The Total Omega-6 (RBC) test, a pivotal component of the Micronutrient panel by Vibrant America, provides an in-depth analysis of the total omega-6 fatty acids present in red blood cells (RBCs). Omega-6 fatty acids, including key types like linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), play vital roles in cellular health, inflammation regulation, and overall bodily functions. By measuring omega-6 levels in RBCs, this test offers a more precise and long-term assessment of the body's fatty acid profile compared to transient serum levels, reflecting true cellular integration and utilization over time.

About one-third of the total fats in blood serum is composed of phospholipids, a fat containing phosphorus. A big proportion of these phospholipids is lecithin, which contains choline phosphate plus glycerol combined together on one part of the molecule. 

There’s an enzyme called lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) that is responsible for transesterifying free cholesterol with fats derived from lecithin. The LCAT is important for lipoprotein particle remodeling; for example, converting HDL, LDL, and VLDL to other lipoprotein particles. 

Porphyrins are natural chemicals in the body that help form many important substances in the body such as hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. Porphyrins are normally present at low concentrations in blood and other body fluids, such as urine.

Total Prostate Specific Antigen (TPSA) is a serine protease produced by prostate cells, primarily used as a biomarker for the screening and monitoring of prostate cancer. While elevated TPSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, they can also arise from benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. The TPSA test measures the total amount of PSA in the blood, which includes both free and protein-bound forms. Although TPSA is a valuable tool in early detection and management of prostate cancer, its specificity is limited, as elevated levels can occur in non-cancerous conditions. Therefore, healthcare providers often use additional tests, such as the free-to-total PSA ratio, to improve diagnostic accuracy and differentiate between benign and malignant prostate conditions.

What is the total protein marker?

Total protein is the sum concentration of all individual serum proteins (g/dL). There are many hundreds of different protein species in serum, including straight polypeptides as well as glycosylated and lipid-associated forms.

Since total protein consists mainly of a composite of albumin and globulins, the result is not interpreted in isolation, but rather is interpreted in context of the changes in albumin and globulins (independently and in relation to each other). Albumin generally accounts for about half (~50%) of the total protein concentration in plasma.

The Total Protein, Urine test measures the amount of protein in the urine and is an essential diagnostic tool for assessing kidney health. Healthy kidneys filter waste from the blood, keeping necessary proteins in the bloodstream and removing excess waste in the urine. However, when kidney function is compromised, proteins such as albumin can leak into the urine, indicating potential kidney damage.

What Are Normal Levels for Total Protein in Urine?

• Random urine sample: Normal protein levels are typically between 0 to 20 mg/dL.
• 24-hour urine collection: The normal value should be less than 80 mg of protein per 24 hours.

Total Regulatory T cells (Treg) serve as a crucial marker for understanding immune regulation and potential autoimmune dysregulation within the body. Tregs, a subset of T cells characterized by the expression of CD4, CD25, and the transcription factor FoxP3, play an essential role in maintaining immune tolerance by suppressing the activation and proliferation of effector T cells that could otherwise attack self-antigens and cause autoimmune disease.

Total Saturated Fats is a key marker providing important information about the levels of saturated fats in your diet. Saturated fats are a type of fat found in various foods, including animal products like meat and dairy, as well as some plant-based oils like coconut and palm oil and peanut butter. These fats are typically solid at room temperature. Monitoring the total amount of saturated fats in your diet is crucial because high intake is linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease and other health issues. When you consume too many saturated fats, it can lead to higher levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, in your blood.

SCFAs are produced from the fermentation of fibre and protein by certain components of the gut microflora. The SCFAs produced from the fermentation of fibre by probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli have a range of beneficial effects from serving as a fuel for cells lining the intestine (and the rest of the body) to creating an acidic intestinal environment that is unfavourable to potential pathogens.

SIgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions, including tears, saliva, sweat, colostrum, and secretions from the genitourinary tract, GI tract, prostate and respiratory epithelium. It is the most abundant class of antibodies found in the intestine. It promotes clearance of microbial pathogens and antigens from intestinal lumen through a process of entrapment called “immune exclusion.” SIgA uses this process to prevent the binding of these invaders to the epithelial cell receptors and entrapping them in the upper and lower layers of mucus, thus facilitating their removal through agglutination and GI secretion.

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) are the products of fermentation of insoluble fiber from diet (e.g., cellulose, resistant starch) by the bacteria in the gut. These fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in regulating metabolism in the gut and are closely associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are the most abundant, representing 90-95% of the SCFA present in the colon. A total of 13 SCFAs are quantified in stool to assist assessment of the gut health and inflammation.

The Total T-Helper-1 Cell marker serves as a critical component in the evaluation of immune system functionality, particularly in the adaptive immune response. T-Helper-1 (Th1) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells, which are pivotal in orchestrating the body's defense against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and certain bacteria, by producing a specific profile of cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2).

These cytokines not only help in the activation of macrophages and the enhancement of their phagocytic activity but also play a crucial role in promoting the differentiation of CD8+ T cells into cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby aiding in the clearance of infected cells.

The Total T-Helper-17 (Th17) marker is a critical component in evaluating immune system functionality, particularly in the context of immune response regulation. T-Helper 17 (Th17) cells, a subset of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells, play a pivotal role in the immune system, primarily involved in the defense against pathogens and in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The Th17 marker is crucial for understanding the dynamics of immune responses, especially in conditions where the immune system may be overactive or imbalanced. Th17 cells produce interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine that triggers inflammation and has been linked to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Elevated levels of Th17 cells can signify a heightened inflammatory state, suggesting a predisposition or existing condition of autoimmunity or chronic inflammation.

Total T-Helper-2 (Th2) cells are a subset of the CD4+ T cells, playing a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response. They are characterized by their function in helping B cells to produce antibodies and are crucial in the defense against extracellular pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites. This evaluation is particularly relevant in the context of allergic responses, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions, where a shift towards a Th2-dominant response can indicate an imbalance in immune regulation.

The measurement of Th2 cells within this panel provides insights into the Th1/Th2 balance, an essential aspect for understanding various pathological conditions and guiding therapeutic strategies. By monitoring Th2 levels, healthcare providers can gain valuable information about an individual's immune status, facilitating personalized medical interventions aimed at restoring immune equilibrium and mitigating disease progression.

The T3 test measures triiodothyronine in blood to help doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism. The total triiodothyronine (T3) test is one of several tests used to diagnose thyroid disorders. T3 is an active thyroid hormone that your body creates by converting thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine. The 3 and 4 in the names represent the number of iodine atoms it has.

T3 helps maintain muscle control, brain function and development, heart and digestive functions. High or low T3 levels may indicate an overactive or underactive thyroid.

The thyroid gland is located in front of your neck. It has right and left lobes that resemble a butterfly. This gland produces hormones that help control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. Disorders that affect thyroid function can either speed up or slow down metabolic processes.

Total Tau in CSF is a biomarker used to assess neuronal damage and degeneration, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Tau is a protein primarily found in neurons, where it stabilizes microtubules essential for cellular transport. Elevated levels of total tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are often associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, where neuronal damage leads to the release of tau into the CSF. Increased tau can also indicate acute brain injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurodegenerative disorders. In Alzheimer’s disease, total tau is typically elevated alongside phosphorylated tau (pTau), which reflects pathological tau phosphorylation processes, distinguishing it from other neurodegenerative diseases. The measurement of total tau in CSF, combined with other markers like amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides and pTau, provides valuable insights into the underlying pathology, aiding in early diagnosis, prognosis, and differentiation of dementia-related conditions.