Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha), is an inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages/monocytes during acute inflammation and is responsible for a diverse range of signalling events within cells, leading to necrosis or apoptosis. The protein is also important for resistance to infection and cancers.

Results are used to understand the pathophysiology of immune, infectious, or inflammatory disorders, or may be used for research purposes.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (cachectin) and tumor necrosis factor-β (lymphotoxin) are two closely related proteins that share sequence homology of 34% in their amino acid sequence. Both mediators act on their target cells via the same receptors and, therefore, show similar, but not identical, biological effects. Under denaturing conditions TNF-α is a 17-kilodalton, nonglycosylated protein. The biologically active form of TNF-α is a trimer. Besides this soluble form of TNF-α, a 28-kilodalton membrane-bound form occurs on cell surfaces of TNF-producing cells, which may serve as a pool for soluble TNF-α and can be proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface.

Results are used to understand the pathophysiology of immune, infectious, or inflammatory disorders, or may be used for research purposes.

Tumor necrosis factor-α (cachectin) and tumor necrosis factor-β (lymphotoxin) are two closely related proteins that share sequence homology of 34% in their amino acid sequence. Both mediators act on their target cells via the same receptors and, therefore, show similar, but not identical, biological effects. Under denaturing conditions TNF-α is a 17-kilodalton, nonglycosylated protein. The biologically active form of TNF-α is a trimer. Besides this soluble form of TNF-α, a 28-kilodalton membrane-bound form occurs on cell surfaces of TNF-producing cells, which may serve as a pool for soluble TNF-α and can be proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) is a critical biomarker used in medical diagnostics and research, known for its role in regulating inflammation and the immune system. A highly sensitive TNF-α test provides accurate detection of this cytokine, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various health conditions.

What Is TNF-α?

TNF-α is a cytokine primarily produced by activated macrophages, though other cells can also secrete it. It plays a central role in:

• Promoting inflammation
• Coordinating immune responses
• Inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis)

Urinary tungsten (W) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. W doesn’t have physiological functions in the body, and has low toxic potential with oral exposure.

About 50% of W appears to be rapidly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, and excretion from the body is primarily via the urinary route. W is highly absorbed via inhalation of dust and fumes. In the body W is antagonistic to the essential element molybdenum which is important for the conversion of sulfite to essential sulfate, and for the production of uric acid. Thereby, excess W may impair physiological reactions and be associated with sulfite sensitivity (wine, eggs, etc.) and/or low levels of uric acid in blood.

Low uric acid is not necessarily consequential, but rather may be an indicator of functional molybdenum insufficiency.

Fecal tungsten (W) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent W that has been excreted from the body in bile. About 50% of W appears to be rapidly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract, and excretion from the body is primarily via the urinary route.

Tungsten is highly absorbed via inhalation. W doesn’t have physiological functions in the body. In the body W is antagonistic to the essential element molybdenum which is important for the conversion of sulfite to essential sulfate, and for the production of uric acid.

Thereby, excess W may impair physiological reactions and be associated with sulfite sensitivity (wine, eggs, etc.) and/or low levels of uric acid in blood. Low uric acid is not necessarily consequential, but rather may be an indicator of functional molybdenum insufficiency.

Tungsten (atomic number 74) is a naturally occurring metal found in rocks and minerals. It is famous for having the highest melting point of all metals and for maintaining exceptional strength at high temperatures.

Because of these unique properties, tungsten is used in both industry and consumer goods, including:

• Light bulb filaments and X-ray tubes

• Catalysts in chemical production

• Steel alloys for tools, turbine blades, and heavy machinery

• Sporting equipment such as darts and golf clubs

• Military applications, including projectiles, armor, and rotors, often as a substitute for lead and depleted uranium

A moderate level of tungsten in urine suggests recent exposure above normal background levels, but not in the high or toxic range. This often reflects environmental or occupational contact—such as working with tungsten alloys, breathing in dust from industrial settings, or consuming water or food from contaminated sources. While moderate results are not usually linked to immediate health risks, they may still contribute to your overall toxic burden and could play a role in symptoms like fatigue, mild breathing irritation, or digestive upset. Reducing unnecessary exposure and supporting detoxification through hydration and healthy nutrition can help bring levels back toward the optimal range.

Tungsten is found in electric lamps, television tubes, car distributors, electrical furnaces, and x-ray targets. It is used in metal evaporation work. Inhaled tungsten has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and neurosensory and cognitive deficits. Oral exposure is suspected to cause reproductive, neurological, and developmental effects. 

Sources:

- Filaments for electric lamps, electron and television tubes, and for metal evaporation work.

- Electrical contact points for car distributors

- X-ray targets

- Windings and heating elements for electrical furnaces

- Missile and high-temperature applications