Citrate Synthase, Buccal

Buccal Swab
Optimal Result: 4.4 - 22 nmol/min/mg buccal protein.

Citrate Synthase (CS) is a key enzyme inside mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of the cell. Measuring CS activity in buccal (cheek) cells provides insight into how many mitochondria are present in the tissue sample. Unlike tests that measure how well mitochondria function, this marker reflects mitochondrial content, helping to determine whether the body may be increasing or decreasing the number of mitochondria in response to cellular demands or stress.

Because buccal cells are easy to collect, this test offers a non-invasive way to screen for potential mitochondrial abnormalities, especially in individuals being evaluated for fatigue disorders, metabolic issues, developmental concerns, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or suspected mitochondrial dysfunction. Elevated CS activity often suggests the body is producing more mitochondria—potentially as a compensatory response to stress or reduced efficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Conversely, low CS activity may suggest reduced mitochondrial content or impaired mitochondrial biogenesis.

While buccal mitochondrial testing is not diagnostic on its own, it can provide valuable supportive information when interpreted alongside other respiratory chain markers (RC-I, RC-II, RC-IV, RC-II+III ratios) and clinical symptoms. Trends over time are often more meaningful than a single measurement, making periodic reassessment useful in individuals with chronic or evolving health concerns.

What does it mean if your Citrate Synthase, Buccal result is too high?

An elevated Citrate Synthase (CS) level in buccal cells indicates increased mitochondrial content. This is often interpreted as a compensatory response, where the body produces more mitochondria to keep up with cellular energy demands or to overcome inefficiencies in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. High CS can be seen in individuals experiencing chronic energy stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased metabolic activity, or certain neurodevelopmental conditions. While elevated CS is not harmful by itself, it should be interpreted alongside other mitochondrial enzyme markers (RC-I, RC-II, RC-IV) to understand whether the increase reflects healthy adaptation or compensation for underlying dysfunction.

What does it mean if your Citrate Synthase, Buccal result is too low?

A low Citrate Synthase (CS) value suggests reduced mitochondrial content in the buccal cells. This may occur when the body is not producing adequate mitochondria (reduced mitochondrial biogenesis) or when mitochondrial density is lower due to metabolic, genetic, or environmental factors. Low CS can be associated with impaired energy production, fatigue, metabolic stress, or conditions involving mitochondrial underperformance. Because buccal mitochondrial testing is a screening tool, a low CS result should be interpreted in combination with other mitochondrial enzyme activities and clinical symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

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