Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

Produced when Clostridia acts upon unabsorbed tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine.

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.

Dihydrotestosterone is an endogenous androgen that is formed from testosterone via 5α-reductase activity in certain tissues including the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymis, skin, hair follicles, liver, and brain.

DHT, relative to testosterone, is more potent as an agonist of the androgen receptor. Inhibition of 5α-reductase activity to reduce prostatic DHT levels is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DHT has been used clinically as treatment for low testosterone levels in men. DHT is biologically important for sexual differentiation of the male genitalia during embryogenesis.

Circulating levels of DHT are low in relation to testosterone. Deficiency in 5α-reductase results in incompletely virilized males which is clinically supported by an elevated ratio of testosterone to DHT.

Free DHT is a valuable biomarker for evaluating conditions related to hair loss, prostate health, and hormonal imbalances. Understanding and monitoring free DHT levels, alongside other hormonal markers, can provide crucial insights for maintaining overall health and addressing specific medical conditions.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Percent Free Dialysis is a laboratory measurement used to assess the bioavailable portion of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream. DHT is a potent androgen hormone derived from testosterone through the action of the enzyme 5a-reductase. This conversion primarily takes place in target tissues, such as the skin, prostate, and hair follicles, and DHT plays a crucial role in male sexual development and secondary sexual characteristics.

If you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose). Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to help you make sense of this important biomarker.

What Is the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI)?

The Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) is a lab measurement that combines various biomarkers to estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze specific factors in your blood and provide a clear picture of your risk level. Think of it as a personalized health snapshot that helps predict your likelihood of diabetes in the near future.

If you’ve recently had lab tests and noticed the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) on your results, you might be wondering what it means. This test is designed to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose). Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to help you make sense of this important biomarker.

What Is the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI)?

The Diabetes Risk Index (DRI) is a lab measurement that combines various biomarkers to estimate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It uses advanced algorithms to analyze specific factors in your blood and provide a clear picture of your risk level. Think of it as a personalized health snapshot that helps predict your likelihood of diabetes in the near future.

Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), also known as anguidine, is a type A trichothecene mycotoxin primarily produced by Fusarium fungi. Trichothecenes are known as major contaminants of cereals and cereal-containing foods.

Dialister invisus is generally considered an endodontic pathogen (Endo is the Greek word for inside and odont is Greek for tooth). Dialister invisus is often associated with periodontitis, caries, halitosis, and endodontic infections. 

Dialister invisus (D. invisus) is capable of generating both acetate and propionate, and the abundance of this bacterium is reduced in patients with CD.

Dialister invisus is generally considered an endodontic pathogen (Endo is the Greek word for inside and odont is Greek for tooth). Dialister invisus is often associated with periodontitis, caries, halitosis, and endodontic infections. 

Dialister invisus (D. invisus) is capable of generating both acetate and propionate, and the abundance of this bacterium is reduced in patients with CD.

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.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.

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.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that lives in the large intestine of people. This protozoan parasite produces trophozoites; cysts have not been identified. The intestinal infection may be either asymptomatic or symptomatic.