Ruminococcus bromii is a keystone species, playing a large role in the digestion of resistant starches. It has been proposed that the primary role played by R. bromii is to release energy from resistant starch to other members of the microbial community, giving it an important role for maintaining microbial community balance. R. gnavus can efficiently cross-feed on starch degradation products released by R. bromii, even though it is normally a mucin degrading bacteria.

Members of Ruminococcus sensu produce acetate, but not butyrate.

Ruminococcus gnavus, like Akkermanisia muciniphila is a mucin degrading specialist. 

Ruminococcus obeum, identified in a gut microbiome test, is a bacterium of considerable interest due to its role in the complex ecosystem of the human gut. As a member of the Ruminococcaceae family, it is part of a group of bacteria that are key players in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fibers, contributing significantly to the fermentative processes in the gut. This fermentative activity is crucial for the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like butyrate, which are vital for maintaining colon health, regulating the immune system, and ensuring the integrity of the gut barrier.

The Ruminococcus bacteria in our gut microbiomes play a major role in helping us digest resistant starches - the complex carbohydrates found in high fiber foods such as lentils, beans, and unprocessed whole grains.