Explore 10,000+ laboratory markers, in plain English.

A malabsorption marker

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPPA) is a marker for beneficial and commensal bacteria. It is produced when specific bacteria metabolize chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol found in various foods, including apples, pears, peas, coffee, sunflower seeds, carrots, blueberries, cherries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, sweet potatoes, peaches, wine polyphenols, and catechins. The primary bacteria responsible for this process include Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and E. coli. DHPPA acts as an antioxidant, helping to lower cholesterol, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, and protect against harmful bacteria. Elevated DHPPA levels may reflect a high dietary intake of polyphenols or an overgrowth of bacteria leading to increased polyphenol conversion.

an endogenous androgen

What is DHT? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a powerful hormone made from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is much stronger than testosterone, binding to androgen receptors 3–10 times more potently. It’s essential for developing male characteristics, regulating sex drive, and maintaining healthy androgen function in all adults. DHT helps control muscle tone, bone density, skin health, and libido in men and women. This test measures DHT in micrograms per gram of creatinine (µg/g Cr), giving a reliable snapshot of your hormone production over time.

What is DHT? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent hormone derived from testosterone. It plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics, including: - Facial hair growth - Deepening of the voice - Other aspects of male puberty In adults, DHT continues to affect hair growth, skin health, and prostate function. What Does "Free DHT" Mean? Most DHT in the body is bound to proteins such as sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. However, a small portion remains unbound, or "free." This free DHT is biologically active and can directly influence tissues, making it a valuable marker for assessing hormonal activity. Mechanism: DHT becomes "free" when it's not attached to carrier proteins. This unbound state allows it to easily enter cells and interact with androgen receptors, making it more biologically potent than bound DHT. Why is Free DHT Important? Testing free DHT levels can provide insights into several health conditions: Condition Relation to Free DHT Hair Loss High levels associated with androgenetic alopecia Prostate Health Elevated levels may indicate BPH or prostate cancer risk Hormonal Disorders Useful in diagnosing conditions like PCOS Sexual Development Abnormal levels can signal issues with puberty timing When to Test for Free DHT? Healthcare providers may order a free DHT test when symptoms suggest hormonal imbalances, such as: - Unusual hair loss or thinning - Acne and oily skin - Changes in libido - Signs of virilization in women (e.g., deep voice, increased body hair) How is Free DHT Measured? Free DHT is measured through a blood test. A laboratory analysis determines the amount of unbound DHT in the bloodstream. Normal Ranges: Men: Typically 0.5-2.5 pg/mL Women: Usually 0.1-0.5 pg/mL Note: Ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Free DHT vs. Total DHT Testing While total DHT tests measure both bound and unbound DHT, free DHT tests focus solely on the biologically active, unbound portion. Free DHT testing can provide a more accurate picture of the hormone's immediate effects on tissues. Limitations and Considerations Time of day can affect DHT levels Certain medications may interfere with test results Results should be interpreted in context with other hormonal tests and clinical symptoms Relationship with Other Hormones Free DHT levels are influenced by and can influence other hormones: Testosterone: The primary precursor to DHT Estrogen: Can affect the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT Progesterone: May compete with DHT for receptor binding

a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone

to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

found to co-occur with many other mycotoxins in grains and grain-based products

generally considered an endodontic pathogen

generally considered an endodontic pathogen

Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and Histamine Regulation Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is a crucial enzyme responsible for regulating histamine levels by breaking down extracellular histamine, primarily in the microvilli of the small intestine. When DAO levels are low, the body struggles to effectively degrade histamine, leading to an accumulation of histamine and related symptoms. Histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is another enzyme that assists in histamine breakdown, though it plays a secondary role compared to DAO. Low DAO levels are associated with various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, hives, allergy symptoms, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), estrogen dominance, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), inflammation, arthritis, and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. These symptoms often mirror those of histamine excess, as both conditions are closely related. Reduced DAO levels can indicate compromised gut health, often linked to poor mucosal integrity or microvilli atrophy. Individuals with conditions such as urticaria, Crohn's disease, or celiac disease frequently exhibit low DAO activity in their blood. Additionally, low DAO levels can trigger mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Low DAO activity in plasma is used as a diagnostic marker for histamine intolerance. Patients with histamine intolerance may experience widespread reactions and often see improvements with antihistamines. Those prone to anaphylactic reactions also tend to have lower DAO activity. Adopting a histamine-free diet can lead to significant symptom reduction, or even complete resolution, within a few weeks. It's important to note that many medications can inhibit DAO or damage the gut lining, further reducing DAO production. Alcohol and its byproduct, acetaldehyde, are also known inhibitors of DAO.

a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people

a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people

D. fragilis infects the large intestine. This parasite does not have a cyst stage, and cannot survive long outside the body alone. It may be spread in pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) eggs. Infection is common worldwide, including in the United States. D. fragilis is known to cause non-invasive diarrheal illness in humans. 90% of children are symptomatic, whereas only 15-20% of adults are. The most common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, and stomach cramping. Loss of appetite and weight, nausea, and fatigue are also common. Recommended treatment is iodoquinol (650 mg tid x 20 days, adult dose). Alternatives include tetracycline (500 mg qid x 10 days, adult dose) and metronidazole (500-750 mg tid x 10 days, adult dose). Natural agents include berberine, wormwood, black walnut, grapefruit seed extract, and oil of oregano.

a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people