The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

Fecal uranium (U) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent U that has been excreted from the body in bile. The levels of U in feces has been used to estimate total daily intake of U. Most U passes through the intestine unabsorbed. Excretion of U from the body occurs via bile and urine.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.

What is Uranium?

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal found in soil, rocks, water, and certain foods. While small environmental exposures are common, elevated uranium levels in the body can be a health concern due to its chemical toxicity and potential for radiation exposure.

Sources:

Largely limited to use as a nuclear fuel. Present naturally in air, water, food, and soil. The uranyl ion forms water-soluble compounds and is an important component in body fluids. Three different kinds are defined: natural, enriched, and depleted uranium(DU). The radiological and chemical propertiesof natural and DU have similar chemotoxicity, though natural is 60% more radiotoxic.

Nutrient Interactions:

U is reactive. It can combine with and affect the metabolism of lactate, citrate, pyruvate, carbonate,and phosphate, causing mitochondrialdamage. It replaces calciumin bone.

The levels of uranium (U) in hair usually reflect levels of U in other tissues. However, hair may be externally contaminated by shampoos or hair products that contain U.

U is a nonessential element that is very abundant in rock, particularly granite, lignite, monazite sands, and phosphate rocks. U is present at widely varying levels in drinking water, root vegetables, and present in high phosphate fertilizers. Other sources of U include: ceramics, some colored glass, many household products and tailings from U mines. Spent U rods have been milled into armor piercing bullets and missile heads.

Urinary uranium (U) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. This test measures U238 which is the most abundant, naturally occurring U isotope.

All ten isotopes of U are radioactive; U-238 is the most abundant naturally occurring isotope and lowest energy emitter. It is important to note that the measured U-238 represents naturally occurring U, and does not indicate or imply exposure to highly enriched U-235 which is used in nuclear power and weaponry.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found on earth found in nearly all rocks and soils. It is used as fuel for nuclear power plants and the nuclear reactors that run naval ships and submarines. It can also be used in nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium is used in military applications, including as a shield to protect against ionizing radiation, as armor in military vehicles, in munitions to help them penetrate enemy armored vehicles, and as a counterbalance on helicopter rotors. Uranium can be ingested through the lungs, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and can be absorbed through the skin. Uranium can stick to plant roots so unwashed root vegetables are a primary source of uranium in the diet. However, Brazil nuts are also found to have high levels. The majority of uranium that is inhaled through the lungs or ingested through the GI tract is not absorbed and leaves the body through the feces.

Sources:

Largely limited to use as a nuclear fuel. Present naturally in air, water, food, and soil. The uranyl ion forms water-soluble compounds and is an important component in body fluids. Three different kinds are defined: natural, enriched, and depleted uranium(DU). The radiological and chemical propertiesof natural and DU have similar chemotoxicity, though natural is 60% more radiotoxic.

Nutrient Interactions:

U is reactive. It can combine with and affect the metabolism of lactate, citrate, pyruvate, carbonate,and phosphate, causing mitochondrialdamage. It replaces calciumin bone.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.

→ Waste Product: Urea is a waste product formed in the liver from the breakdown of proteins.

→ Excretion Pathway: It is transported via the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered out and excreted in urine.

→ Health Indicator: Urea levels are measured to assess kidney function; high levels may indicate kidney dysfunction.

→ Protein Metabolism: It helps remove excess nitrogen from the body, a byproduct of protein metabolism.

→ CMP Component: Urea (or BUN) is a key marker on a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) used to monitor overall metabolic and renal health.

Urea is a nontoxic byproduct of nitrogen (ammonia) detoxification. It is formed in the liver via the urea cycle and is the end product of protein metabolism. It is essentially a waste product with no physiological function.