Biomarkers Tested

The 11b-HSD Index (THF/THE Ratio) is a measure derived from urinary metabolites that reflects the activity of the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11b-HSD). This enzyme plays a crucial role in regulating cortisol activity within the body, making this index important for assessing adrenal function and metabolic health.

16-Hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1) is a metabolite of estrone, which is a type of estrogen hormone. It is formed in the liver and other tissues and plays a role in the metabolism and elimination of estrogens. Elevated levels can be associated with certain health conditions.

This biomarker represents the ratio of specific estrogen metabolites found in the body. It is important in assessing estrogen metabolism and is often used as part of a panel to evaluate hormonal balance, particularly in women's health, and to understand potential associations with certain health conditions.

2-Hydroxybutyric acid (2-HB) is a molecule produced during the metabolism of glucose and fatty acids. Elevated levels of 2-HB can indicate oxidative stress and impaired insulin sensitivity, suggesting an increased risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes.

2-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid is a metabolite associated with exposure to methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a fuel additive used in gasoline that may contribute to environmental pollution and air contamination.

This biomarker is a ratio comparing two forms of estrogen: 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone. It's considered important as an indicator of estrogen metabolism and can provide insights into potential risks for hormone-related cancers.

2-Hydroxyestrone is produced when estrone undergoes hydroxylation at the 2-position during estrogen metabolism. It is part of the 2-hydroxylation pathway, one of the main metabolic routes for estrogen processing. This metabolite can be further converted into 2-methoxyestrone through methylation reactions. Measuring 2-hydroxyestrone provides insight into estrogen metabolism patterns and how estrone is being transformed in the body.

2-Hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (HEMA) is a mercapturic acid marker linked to exposure to ethylene oxide and related volatile compounds. These exposures can come from sterilisation processes, smoke, industrial settings, combustion products or environmental air pollution. HEMA is important because it reflects glutathione based detoxification of reactive compounds that may contribute to oxidative stress and chemical exposure. Higher levels may suggest recent volatile chemical exposure, while low or non detected levels suggest lower recent exposure.

2-Hydroxyglutaric acid (2-HG) is a molecule that is produced during normal cellular metabolism. Elevated levels of 2-HG can indicate certain genetic disorders affecting metabolism, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations often found in specific cancers, making it a potential indicator for disease monitoring and diagnosis.

2-Hydroxyhippuric acid, also known as salicylic acid, is a metabolite primarily formed from the breakdown of aspirin in the body. It is important as it can indicate aspirin use and its levels can be monitored to assess medication adherence or potential exposure.

2-Hydroxyisobutyric Acid (2-HIBA) is a small molecule produced during the breakdown of certain amino acids and other compounds in the body. Elevated levels of 2-HIBA can be indicative of specific metabolic disorders or cellular stress, making it a useful marker for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.

2-Hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) is a metabolic byproduct of leucine, an essential branched-chain amino acid. Its levels can be influenced by muscle protein breakdown and synthesis. Elevated HICA may indicate increased muscle catabolism or stress.

2-Hydroxyisovaleric acid (2-HIVA) is a branched-chain alpha-hydroxy acid. It is a metabolic byproduct and can be elevated in certain conditions, such as isovaleric acidemia, a rare genetic disorder affecting the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, and may also be influenced by dietary intake and gut microbiome activity.

2-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid (2-HPAA) is a metabolic byproduct of phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism. Elevated levels of 2-HPAA in urine can be indicative of certain metabolic disorders and can be influenced by gut microbiome activity.

2-Methoxy E1 and 2-Hydroxy E1 are metabolites of estrone (an estrogen hormone) that are produced in the body. Measuring the ratio of these metabolites can provide insights into how estrogen is being processed and cleared, potentially influencing disease risk.

2-Methoxyestradiol is a methylated metabolite formed when 2-hydroxyestradiol undergoes a methylation reaction, typically involving the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). This process represents a secondary step in estrogen metabolism that helps convert hydroxylated metabolites into more stable forms for elimination. Measuring 2-methoxyestradiol provides information about the efficiency of this methylation pathway.

2-Methoxyestrone is produced when 2-hydroxyestrone is methylated as part of phase II estrogen metabolism. Methylation reactions help the body further process estrogen metabolites so they can be more easily excreted. Monitoring 2-methoxyestrone can help assess how effectively the body is carrying out this secondary detoxification step within estrogen metabolism.

The 2-Methoxyestrone/2-Hydroxyestrone (2-ME/2-HE) ratio is a measure of how estrogen is metabolized in the body. It reflects the balance between two key estrogen metabolites, where a higher ratio can indicate a preferred pathway of estrogen breakdown that may be associated with certain health conditions.

2-Methylglutaric Acid is a metabolic byproduct that can be elevated in individuals with certain genetic disorders affecting amino acid metabolism, particularly those involving the breakdown of leucine. Measuring its levels can therefore help in the diagnosis and monitoring of these rare metabolic conditions.

2-Methylhippuric Acid is a metabolite associated with exposure to xylene, a solvent commonly found in paints, fuels, varnishes, and industrial chemicals. Measuring this marker may provide insight into recent xylene exposure from environmental or occupational sources.

2-Oxo-4-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) is a metabolic intermediate that plays a role in methionine metabolism. Elevated levels of KMBA in the blood or urine can indicate impaired methionine metabolism, which is often associated with certain genetic disorders or liver dysfunction.

2-Oxoadipic acid is a metabolic intermediate found in the kynurenine pathway, which is involved in tryptophan metabolism and also plays a role in the production of certain neurotransmitters. Elevated levels of 2-oxoadipic acid can indicate issues with amino acid metabolism or imbalances in the kynurenine pathway, potentially linking to various health conditions.

2-Oxobutyric acid (2-OBA) is a metabolic byproduct formed during the breakdown of certain amino acids, particularly methionine. Elevated levels of 2-OBA in the blood or urine can indicate a deficiency in vitamin B6 or a number of metabolic disorders, making it a useful marker for assessing nutritional status and certain enzyme functions.

2-Oxoglutaric acid, also known as alpha-ketoglutarate, is a crucial molecule involved in the Krebs cycle, a central pathway for energy production within cells. It plays a vital role in amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, making it an important indicator of cellular metabolic health.

2-Oxoisocaproic acid is a key metabolic intermediate found in the breakdown of the amino acid leucine. Elevated levels can indicate issues with leucine metabolism or certain metabolic disorders.

2-Oxoisovaleric acid is an organic compound that plays a role in the metabolism of certain amino acids, particularly leucine. Elevated levels can indicate disruptions in these metabolic pathways, which may be associated with specific genetic disorders or certain health conditions affecting protein breakdown.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a synthetic herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds in agriculture, lawns and outdoor environments. It is measured because it can show recent exposure through treated grass, agricultural areas, contaminated dust, food residues or direct handling. Higher levels may suggest increased herbicide exposure, which is generally considered unfavourable because pesticide exposure can add chemical strain to detoxification, hormone and nervous system related pathways. Low levels suggest lower recent exposure.

2,4-Dihydroxybutanoic acid is a metabolic byproduct of vitamin C breakdown and is also involved in other biochemical pathways. Elevated levels can indicate impaired vitamin C metabolism or other metabolic disturbances. Its measurement can be a useful tool in assessing certain metabolic conditions and cellular stress.

20a-Dihydroprogesterone (20a-DHP) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is primarily derived from progesterone. It plays a role in reproductive cycles and is involved in the breakdown and metabolism of progesterone.

3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic Acid, or HPHPA, is a breakdown product of dietary compounds found in some plants. Elevated levels of HPHPA can indicate increased exposure to these compounds and may be associated with certain gastrointestinal conditions, although its precise clinical significance is still an area of research.

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid, often referred to as HMG, is a byproduct in the body's production of cholesterol and is also a precursor to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Elevated levels of HMG can indicate potential issues with cholesterol metabolism and reduced CoQ10 production, which is crucial for cellular energy and antioxidant function.

3-Hydroxybutyric acid, also known as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), is a ketone body produced by the liver when glucose is unavailable for energy. It is an important alternative fuel source for the body, particularly for the brain, during periods of fasting, prolonged exercise, or when carbohydrate intake is very low. Elevated levels can indicate a ketogenic state.

3-Hydroxyglutaric acid (3-HGA) is a molecule that is produced during the metabolism of certain amino acids and fatty acids. Elevated levels of 3-HGA in the body can indicate certain metabolic disorders, particularly those affecting the breakdown of leucine, and can be monitored to help diagnose and manage these conditions.

3-Hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA) is a metabolic byproduct produced by the breakdown of certain amino acids, specifically valine. Elevated levels of 3-HIA in urine or blood can indicate a deficiency in the enzyme isovaleric acidemia, a type of organic acidemia that can lead to serious health problems if untreated.

3-Hydroxykynurenine (3-OH-kynurenine) is a metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, which reflects the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan. It serves as an intermediate compound during the conversion of tryptophan into important molecules, including the essential coenzyme NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).

3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid (3-HPAA) is a metabolic byproduct of tyrosine, an amino acid found in proteins. Elevated levels can be associated with certain conditions, including some gut dysbiosis and potentially other metabolic imbalances.

3-Hydroxypropionic Acid (3-HPA) is a small organic molecule produced as a byproduct of cellular metabolism, particularly during the breakdown of certain amino acids and fats. Elevated levels of 3-HPA can indicate impaired metabolic function or specific genetic disorders affecting energy production within cells, making it a useful indicator for certain metabolic health assessments.

3-Methyl-2-oxovaleric Acid (3-M2OV) is an alpha-keto acid that is a key intermediate in the metabolism of the amino acid valine. Elevated levels of 3-M2OV in blood or urine can indicate impaired valine metabolism, which is often a sign of certain metabolic disorders like maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

3-Methyl-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) is a metabolic byproduct derived from the breakdown of norepinephrine, a key neurotransmitter in the brain. Measuring MHPG levels can provide insights into norepinephrine activity, which plays a role in mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive functions.

3-Methylcrotonylglycine (3-MCG) is a compound produced during the metabolism of the amino acid leucine. Elevated levels of 3-MCG in the body can indicate issues with leucine metabolism, potentially suggesting certain metabolic disorders or deficiencies in enzymes involved in this pathway. Monitoring 3-MCG is therefore important for diagnosing and managing these conditions.

3-Methylglutaconic acid (3-MGA) is an organic molecule that can be elevated in the urine and blood. Elevated levels are often indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction or certain genetic disorders affecting metabolism, making it a useful marker for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.

3-Methylglutaric acid is a marker that is elevated in the urine of individuals with 3-Methylglutaryl-CoA lyase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder affecting metabolism. Measuring its levels is crucial for diagnosing this condition and managing treatment.

3-Methylhippuric Acid is a metabolite linked to xylene exposure and is commonly evaluated in environmental exposure testing. Xylene may be present in fuel emissions, solvents, paints, and certain industrial environments.

3-Oxoglutaric acid, also known as alpha-ketoglutarate, is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, a central pathway for energy production in the body. Its levels can reflect metabolic status and are involved in various cellular processes, including amino acid synthesis and neurotransmitter production. Monitoring 3-oxoglutaric acid can provide insights into cellular energy metabolism and potential disruptions in metabolic pathways.

3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) is a urinary metabolite of pyrethroid insecticides, a group of chemicals used in household pest sprays, garden products, agricultural pesticides and some insect treated materials. It is measured because pyrethroid exposure can affect the nervous system by interacting with sodium channels, which are involved in nerve signal transmission. Higher levels may suggest recent pyrethroid exposure and may be relevant when symptoms such as headaches, tingling sensations, dizziness, skin irritation, nausea or increased sensitivity to chemical smells are present. Low or non-detected levels generally suggest lower recent exposure to pyrethroid insecticides.

3-Phenyllactic Acid (3-PLA) is a metabolic byproduct produced by certain gut bacteria when they break down phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many foods. Elevated levels of 3-PLA in the body can indicate dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, and has been associated with various health conditions including metabolic disorders and neurological issues.

3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid (3,4-DHBA), also known as protocatechuic acid, is a phenolic compound found in various plants and is a metabolite of certain dietary components and gut bacteria. Its presence and levels can be indicative of oxidative stress, inflammation, and certain metabolic processes within the body.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylpropionic Acid (DHPPA) is a metabolite produced by the gut microbiome from dietary polyphenols. It is considered a biomarker for gut health and may be associated with inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.

3,4-Dimethylhippuric Acid is a metabolite associated with exposure to trimethylbenzenes, chemicals commonly found in fuels, solvents, paints, and industrial products.

3a-Dihydroprogesterone (3α-DHP) is a metabolite of progesterone, a key hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Its levels can provide insights into the activity of enzymes responsible for steroid metabolism and can potentially be used to assess certain endocrine disorders or reproductive conditions.