Pregnenolone is a chemical substance that is a precursor to all steroid hormones.

Pregnenolone, measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), is a crucial neurosteroid in males, acting as a precursor to various other steroids including progesterone, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. It is synthesized directly from cholesterol and serves as the foundational substrate in the steroidogenesis pathway, leading to the production of these hormones.

This steroid plays a vital role in brain function, as it is involved in neurogenesis, synaptic functioning, and neural plasticity, and it also influences mood and memory.

Pregnenolone sulfate is a neurosteroid that enhances the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor function and inhibits receptors for glycine, GABA, thereby regulating the excitation-inhibition balance in the CNS.

It enhances learning and memory and promotes nerve cell survival. Along with other endogenous neurosteroids, it has been implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Trials of the therapeutic use of pregnenolone, the precursor of pregnenolone sulfate, in schizophrenia have shown some success. Low plasma levels of pregnenolone sulfate have been observed in people with generalized social phobia.

Pregnenolone is a chemical substance that is a precursor to all steroid hormones.

Prevotella spp. is known for its ability to degrade complex plant polysaccharides (carbohydrates) and fiber.

The "Prevotella" marker is a critical component for understanding the microbial landscape of the human gut. Prevotella is a genus of bacteria that is of particular interest in these analyses because it is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract. Its presence and abundance can tell us a lot about a person's diet, health status, and risk for certain diseases.

Prevotella species are known to thrive on a carbohydrate-rich diet, particularly those high in fibers such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Thus, higher levels of Prevotella in the gut microbiome can indicate a diet rich in these foods. Some studies [L, L] suggest a correlation between Prevotella and improved gut health and lower inflammation, while others have noted its association with certain inflammatory diseases and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, indicating its dual role in health and disease.

Prevotella bivia (P. bivia) is an anaerobic, non-pigmented, gramnegative bacillus which is naturally present in the human female vaginal tract, and it is also occasionally seen in the oral cavity. It has a high proliferative potential in the presence of estrogen. Therefore, its involvement in, vaginal tract infections such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, has been well described in the literature. If left untreated, it may cause more serious conditions, such as cuff abscess, abdominal wall empyema, or septic arthritis.

Prevotella copri is a gut bacteria that may cause rheumatoid arthritis. Studies consistently find different bacterial patterns in people with inflammatory arthritis vs controls.

Prevotella copri is a gut bacteria that may cause rheumatoid arthritis. Studies consistently find different bacterial patterns in people with inflammatory arthritis vs controls.

Prevotella spp. is known for its ability to degrade complex plant polysaccharides (carbohydrates) and fiber.

Prevotella spp. is known for its ability to degrade complex plant polysaccharides (carbohydrates) and fiber.

High Prevotella:Bacteroides ratios are associated with lower BMI and reduced incidence of chronic, inflammatory disease. Low Prevotella:Bacteroides ratios are associated with metabolic imbalances and are positively correlated with high intake of protein and animal fat as typical for a Western diet. Higher abundance of Prevotella is observed in individuals that consume diets rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Bacteroides is increased by sugar and saturated fat intake, while Prevotella generally thrives on fiber rich foods, like fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Levels of Prevotella tend to decrease with age.

Procalcitonin is a marker of significant interest in the medical field, particularly when it comes to diagnosing and managing infections. Produced in response to a bacterial infection, procalcitonin levels in the blood can help doctors determine the severity of an infection or sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Unlike other markers that may rise in various conditions, procalcitonin is relatively specific to bacterial infections, making it a valuable tool for clinicians. When a patient presents symptoms of an infection, measuring procalcitonin levels can aid in deciding whether antibiotics are needed, as elevated levels are often indicative of a bacterial cause. On the other hand, low levels of procalcitonin might suggest a viral infection or another non-bacterial cause, potentially guiding a clinician away from unnecessary antibiotic use.

The "Production Markers" on the Boston Heart Cholesterol Balance® test provide crucial insights into the body's cholesterol synthesis. This test measures key precursors such as lathosterol and desmosterol, which are indicative of the primary pathways through which cholesterol is produced. Approximately 80% of in vivo cholesterol production occurs via the major pathway involving lathosterol, while the remaining 20% utilizes the pathway associated with desmosterol. By evaluating these markers, the test offers a detailed view of cholesterol biosynthesis, allowing healthcare providers to understand better and manage patients' cholesterol levels. This information is pivotal in tailoring treatment strategies, particularly in predicting and optimizing responses to lipid-lowering therapies such as statins and ezetimibe.

Products of Protein Breakdown, which includes isovalerate, valerate and isobutyrate are produced by bacterial fermentation of proteinaceous material (polypeptides and amino acids) in the distal colon.

Products of Protein Breakdown (Total) is a set of markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.

Prodynorphin is an opioid that is a basic building block of endorphins.

Although Progesterone is found in both males and females, it is primarily known for its role in conception, pregnancy, and the regulation of a woman’s menstrual cycle.