Kynurenic Acid is product of the metabolism of L-Tryptophan and appears in urine in Vitamin B6 deficiencies. Your body needs vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein.

Kynurenic acid and Quinolinic acid are tryptophan metabolites formed through the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan is the amino acid precursor to serotonin; its major route for catabolism is the kynurenine pathway. Important products of the kynurenine pathway include xanthurenic acid and kynurenic acid, which can further metabolize into quinolinic acid. The historical importance of this pathway has mainly been as a source of the coenzyme NAD+, which is important for all redox reactions in the mitochondria.

However, it is now understood that kynurenic and quinolinic acid have physiologic implications. This alternate pathway is upregulated in response to inflammation and stress, which can lead to deficient serotonin production. Kynurenic acid has shown some neuroprotective properties in the brain, since it can stimulate NMDA receptors. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. Some studies outline antiinflammatory, analgesic, antiatherogenic, antioxidative, and hepatoprotective properties to peripheral kynurenic acid.

The correlation to levels of urinary excretion needs further study. Quinolinic acid, in and of itself, can be inflammatory and neurotoxic.

Kynurenic acid, a neuroactive metabolite produced from kynurenine, is regarded to be neuroprotective unless in excess amounts.

Kynurenic Acid is product of the metabolism of L-Tryptophan and appears in urine in Vitamin B6 deficiencies. Your body needs vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein.

Kynurenic Acid is product of the metabolism of L-Tryptophan and appears in urine in Vitamin B6 deficiencies. Your body needs vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein.

Kynurenic acid and Quinolinic acid are tryptophan metabolites formed through the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan is the amino acid precursor to serotonin; its major route for catabolism is the kynurenine pathway. Important products of the kynurenine pathway include xanthurenic acid and kynurenic acid, which can further metabolize into quinolinic acid. The historical importance of this pathway has mainly been as a source of the coenzyme NAD+, which is important for all redox reactions in the mitochondria.

However, it is now understood that kynurenic and quinolinic acid have physiologic implications. This alternate pathway is upregulated in response to inflammation and stress, which can lead to deficient serotonin production. Kynurenic acid has shown some neuroprotective properties in the brain, since it can stimulate NMDA receptors. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. Some studies outline antiinflammatory, analgesic, antiatherogenic, antioxidative, and hepatoprotective properties to peripheral kynurenic acid.

The correlation to levels of urinary excretion needs further study. Quinolinic acid, in and of itself, can be inflammatory and neurotoxic.

Kynurenine is a central metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan with vasodilatory properties.

Kynurenine is the primary breakdown product of tryptophan.

- Kynurenine blood levels have been found higher in type 2 diabetes, obesity, CVD, ADHD in children, HOMA-IR.

- Higher kynurenine increases Treg cell differentiation via the AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) pathway.

- Blood levels were lower in acute ischemic stroke patients, older age, adults with ADHD.

- Upregulation of other tryptophan breakdown enzymes KMO (Kynurenine monooxygenase) and KYNU (Kynureninase) may decrease kynurenine.

Kynurenine is the primary breakdown product of tryptophan.

- Kynurenine blood levels have been found higher in type 2 diabetes, obesity, CVD, ADHD in children, HOMA-IR.

- Higher kynurenine increases Treg cell differentiation via the AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) pathway.

- Blood levels were lower in acute ischemic stroke patients, older age, adults with ADHD.

- Upregulation of other tryptophan breakdown enzymes KMO (Kynurenine monooxygenase) and KYNU (Kynureninase) may decrease kynurenine.

L-Lactate is a product of muscle use, so it is constantly produced in normal daily activity.

The LA (Linoleic Acid) test within red blood cells (RBC) offers an in-depth analysis of linoleic acid levels, a crucial omega-6 fatty acid. As a primary component of cell membranes, LA plays a significant role in maintaining skin health, supporting the immune system, and promoting overall cellular function. The RBC measurement of LA provides a more accurate reflection of the body's cellular health and fatty acid balance over time compared to serum tests. This is particularly important for assessing inflammatory conditions, skin disorders, and cardiovascular health.

LA/DGLA is a fatty acid ratio.

LA/DGLA stands for linolenic acid (=LA) and dihomogammalinolenic acid (=DGLA).

The LA/DGLA ratio is a biomarker that can indicate functional zinc deficiency.

LA/DGLA is a fatty acid ratio.

LA/DGLA stands for linolenic acid (=LA) and dihomogammalinolenic acid (=DGLA).

The LA/DGLA ratio is a biomarker that can indicate functional zinc deficiency.

The Lachnospiraceae family is a diverse group of butyric acid producers, which have been associated with beneficial microbial and epithelial cell growth. Consumption of a Mediterranean diet decreased levels of species belonging to Lachnospiraceae.

Lachnospiraceae are known to increase with intake of cruciferous vegetables and wheat bran, and decrease with a resistant starch diet.

L-Lactate is a product of muscle use, so it is constantly produced in normal daily activity.

Lactate serves as a valuable metabolic marker that provides insights into various physiological processes within the body. Elevated levels of lactate can signify multiple underlying factors, including impaired mitochondrial function, nutrient deficiencies, or metabolic disorders. Monitoring lactate levels on the panel aids healthcare practitioners in assessing energy metabolism, identifying potential issues with oxygen delivery and utilization, and recognizing conditions like lactic acidosis. 

The Lactate - Arterial marker on Labcorp's Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Panel measures the concentration of lactate in arterial blood. Lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, which occurs when cells rely on processes that do not require oxygen to produce energy, often due to insufficient oxygen supply or impaired oxygen utilization. Elevated lactate levels are commonly associated with tissue hypoxia or poor perfusion, where tissues do not receive enough oxygen to meet their metabolic demands. High lactate levels can indicate a variety of conditions, including shock, sepsis, severe hypoxia, or organ failure. In some cases, elevated lactate can also result from metabolic disorders or certain medications. Monitoring lactate levels is crucial in critically ill patients to assess the severity of acidosis, identify underlying conditions, and guide appropriate treatment strategies.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that helps the process of turning sugar into energy for your cells to use. LDH is present in many kinds of organs and tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscles, brain, and blood cells.

Lactate dehydrogenase may be elevated due to liver disease, hypothyroidism, skeletal muscle damage, anemia (hemolytic, pernicious), fractures. May be decreased due to reactive hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, ketosis.

Lactate is an intermediate of carbohydrate metabolism, produced from pyruvate during lactic acid fermentation. Lactate also plays important roles in immunomodulation and inflammation modulation. These species use lactate as a substrate for SCFA production. However, if there is an overabundance of lactate producers paired with low abundance of lactate utilizers (SCFA producers) this will cause a surge of lactate in the gut which can be toxic and harmful to host tissues.