The cancer antigen 27.29 test (CA 27.29) is a blood test that measures the levels of glycoprotein produced by the mucin-1 (MUC1) gene.

The level of CA 27.29, also known as 27.29, is used as a tumor marker to measure the activity of the disease in patients with breast cancer. It’s one of several types of tumor markers used for breast cancer and is most commonly used in advanced breast cancer, as opposed to early-stage breast cancer.

Elevated CA72-4 levels in serum and plasma are seen in the pancreas, gallbladder, colon, cervix, and endometrium carcinomas.

CA 72-4, also known as cancer antigen 72-4, is a protein that is commonly found in high levels in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, most notably gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers. This marker is used primarily in the medical field as a tumor marker, which means it helps doctors monitor the presence and progression of cancer in the body. The CA 72-4 marker can be measured through a blood test, and elevated levels might indicate the presence of cancer or that cancer treatment is not fully effective. However, it is important to note that elevated CA 72-4 levels are not exclusive to cancer and can sometimes be seen in benign conditions. Therefore, while CA 72-4 is a useful tool for monitoring cancer, it is usually used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and markers to provide a more accurate picture of a patient's health status. This marker can help in early detection, monitoring treatment response, and detecting potential recurrence of cancer, making it a valuable component in oncology.

The Calcium-to-Potassium (Ca/K) ratio is a key marker on a hair mineral analysis test that provides insight into your metabolic health, adrenal function, and overall vitality. Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) are essential minerals that play important roles in cellular function, energy production, and stress response.

This ratio reflects the balance between these two minerals in your body and can indicate underlying health patterns.

Ideal ratio of 4.2:1 with an acceptable ideal range of 2.2 to 6.2.

Calcium is affected by several hormones and is considered to be under parasympathetic control. Therefore, the hormone cascade that affects the retention of calcium also affects thyroid expression.

Elevation of the Ca/K ratio can be indicative of reduced thyroid expression. The opposite, a low Ca/K ratio would indicate an elevation of thyroid expression. This ratio would also be associated with adrenal activity.

The Ca/K ratio can also be affected by iron, zinc, copper, selenium, lithium, cobalt, molybdenum and others.

Ideal ratio of 7:1 with an acceptable range from 3 to 11. Calcium and magnesium are regulated by the parathyroid, thyroid and estrogen, as well as through renal function. A markedly elevated Ca/Mg ratio reflects the potential for parathyroid hormone dominance. This
is also associated with increased insulin levels as well. A low Ca/Mg ratio reflects the potential for low insulin levels and elevated adrenal cortical hormone production.

The ratio of Ca/P in hair refers to the ratio of calcium (Ca) to phosphorus (P) concentrations in a sample of hair. Calcium and phosphorus are both essential minerals in the human body, and they play various roles in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and other bodily functions.

Hair mineral analysis, including the measurement of Ca/P ratio, is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool in alternative or complementary medicine practices. Proponents of hair mineral analysis claim that imbalances in mineral ratios can provide insights into a person's nutritional status, metabolic function, and potential health issues. However, it's important to note that the scientific validity and reliability of hair mineral analysis for diagnostic purposes are still debated within the medical and scientific communities.

Traditional medical diagnostic practices generally rely on more established methods, such as blood tests and clinical assessments, to determine mineral imbalances and other health-related issues. If you have concerns about your mineral levels or overall health, it's recommended to consult with a qualified medical professional who can provide evidence-based guidance and appropriate testing.

The Ca/Pb ratio in hair refers to the ratio of calcium (Ca) to lead (Pb) concentrations in a hair sample. This ratio can be used as an indicator of potential lead exposure or lead toxicity in an individual. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can have harmful effects on various body systems, especially the nervous system.

Hair cadmium (Cd) levels provide an indication of mild to moderate exposure to the nephrotoxic metal. Very high exposure and assimilation of Cd destroys the hair follicle. Cd is a toxic heavy metal that has no metabolic function in the body. Moderately high Cd exposure may be associated with hypertension, while very severe Cd toxicity may cause hypotension. Cd adversely affects the kidneys, lungs, testes, arterial walls, and bones and interferes with many enzymatic reactions. Chronic Cd excess can lead to microcytic, hypochromic anemia and proteinuria with excretion of beta-2-microglobin, and functional zinc deficiency. Cd excess is also commonly associated with fatigue, hypertension, kidney disease, weight loss, osteomalacia, and lumbar pain.

Urinary cadmium (Cd) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the toxic metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. Most of absorbed Cd is retained in the liver and kidneys for many years. A small portion of assimilated Cd body leaves slowly in urine and bile/feces. Absorption, systemic transport and cellular uptake of Cd are mediated by metal transporters that the body uses for the essential elements iron, zinc and calcium.

SOURCES:

Found in food such as shellfish, leafy vegetables, rice, cereals, cocoa butter, dried seaweed, and legumes. Also present in nickel cadmium batteries, cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke), insecticides, fertilizer, motor oil, emissions and exhaust. Drinking water, air, and occupational exposures are also seen.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Iron deficiency is associated with higher cadmium burden and absorption of cadmium may increase during very early stages of iron deficiency. Zinc deficiency is associated with an increase in Cadmium, as a result of the antagonistic relationship between the elements.

Dietary cadmium inhibits GI absorption of calcium and interferes with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Low dietary calcium stimulates synthesis of calcium- binding protein which enhances Cadmium absorption.

Whole blood cadmium is within the normal reference range, which is a favorable finding indicating low recent exposure to this toxic metal. However, if cadmium levels are at the high end of the normal range, it is important to also measure urinary cadmium, which better reflects long-term body burden.

Cadmium bioaccumulates in the body over time. At birth, cadmium levels are minimal, but by age 30, accumulated levels may reach a point where they begin to negatively affect health. Cadmium has a biological half-life of 15–30 years in the kidneys, making urine testing the preferred method for assessing cumulative, lifetime exposure.

Cadmium is a non-essential, highly toxic element. It is:

• A known kidney toxin

• A neurotoxin affecting peripheral nerves

• An estrogen mimic that can disrupt hormonal balance

• A Group 1 carcinogen (classified by the IARC)