The deformity rate in a semen analysis refers to the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology or shape within a semen sample. The deformity rate is an essential factor in assessing male fertility because sperm with abnormal morphology may have difficulty fertilizing an egg.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides reference values for normal sperm morphology in a semen analysis. According to the WHO criteria, a semen sample is considered normal when at least 4% of sperm exhibit normal morphology. Sperm with abnormal shapes can include those with misshapen heads, tails, or other structural abnormalities.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid that is produced by both the adrenal cortex and the testis. The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche) and decrease significantly with age.

DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids.

DHEA levels peak at around age 25, then decline steadily through the following decades. DHEA can be converted downstream in the steroidogenic pathway to create androgens and estrogens. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can be protective against corticosterone’s neurotoxic effects.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is predominantly produced in the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor hormone for androstenedione and eventually estrone and testosterone. High levels of DHEA may be due to DHEA or pregnenolone supplementation. Additional research suggests DHEA elevations may also be due to such conditions as adult-onset adrenal hyperplasia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and very rarely, adrenal carcinoma. SULT2A1 catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of DHEA, and research suggests dopamine can induce this enzyme.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone predominantly produced in the adrenal glands which serves as precursor hormone for androstenedione and eventually estrone and testosterone.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts synthesized in the gonads (ovaries and testes) and the brain. DHEA acts primarily as a precursor for the body’s major sex hormones—testosterone and estrogen—meaning it is converted into these hormones as needed. This role is crucial for reproductive function, mood regulation, metabolism, immune function, and maintaining overall hormonal balance in both men and women.

Biological Functions of DHEA

• Hormone Precursor: DHEA is converted into androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens, supporting the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive health.

• Neurosteroid: DHEA has effects in the central nervous system, acting as a neurosteroid that can influence mood, cognitive function, and memory.

• Metabolic and Immune Effects: It modulates endothelial function (essential roles in maintaining blood vessel health and regulating blood flow), reduces inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, supports fat metabolism, and may enhance immune response.

• Antioxidant Properties: DHEA may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or DHEA-S is the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the major steroid precursor in humans. This sulfation is reversibly catalyzed by sulfotransferase 2A1 (SULT2A1) primarily in the adrenals, the liver, and the small intestine.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or DHEA-S is the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the major steroid precursor in humans. This sulfation is reversibly catalyzed by sulfotransferase 2A1 (SULT2A1) primarily in the adrenals, the liver, and the small intestine.

Delta 6 Desaturase is an essential enzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acids, which are vital components of our cells and play critical roles in maintaining overall health. Specifically, Delta 6 Desaturase helps convert dietary fats into essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are crucial for producing anti-inflammatory molecules and supporting brain function, heart health, and immune response. The Nutristat Basic Profile from US Biotek measures the activity of this enzyme to provide insights into an individual's fatty acid metabolism.

The Delta Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine, 24 Hour test can help diagnose porphyrias, lead or mercury poisoning and aid in the evaluation of certain neurological problems with abdominal pain.

Delta Aminolevulinic Acid may be increased in attacks of acute intermittent porphyria. Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by a deficiency of hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS). It presents with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures. Treatment for acute attacks is intravenous heme. 

Delta Aminolevulinic Acid is also increased also in tyrosinemia. Tyrosinemia is a genetic disorder characterized by problems breaking down the amino acid tyrosine, which is a building block of most proteins. If the condition is untreated, tyrosine and its byproducts build up in tissues and organs, which can lead to serious health problems.

In a semen analysis, density typically refers to sperm concentration, which is a crucial parameter used to assess male fertility. Sperm density signifies the number of sperm present per milliliter (ml) of semen. It quantifies the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate and is an essential factor in evaluating a man's reproductive health.

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is a bile acid which emulsifies and solubilizes dietary fats in the intestine, and when injected subcutaneously, it disrupts cell membranes in adipocytes and destroys fat cells in that tissue.

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is a secondary bile acid and part of the metabolic category of the Genova test panel. Bile acids are end products of hepatic cholesterol metabolism that play an important role in fat emulsion and detoxification. 

Deoxycholic Acid on Labcorp's Bile Acids, Fractionated LC/MS-MS Panel

Deoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid formed in the colon by the bacterial metabolism of primary bile acids, such as cholic acid. On Labcorp's Bile Acids, Fractionated LC/MS-MS Panel, deoxycholic acid is measured to help assess bile acid metabolism and liver function. Elevated levels of deoxycholic acid can be associated with various gastrointestinal and liver conditions, including cholestasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, or liver dysfunction. The LC/MS-MS technology used in this panel offers high sensitivity and precision, enabling accurate quantification of deoxycholic acid and other bile acids in serum or plasma samples. By analyzing these bile acid profiles, healthcare providers can better understand and manage disorders related to bile secretion, absorption, and liver function.

Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) is a steroid hormone synthesized in the adrenal gland and is a precursor for the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone. The levels of DOC of pregnant women are extraordinarily high compared with those in men and nonpregnant women. The major diagnostic utility of measurement of steroid synthesis intermediates such as Deoxycorticosterone is in diagnosing disorders of steroid synthesis.

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as Deoxynivalenol, a tricothecene mycotoxin, is produced by several species of Fusarium. DON has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. The FDA advisory level for DON for human consumption is 1 ppm.