The marker % Free Copper on a Nutristat test signifies the proportion of unbound or available copper in the bloodstream. This measurement helps assess the balance between free copper and the copper bound to proteins like ceruloplasmin.

Abnormalities in % Free Copper levels can indicate imbalances in copper metabolism and potential health issues, such as Wilson's disease or other copper-related disorders. Nutristat tests, which assess copper, zinc, and related ratios, aid in evaluating nutritional and metabolic aspects related to these essential minerals.

% Free Testosterone is a vital biomarker used to evaluate hormonal health, particularly in men, but also in women. Unlike total testosterone, which measures the overall amount of testosterone in the bloodstream, % Free Testosterone specifically represents the proportion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This "free" testosterone is biologically active, meaning it is available to interact with cells and exert effects on the body, such as influencing muscle growth, fat distribution, mood, and sexual function. Because free testosterone plays a critical role in these physiological processes, measuring its percentage can provide a more accurate picture of an individual's hormonal balance than total testosterone levels alone.

% Lymphocyte: What It Represents

The % Lymphocyte marker reflects the proportion of lymphocytes within the total white blood cell (WBC) count. Lymphocytes are a key component of the immune system and play a vital role in protecting the body from infections, cancer, and other immune challenges. They are categorized into three main types:

1. T Lymphocytes (T cells):

   • Includes T-helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
   • Responsible for cellular immunity and coordination of immune responses.

2. B Lymphocytes (B cells):

   • Produce antibodies for humoral immunity.

3. Natural Killer (NK) Cells:

   • Directly destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells.

The percentage of natural killer (NK) cells expressing CD56 and CD16, also known as % NK (CD56/16), is a significant parameter in the characterization of different subsets of human NK cells. CD56 is a marker for NK cells, and its expression can vary between different subtypes.

The marker "% NK Cell (CD56+)" signifies the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells that express the CD56 antigen, a pivotal component in the assessment of immune health and functionality. NK cells, a critical subset of lymphocytes in the innate immune system, play a crucial role in the body's first line of defense against tumors and various infections.

The % NKT (CD56+ CD16+ T Cell) marker measures the proportion of natural killer T (NKT) cells within the total lymphocyte population. NKT cells are a unique subset of immune cells that share characteristics of both T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. They express markers typically associated with NK cells (CD56 and CD16) and play a pivotal role in bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems.

These cells are involved in:

• Immune regulation: Modulating inflammatory responses and maintaining immune balance.
• Infection control: Responding rapidly to pathogens, particularly viruses and intracellular bacteria.
• Cancer surveillance: Recognizing and destroying tumor cells.
• Autoimmunity prevention: Reducing excessive immune responses that could target the body’s own tissues.

Essential fatty acids are classified into fat "families": omega 3 fats and omega 6 fats.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total omega-6 percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding together each of the measured omega-6s.

Because some omega-6 fatty acids are less beneficial than others, each fatty acid abnormality should be addressed.

However, in general, assessing the total omega-6 percentage as it relates to the omega-3 percentage is helpful. A more balanced ratio may decrease risk of many chronic diseases. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage, which may ultimately lower the omega-6 percentage.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total omega-9 percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding up each of the measured omega-9s. In general, because the omega-9 fatty acids are beneficial, higher levels are preferred; though identifying root cause of elevations or deficiencies is important. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage. By default, this may then lower the omega-6 percentage.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total omega-3 percentage is a combined total weight percentage. It is calculated by adding up each of the measured omega-3s. Higher total percentages of omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and considered beneficial.

It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage. By default, this may then lower the omega-6 percentage.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total omega-6 percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding together each of the measured omega-6s.

Because some omega-6 fatty acids are less beneficial than others, each fatty acid abnormality should be addressed.

However, in general, assessing the total omega-6 percentage as it relates to the omega-3 percentage is helpful. A more balanced ratio may decrease risk of many chronic diseases. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage, which may ultimately lower the omega-6 percentage.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total omega-9 percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding up each of the measured omega-9s. In general, because the omega-9 fatty acids are beneficial, higher levels are preferred; though identifying root cause of elevations or deficiencies is important. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage. By default, this may then lower the omega-6 percentage.

The % Regulatory T Cell (Treg) marker on the Lymphocyte MAP™ panel represents the proportion of Tregs within the total lymphocyte population. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T-helper cells critical for maintaining immune system balance and preventing autoimmune reactions. They achieve this by suppressing excessive immune responses and promoting tolerance to self-antigens.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total saturated fatty acid percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding up each of the measured saturated fatty acids. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage, which then lowers the omega-6 percentage. Because some saturated fatty acids are beneficial, it is important to look at the levels of those specifically as well.

When assessing fatty acids in RBCs, Genova measures a weighted percentage of fatty acids taken up into the erythrocyte wall. The total saturated fatty acid percentage is a combined total weight percentage calculated by adding up each of the measured saturated fatty acids. It should be noted that when dealing with percentages, the amount of each fatty acid can influence the others. For example, fish oil supplementation may increase the overall omega-3 percentage, which then lowers the omega-6 percentage. Because some saturated fatty acids are beneficial, it is important to look at the levels of those specifically as well.

The "% T Cell" marker refers to the percentage of T cells in the lymphocyte population of the blood. T cells, a type of white blood cell, are central to the adaptive immune response, playing a pivotal role in immune regulation and response to pathogens. 

If the T cell percentage is high with normal or low B cells, or if there are normal T cell levels with low B cell counts, it may indicate a T cell dominance (Immunotype 2). This condition can be associated with immune dysregulation, including hypersensitivities, allergies, and certain autoimmune disorders. Conversely, a low % T Cell could suggest issues with bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other lymphoid organs, and is observed in conditions like viral infections, including HIV and COVID-19.

The marker % T-Helper (CD4) Cell is a critical parameter for assessing immune system health and functionality. T-Helper cells, also known as CD4+ cells, are a subset of lymphocytes that play a vital role in the immune response by activating and directing other immune cells. They are essential for both the cell-mediated and humoral branches of the adaptive immune system.

The percentage of T-Helper cells is particularly significant as it reflects the body's capacity to mount an effective immune response against pathogens, support the production of antibodies by B cells, and regulate the activity of cytotoxic T cells and other immune cells. An imbalance in the % T-Helper (CD4) Cell count, whether elevated or decreased, can indicate immune dysregulation, which may manifest in autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, or an increased susceptibility to infections.

% T-Helper-1 (TH1) Cells: What It Represents

The % T-Helper-1 (TH1) Cell marker measures the proportion of TH1 cells among total lymphocytes or T-helper cells (CD4+). TH1 cells are a subset of CD4+ T-helper cells that drive cell-mediated immunity, crucial for defending against intracellular pathogens (e.g., viruses, certain bacteria) and for orchestrating the immune system's response to cancer cells.

TH1 cells primarily produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). These cytokines activate macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing the immune system's ability to destroy infected or abnormal cells.

The % T-Helper-17 (Th17) marker plays an important role in the evaluation of the immune system's state, particularly in the context of inflammation and autoimmunity. Th17 cells, a subset of T-helper cells, are primarily known for their involvement in inflammatory responses and their role in autoimmune diseases. They function by producing interleukin-17 (IL-17) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are critical in the body's defense against certain pathogens, especially at mucosal barriers. However, dysregulation or overactivity of Th17 cells can contribute to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Elevated levels of Th17 cells can indicate a predisposition towards certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others. Conversely, a reduction in Th17 levels might be indicative of compromised mucosal immunity.

The % T-Helper-2 Cell marker is a critical component in evaluating immune system functionality, particularly in the context of immune system balance and potential disorders. T-Helper-2 cells, often denoted as Th2 cells, are a subtype of T cells that play a significant role in the immune system's humoral immunity response. These cells are primarily involved in stimulating B cells to produce antibodies, especially in response to extracellular pathogens such as parasites and bacteria.

The % T-Helper-2 Cell marker is used to assess the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells, which is essential for maintaining immune system homeostasis. A disproportionate increase in Th2 cells, often indicated by a higher percentage in the panel, is associated with certain immunological conditions. Specifically, Th2 dominance may result in heightened responses to allergens, contributing to allergic reactions, asthma, and other atopic disorders. It can also be implicated in certain autoimmune diseases where an overactive humoral response is observed.