Interleukin 13 is a mediator of allergic inflammation and different diseases including asthma.

IL-13 is implicated in numerous processes, including a) recruitment of eosinophils and M2 macrophages to the lung, b) induction of mucus secretion into the airways and goblet cell metaplasia, c) proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and d) fibrosis via fibroblast activation and subsequent collagen deposition. 

Interleukin 2 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced primarily by mitogen- or antigen- activated T lymphocytes.

Interleukin 2 plays a role in promoting the clonal expansion of antigen-specific cytotoxic and suppressor T cells. In vitro studies suggest that Interleukin 2 may also be produced by dendritic cells and certain lymphoma cell lines. 

In addition, Interleukin 2 has been shown to mediate multiple immune responses on a variety of cell types.

Interleukin-2 Receptor Alpha Chain (IL-2Ra), also known as CD25, is a protein expressed on the surface of immune cells, such as activated T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. When it is shed from the surface of these cells, it circulates in the blood as soluble IL-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Ra). Measuring sIL-2Ra levels provides insights into immune system activity and inflammation.

Why Is This IL-2Ra Important?

sIL-2Ra plays a critical role in the regulation of the immune response. It binds to interleukin-2 (IL-2), a key cytokine for T-cell growth and immune function. Elevated levels of sIL-2Ra are associated with immune system activation and are often seen in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, cancers, and infectious diseases.

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a pleiotropic (=having multiple effects from a single gene) cytokine produced primarily by mitogen- or antigen- activated T lymphocytes. Interleukin 2 is an important disease marker in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but there are no published data on its diagnostic value in adults.

Interleukin 4 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by activated T lymphocytes, CD3+ cells, NK-T cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils. 

Interleukin 4 has multiple immune response modulation functions on a variety of cell types. It is an important regulator of isotype switching, inducing IgE production in B lymphocytes. It is an important modulator of the differentiation of precursor T helper cells to the TH2 subset that mediates humoral immunity and modulates antibody production. In addition, Interleukin 4 has also been shown to have antitumor activity both in vivo and in vitro.

Interleukin-6 is involved in inflammation and infection responses and also in the regulation of metabolic, regenerative, and neural processes.

Interleukin-6 is involved in inflammation and infection responses and also in the regulation of metabolic, regenerative, and neural processes.

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a promising marker for many clinical conditions and currently being applied by various subspecialties of medicine either for the purpose of rapid diagnosis or as a predictor of prognosis. Nevertheless, IL-8 level increased as a result of many inflammatory conditions, so careful interpretation of IL-8 level is required to make correlation with desired clinical condition's diagnosis or prognosis.

Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a promising marker for many clinical conditions and currently being applied by various subspecialties of medicine either for the purpose of rapid diagnosis or as a predictor of prognosis. Nevertheless, IL-8 level increased as a result of many inflammatory conditions, so careful interpretation of IL-8 level is required to make correlation with desired clinical condition's diagnosis or prognosis.

IDL Cholesterol is a plasma lipoprotein. Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing cholesterol esters and triglycerides surrounded by free cholesterol, phospholipids, and apolipoproteins, which facilitate lipoprotein formation and function.

IDL Cholesterol is a plasma lipoprotein. Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing cholesterol esters and triglycerides surrounded by free cholesterol, phospholipids, and apolipoproteins, which facilitate lipoprotein formation and function.

IDL Cholesterol is a plasma lipoprotein. Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing cholesterol esters and triglycerides surrounded by free cholesterol, phospholipids, and apolipoproteins, which facilitate lipoprotein formation and function.

In a Protein Electrophoresis test, part of panels like Total Protein and Protein Electrophoresis, 24 Hour Urine, the "pattern" refers to the arrangement and distribution of protein fractions (such as albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins) as revealed in the test results. This pattern, which is identified through the separation of proteins based on size and electrical charge, shows the different protein groups and their relative proportions. A normal pattern typically has albumin as the most abundant protein, followed by various globulins. Abnormalities in this pattern can indicate medical conditions such as liver disease, immune disorders, or kidney issues. The pattern is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, providing insight into the body's protein composition and any deviations from normal levels.

The Intestinal Fraction on Labcorp's Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Isoenzyme Panel represents the portion of alkaline phosphatase derived from the intestines. Elevated levels of the intestinal fraction may be observed after meals, especially in individuals with blood types B or O who are secretors, as they tend to have higher levels of intestinal ALP following food intake. This isoenzyme is measured to help determine the source of elevated ALP levels and to assess gastrointestinal health. By differentiating the intestinal fraction from other sources of ALP, such as the liver or bone, healthcare providers can better understand the cause of elevated enzyme levels and investigate potential gastrointestinal disorders or other related conditions. The ALP isoenzyme panel's precise measurement of this fraction can guide clinicians in diagnosing conditions related to the intestinal system.

Intestinal isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase are biomarkers that indicate the presence of specific forms of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme within the intestine. This biomarker is significant in assessing the health and function of the intestinal system, as alkaline phosphatase is involved in various physiological processes, including the absorption of nutrients and the maintenance of gut health.

Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 within distal ileum.

Clinical Significance:

Autoantibodies against Intrinsic Factor are considered highly specific to patients with Pernicious Anemia. Intrinsic Factor antibodies are rarely found in the absence of Pernicious Anemia. Less commonly, Intrinsic Factor antibodies may also be found in patients with Graves’ disease and in relatives of patients with Pernicious Anemia.

Intrinsic factor antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that are associated with pernicious anemia. This test detects intrinsic factor antibody (IF antibody) circulating in blood.

Intrinsic factor is a protein that is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It binds to vitamin B12, thereby allowing absorption of the vitamin by intestinal cells. In pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder, autoantibodies are formed against intrinsic factor leading to its deficiency. The lack of intrinsic factor then causes malabsorption of vitamin B12 and subsequent anemia. Autoantibodies can also be formed directly against the parietal cells which similarly leads to inadequate intrinsic factor activity and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Iodamoeba buetschlii is considered nonpathogenic or commensal. Infection occurs via fecal-oral route, and indicates increased risk of
exposure to potential pathogens.

Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which are responsible for controlling growth, repairing damaged cells, and supporting a healthy metabolism.