Deoxyuridine is a nucleoside, a building block of DNA, but unlike its close relative thymidine, it is not commonly found in DNA. In the context of a Thymidine and Deoxyuridine Analytes panel from Labcorp, testing for deoxyuridine alongside thymidine offers valuable insights into a person's metabolic and DNA synthesis processes. When cells make DNA, they preferentially use thymidine. However, the presence of deoxyuridine in significant amounts can indicate a metabolic issue or a disorder related to DNA synthesis. One of the most critical conditions associated with elevated levels of deoxyuridine is thymidine phosphorylase deficiency, which can lead to mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes, characterized by a range of symptoms from muscle weakness to neurological impairment. Additionally, abnormal levels of deoxyuridine and thymidine can suggest issues with the salvage pathway, a cellular recycling process crucial for DNA repair and replication. By analyzing the levels of these nucleosides, the panel can help diagnose these rare but significant conditions. The test's results, therefore, offer a window into the complex interplay of the body's nucleoside metabolism and DNA repair systems, providing crucial information that can guide diagnosis and treatment.

What is Dermatophagoides farinae (D2) IgE?

This biomarker measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to Dermatophagoides farinae, also known as the American house dust mite. Elevated levels of D. farinae-specific IgE suggest that your immune system has developed a sensitivity to proteins from this mite, which can trigger allergic reactions.

Des-γ-carboxy Prothrombin (DCP), also known as Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), is a unique and clinically significant biomarker often included in blood panels, particularly in the context of liver health and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening. DCP is an abnormal form of prothrombin, a vital protein for blood coagulation, produced in the liver. It arises when there is a deficiency of vitamin K or a dysfunction in the carboxylation system within the liver cells. In healthy individuals, prothrombin is fully carboxylated in the presence of vitamin K, allowing it to play its crucial role in the coagulation cascade. However, in certain pathological conditions, particularly in the presence of hepatic malignancies such as HCC, the capacity for complete carboxylation is impaired, leading to the release of partially carboxylated or completely uncarboxylated prothrombin, identified as DCP.

Desmosterol is a critical marker on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test, playing a vital role in assessing cholesterol synthesis within the body. As one of the primary precursors in cholesterol production, desmosterol represents the alternative pathway that accounts for approximately 20% of in vivo cholesterol synthesis. Measuring desmosterol levels provides valuable insight into an individual's cholesterol biosynthesis, complementing the primary pathway marker, lathosterol. Elevated desmosterol levels can indicate increased endogenous cholesterol production, which may influence treatment strategies aimed at lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. By incorporating desmosterol measurements, the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance test delivers a more nuanced understanding of cholesterol metabolism, enhancing the precision of cardiovascular disease risk assessment and management.

Desulfovibrio, a genus of bacteria in the human gut identified through microbiome testing, plays a role in reducing sulfate to hydrogen sulfide. These anaerobic bacteria are influenced by diet, particularly sulfur-rich foods, and the overall health of the gut microbiota. While Desulfovibrio contributes to the gut's sulfur cycle under normal conditions, an overgrowth is associated with health issues like inflammatory bowel diseases, attributed to excessive hydrogen sulfide production. Managing their levels typically involves dietary modifications to reduce sulfur intake and increase fiber, alongside probiotics and prebiotics to promote a balanced gut microbiota. In cases where elevated Desulfovibrio is linked to gastrointestinal conditions, healthcare professionals may recommend further diagnostics and tailored medical interventions to restore microbial balance and address individual health needs.

Desulfovibrio piger is a type of sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) commonly found in the human gut microbiome. It plays a role in the breakdown of dietary sulfate, producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a byproduct. While hydrogen sulfide serves essential roles in small amounts—such as maintaining gut lining integrity—excessive levels can contribute to gut dysbiosis and inflammatory conditions.

Desulfovibrio piger, detected in a gut microbiome test, is a significant bacterium of interest due to its unique characteristics and potential implications for gut health. It is a species of sulfate-reducing bacteria, meaning it uses sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor in its metabolic processes. This bacterium is anaerobic, thriving in environments without oxygen. In the context of the human gut, its presence and abundance can be noteworthy. Desulfovibrio piger is known to play a role in the sulfur cycle within the gut ecosystem, converting sulfate to hydrogen sulfide, a gas that, in high concentrations, can have detrimental effects on the gut lining and overall intestinal health.

Desulfovibrio piger is part of a group called Sulfate-reducing bacteria (=SRB). SRBs are normal inhabitants of the intestine in humans. This group of bacteria can “breathe” sulfate rather than oxygen. SRBs have been suspected to contribute to gastrointestinal disease due to the production of hydrogen sulfide, which can be considered toxic to the gut epithelium.

Desulfovibrio is a genus of gram-negative sulphate-reducing bacteria. This genus has been positively correlated to IBD, colorectal cancer (in animal model), ulcerative colitis, liver disease and autism.

Desulfovibrio spp. is predominant member of Sulfate-reducing bacteria in human gut microbiota. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are anaerobic microorganisms that conduct dissimilatory sulfate reduction to obtain energy, resulting in the release of a great quantity of sulfide. They are commonly isolated from environmental sources, but are also present in the digestive tract of animals and humans. 

Different species of Desulfovibrio: Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio piger, Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis Desulfovibrio legallii

The bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a metabolite which can influence cell signaling and reduce oxidative stress at low concentrations and pose toxicity at higher concentrations.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid commonly used in medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. As a biomarker, it is often measured in blood or urine to monitor its levels during therapeutic use, evaluate compliance with prescribed regimens, or investigate suspected overuse or misuse. Dexamethasone testing is particularly relevant in diagnosing or managing conditions like adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers, where it is used to modulate inflammation or suppress immune responses. Elevated levels may indicate excessive dosing or prolonged exposure, which can lead to side effects like suppressed adrenal function, osteoporosis, or glucose intolerance. Conversely, low or undetectable levels in patients prescribed dexamethasone may point to non-compliance or issues with absorption or metabolism. This biomarker plays a critical role in ensuring safe and effective corticosteroid use while minimizing the risk of complications.

The Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Immunoglobulin A (DGP IGA) marker plays a pivotal role in the celiac disease diagnostic process, offering unique insights that complement other testing methods in a celiac panel. This test specifically measures the IGA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides, which are a form of gliadin (a key component of gluten) that has been modified during the digestive process. The presence of these antibodies indicates an immune response to gluten, characteristic of celiac disease.

What sets the DGP IGA test apart is its high sensitivity and specificity, particularly in certain patient groups. It is especially valuable in young children, under the age of two, where classic celiac disease markers like Tissue Transglutaminase Immunoglobulin A (TTG IGA) may not be as reliable. In these cases, DGP IGA can provide a more accurate reflection of the immune response to gluten. Additionally, DGP IGA testing is beneficial in cases where individuals have already started a gluten-free diet prior to testing, as it can remain positive for a longer period after gluten has been removed from the diet, unlike TTG IGA which may quickly normalize.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbons and 6 double bonds (22:6n3). It can be obtained from the diet, supplemented, or created by conversion from DPA using elongase and desaturase enzymes. DHA is present in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, and low levels of DHA can be found in meat and eggs. Both individually or in combination with EPA, DHA is widely supplemented due to the enormous amount of research available regarding its anti-inflammatory role in many clinical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, autoimmune disease, fetal development, visual disturbances, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) have a carbon–carbon double bond located three carbons from the methyl end of the chain. Omega-3s, sometimes referred to as “n-3s,” are present in certain foods such as flaxseed and fish, as well as dietary supplements such as fish oil. Several different omega-3s exist, but the majority of scientific research focuses on three: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA contains 18 carbon atoms, whereas EPA and DHA are considered “long-chain” (LC) omega-3s because EPA contains 20 carbons and DHA contains 22.

The DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) test within red blood cells (RBC), featured in the Micronutrient panel by Vibrant America, is a crucial assessment tool for evaluating levels of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. DHA is paramount for brain health, visual function, and maintaining the integrity of the nervous system. By measuring DHA in RBCs, this test offers a more accurate and long-term representation of omega-3 fatty acid status than serum measurements, reflecting the body's true DHA utilization. This is particularly important for brain development in infants and children, cognitive function in adults, and in the management of cardiovascular health.

DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. DHEA also affects bone density, response to stress, mood and cognitive function, improves insulin sensitivity, and is associated with decreased cardiovascular and cancer risk. It peaks in the mid-20s and begins to decline after 30. Longevity is associated with higher than age-normal levels of DHEA.

Proper DHEA levels contribute to the ideal metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, including efficient glycaemic control.

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.

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.

DHEA-S is the sulfate ester of DHEA and only a part of DHEA testing. If this marker was low it would mean that there is potential inflammation blocking DHEA being converted to DHEA-S. 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is the precursor for estrogens and testosterone, and is therefore normally present in significantly greater quantities than all the other steroid hormones. It is mostly found in the circulation in the form of its sulfate ester, DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S), levels of which in saliva are higher and more stable than those of DHEA. Its production is highest in the late teens to early 20s and declines gradually with age in both men and women.