- BCAAs are key nitrogen donors in the form of glutamic acid, glutamine, and alanine.

- Elevated total BCAAs have been associated with obesity, weight loss, insulin resistance, and NAFLD.

- Elevated plasma BCAAs were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease.

- BCAAs are higher in a “Western” diet. Check B6 need.

- Lower levels seen in liver cirrhosis and urea cycle disorders.

- Decreased amino acids are seen with decreased protein and calorie intake; increased tissue uptake, and body losses (urine, sweat, etc.).

The total C18 trans isomers include elaidic acid, petroselaidic, and transvaccenic acids. The presence of these eighteen-carbon long trans fatty acids in human tissue can disrupt or impair cell membrane function. A person with high levels of total C18 trans isomers should avoid hydrogenated oils.

The Total CD3- CD57+ Lymphocyte marker is offering insights into the immune system's state, particularly in the context of chronic infections and certain health conditions. This marker focuses on a subset of lymphocytes that are characterized by the absence of the CD3 marker and the presence of the CD57 marker. These lymphocytes are significant in immunophenotyping, a process that categorizes lymphocytes based on their surface markers, which in turn helps in understanding the immune system's response to various conditions.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of immune cell critical for identifying and destroying virus-infected cells and cancerous cells. The subset of NK cells marked as CD57+ CD16+ is involved in regulating immune responses and maintaining long-term immune surveillance.

These cells are often associated with the maturation and functionality of NK cells. CD57 is a marker of late-stage, terminally differentiated NK cells, while CD16 contributes to the activation of NK cells, allowing them to destroy target cells effectively.

What Does the Marker Measure?

This test measures the total number of CD57+ CD16+ NK cells in your blood. These cells are key players in:

• Killing abnormal cells: Such as infected or malignant cells.
• Regulating immune responses: By modulating inflammation and coordinating with other immune cells.

The Total CD57+ CD8+ T Cell marker plays a crucial role in immunological assessments. This marker is particularly significant because CD57+ CD8+ T cells are a subset of natural killer T cells (NKT cells) and cytotoxic T cells, which are integral components of the body's immune response. These cells are characterized by the expression of the CD57 and CD8 markers on their surface.

CD57 is a marker often associated with terminal differentiation, senescence, and memory in various immune cells, including NK cells and T cells. In the context of CD8+ T cells, CD57 expression signifies a highly differentiated state. These cells are known for their potent effector functions, especially in cytotoxic responses, which are essential in controlling viral infections and tumor surveillance.

Total Cholesterol represents the combined level of cholesterol in the blood, encompassing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of lipid essential for various bodily functions, including the formation of cell membranes, production of hormones, and synthesis of vitamin D.

Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level.

With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. With LDL cholesterol, lower levels are better. High LDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease.

Elevated levels of Cholesterol in the stool may indicate inadequate absorption.

The total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL. 

The total commensal abundance is a sum-total of the reported commensal bacteria compared to a healthy cohort. Low levels of commensal bacteria are often observed after antimicrobial therapy, or in diets lacking fiber and/or prebiotic-rich foods and may indicate the need for microbiome support. Conversely, higher total commensal abundance may indicate potential bacteria overgrowth or probiotic supplementation.

The Total Coronary Score, often referred to as the Agatston score, in a Coronary Calcium Scan is a critical quantitative measure that encapsulates the cumulative burden of calcified plaque within the coronary arteries. This score is derived from a computed tomography (CT) scan, specifically designed to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which are a hallmark of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). The Agatston method, named after its inventor, Dr. Arthur Agatston, assigns a density factor to each segment of detectable calcification, and this factor is multiplied by the area of the calcification to generate a score for each lesion. These individual lesion scores are then summed to obtain the total coronary calcium score. The higher the score, the greater the extent of calcification and, consequently, the higher the risk of future cardiac events such as myocardial infarction.

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is the primary agent used in our body’s flight or fight response to threatening stimuli.

The inactive or “storage form” of adrenal glucocorticoid. Can be reversibly transformed to cortisol. Clinically, cortisone may reflect a measure of adrenal reserve when compared to cortisol. Ideally, cortisone will be about 30% higher than cortisol when both are at optimal levels. Values at the high end or low end of the reference range are generally not optimal.

Total Cytotoxic NK (Natural Killer) cells, identified by the CD16+ marker, represent a crucial component in the innate immune system, playing a significant role in the body's first line of defense against tumors and virally infected cells.

NK cells, characterized by their expression of the CD16 surface marker, are involved in the direct killing of target cells without the need for prior sensitization, distinguishing them from other lymphocytes that require antigen presentation. They are pivotal in controlling early responses to infection and malignancy through the release of cytolytic granules that induce apoptosis in target cells.

DHEA is often called the anti-aging hormone. It’s made in the adrenal glands naturally and levels hit their peak in your 20s. They start to dwindle after you hit 30. Estrogen and testosterone are created from DHEA.

Total estrogen is a reliable test for estrogen status and is used to detect hormone imbalances.

Estrogen is known as the “female” hormone. The four major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and estetrol (E4).

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. There are three major endogenous estrogens in females that have estrogenic hormonal activity: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. The estrane steroid estradiol is the most potent and prevalent of these. In addition to their role as natural hormones, estrogens are used as medications, for instance in menopausal hormone therapy and hormonal birth control.

Estrogen is known as the “female” hormone. The four major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and estetrol (E4).

Although estrogen is identified with females, it is also found in men.