Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is capable of infecting a variety of intermediate hosts including humans. Infected definitive hosts (cats) shed oocysts in feces that rapidly mature in the soil and become infectious.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects most species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and causes the disease toxoplasmosis. Tick based transmission has been increasingly considered and evidence indicates that T. gondii could be a potentially unrecognized tick-borne pathogen spreading toxoplasmosis . The parasite forms cysts that can affect almost any part of the body often your brain and muscle tissue of different organs, including the heart. The immune system keeps the parasites in check in an inactive state however, if it is weakened by disease or certain medications, the infection can be reactivated, leading to serious complications.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is capable of infecting a variety of intermediate hosts including humans. Infected definitive hosts (cats) shed oocysts in feces that rapidly mature in the soil and become infectious.

TRAb (TSH Receptor Binding Antibody) is a biomarker used primarily to diagnose and manage thyroid-related disorders. It is especially useful for identifying Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to become overactive. TRAb testing can also help diagnose neonatal hypothyroidism, a condition in newborns where the thyroid is underactive, and postpartum thyroid dysfunction, which can occur in some women after childbirth and involves temporary thyroid problems.

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that have been chemically altered through a process called hydrogenation, which is commonly used to extend the shelf life of processed foods. These fats are found in many packaged snacks, baked goods, and fried foods. High levels of trans fats in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, inflammation, and other health issues. The Trans Fat Index provides a snapshot of your trans fat intake over time, offering valuable insight into your dietary habits.

Trans Fatty Acid Index Includes:

- Palmitelaidic (16:1n9t)
- Elaidic (18:1n9t)
- Linoelaidic (18:2n9t)

• Markedly increases the risk of heart disease by raising LDL-C and lowering HDL-C2,3
• Adversely impacts serum lipid levels by:2
• Decreasing rate of LDL apoB-100 clearance.
• Increasing rate of HDL apoA-I clearance

The marker "Trans Fatty Acids, Total" on a Nutristat Basic Profile from US Biotek measures the total amount of trans fats in a person's blood. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can be harmful to health. They are often found in processed and fried foods, as well as in baked goods made with partially hydrogenated oils.

Risks Associated with High Trans Fatty Acid Levels

High levels of trans fatty acids in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as they can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while lowering HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This imbalance can lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Additionally, trans fats can cause inflammation and negatively affect insulin sensitivity, contributing to the risk of diabetes.

Trans Linoleic Fatty Acid is a specific type of trans fat that is measured in the Nutristat Basic Profile by US Biotek. Trans fats, including Trans Linoleic Fatty Acid, are unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to improve shelf life and stability in foods, but they can have negative health effects.

Measuring Trans Linoleic Fatty Acid Levels

On the Nutristat Basic Profile, measuring Trans Linoleic Fatty Acid levels helps assess an individual's intake of trans fats, which are commonly found in processed and fried foods. High levels of Trans Linoleic Fatty Acid in the body are a concern because they are linked to increased risks of heart disease, inflammation, and other chronic health conditions.

Palmitoleic acid (POA) is a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (16:1n7).

The main dietary sources of palmitoleic acid include dairy products, avocado oils, oily fish, and macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts contain the cis- isomer of POA, while dairy products mainly contain the trans- isomer. Like many fatty acids, POA can also be endogenously made from the breakdown of triglycerides, the desaturation of palmitic acid, or de novo synthesis from carbohydrates. POA is an important signaling lipokine, produced mainly by white adipose tissue, that regulates important metabolic processes such as skeletal muscle glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic lipid deposition. It is also a modulator of adipocyte lipolysis, however, studies are mixed as to POA’s specific role in obesity. Epidemiologic studies show that circulating POA levels are involved in cholesterol metabolism and hemostasis, though the results are mixed as to their specific cardiovascular outcomes.

Palmitoleic acid (POA) is a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (16:1n7).

The main dietary sources of palmitoleic acid include dairy products, avocado oils, oily fish, and macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts contain the cis- isomer of POA, while dairy products mainly contain the trans- isomer. Like many fatty acids, POA can also be endogenously made from the breakdown of triglycerides, the desaturation of palmitic acid, or de novo synthesis from carbohydrates. POA is an important signaling lipokine, produced mainly by white adipose tissue, that regulates important metabolic processes such as skeletal muscle glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic lipid deposition. It is also a modulator of adipocyte lipolysis, however, studies are mixed as to POA’s specific role in obesity. Epidemiologic studies show that circulating POA levels are involved in cholesterol metabolism and hemostasis, though the results are mixed as to their specific cardiovascular outcomes.

Trans-Cinnamoylglycine is one component of the Acylglycines panel.

Acylglycines are an important class of metabolites that are used in the diagnosis of several organic acidurias and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorders.

Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine playing a pivotal role in regulating a wide range of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses. As a member of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta superfamily of cytokines, TGF-β1 is particularly noted for its dual role in both promoting and inhibiting tumor formation. In normal physiological conditions, TGF-β1 functions as a critical regulator of tissue homeostasis, exerting potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It helps maintain the balance in the immune system and prevents autoimmune responses.

Transferrin is the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. A transferrin test directly measures the level in the blood.

The Transferrin Receptor, a critical protein in iron metabolism, plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders, making it an essential biomarker in modern medical diagnostics. This receptor, found on the surface of most cells, particularly erythroblasts, binds to transferrin, the primary iron transport protein in the blood, facilitating the uptake of iron into cells. Measuring the levels of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) in the blood provides crucial insights into the body's iron status, especially in distinguishing between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease.

Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is the ratio of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity. All three measurements are used to help determine the cause of iron levels that are abnormally high or abnormally low. TS may also be used to identify the presence and type of anemia.

Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional peptide growth factor that has an important role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and repair in a variety of tissues.