As the most abundant class of antibody found in the human intestinal lumen, secretory IgA (sIgA) is recognized as a first line of defense in protecting the intestinal epithelium from enteric pathogens and toxins. It is used to assess gastrointestinal barrier function.

As the most abundant class of antibody found in the human intestinal lumen, secretory IgA (sIgA) is recognized as a first line of defense in protecting the intestinal epithelium from enteric pathogens and toxins. It is used to assess gastrointestinal barrier function.

The marker Sed Rate by Modified Westergren, also known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sedimentation rate, is a common blood test used by doctors to measure inflammation in the body, which is the natural response to injury or infection, often involving the immune system.

This test specifically looks at how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube over the course of one hour. The faster the red blood cells settle, the higher the sed rate, indicating potential inflammation.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell in the found. They are phagocytic, meaning that they engulf and destroy things like bacteria and viruses at the site of an injury. Like all other white blood cells, they also play a part in our body’s inflammatory response to things like allergens. 

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell found in the body. They are phagocytic, meaning that they engulf and destroy things like bacteria and viruses at the site of an injury. Like all other white blood cells, they also play a part in our body’s inflammatory response to things like allergens. 

A slightly elevated result for segmented neutrophils may indicate a variety of potential conditions or responses in the body. Segmented neutrophils, also known as mature neutrophils, are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response by helping to fight bacterial infections.

Here are some possible causes for a slightly elevated segmented neutrophil count:

1. Bacterial Infections: The most common cause of an increase in neutrophils is bacterial infections. Neutrophils are often mobilized in response to an infection to help combat invading bacteria.

2. Inflammation: Any form of inflammation in the body, including chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to an elevated neutrophil count.

3. Stress Response: Physical or emotional stress can trigger an increase in neutrophil levels. This could occur due to intense exercise, surgery, or other acute stressors.

4. Steroid Use: Certain medications, especially corticosteroids, can cause an increase in neutrophils as they suppress the activity of the immune system in other ways.

5. Tissue Damage: If there is tissue damage, such as trauma or burns, neutrophil levels may rise as part of the healing and inflammatory response.

6. Smoking: Smoking can cause mild elevations in neutrophil levels due to the chronic inflammatory effects of cigarette smoke on the respiratory system.

7. Leukemoid Reaction: A leukemoid reaction is a temporary increase in white blood cells, often due to a severe infection or inflammation, that can mimic leukemia but is not caused by cancer.

8. Other Causes: Conditions like pregnancy, certain cancers, or bone marrow disorders can sometimes result in elevated neutrophil counts.

In general, a slightly elevated count for segmented neutrophils is not necessarily concerning on its own, but it should be interpreted in the context of other symptoms, test results, and medical history. If there are any other abnormal findings or symptoms, it would be helpful to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Segmented Neutrophils (CSF) refer to mature white blood cells found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which play a key role in the body’s immune response. Normally, neutrophils are present in low or undetectable levels in the CSF. Elevated levels of segmented neutrophils in a lab report may indicate an infection, particularly bacterial meningitis, or other inflammatory conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS). It is important to interpret these results in conjunction with other CSF markers and clinical symptoms to accurately diagnose underlying conditions.

Sources:

The selenium content of grains and vegetables depends on the selenium content of the soil. In meats, selenium content is dependent on the diet of the animals. Foods with higher selenium content include Brazil nuts, seafood (especially tuna), chicken, beef, pork, lamb. Also present in air, water, soil, metallurgy, airborne coal/oil emissions, dandruff shampoo, paints, photo cells, drums, photocopiers, glass, ceramics, rubber, pharmaceuticals.

Absorption factors:

Selenium tends to be well absorbed, and the bioavailability of selenium in the form of selenomethionine is greater than 90%. Sulfur, lead, arsenic, calcium and iron reduced the absorption of selenium. Urine is the main route of excretion and reflects recent dietary intake. Plasma is useful for assessing nutritional selenium status.

Whole blood selenium levels are within the normal reference range. This measurement reflects long-term selenium status, while urinary selenium levels are better indicators of recent intake.

Selenium is an essential trace element with critical roles in:

• Thyroid hormone metabolism

• Antioxidant defense (especially via glutathione peroxidase)

• Maintaining cellular redox balance

Low selenium levels are linked to thyroid dysfunction, particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and reduced conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).

Selenium, a trace element essential for human health, plays a critical role in various physiological processes and is commonly assessed through its concentration in serum. As an integral component of selenoproteins, selenium is pivotal in antioxidant defense systems, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. The primary dietary sources of selenium include nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs, with its bioavailability influenced by soil composition and dietary factors. Serum selenium levels are reflective of both short-term and long-term selenium status, offering a reliable biomarker for nutritional assessment. The typical reference range for serum selenium varies, but is generally considered to be between 70 and 150 ng/mL.

Selenium, a trace element found in the whole blood, is a significant component of the Toxic and Essential Elements panel, offering vital insights into an individual's nutritional status and potential toxic exposure. As an essential micronutrient, selenium is crucial for various bodily functions, most notably its role in the synthesis of selenoproteins, which includes important antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases. These enzymes play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, thereby contributing to immune system function and thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium's optimal range in the body is narrow: both deficiency and excess can lead to health issues.

Selenium is normally found in hair at very low levels, and several studies provide evidence that low hair Selenium is reflective of dietary intake and associated with cardiovascular disorders. Utilization of hair Selenium levels to assess nutritional status, however, is complicated by the fact that use of Selenium- or sulfur-containing shampoo markedly increases hair Selenium (externally) and can give a false high value.

Selenium is an essential element. It is a cofactor required to maintain activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of organic hydroperoxides. The absence of selenium correlates with loss of GSH-Px activity and is associated with damage to cell membranes due to accumulation of free radicals.

Selenium is normally found in hair at very low levels, and several studies provide evidence that low hair Selenium is reflective of dietary intake and associated with cardiovascular disorders. Utilization of hair Selenium levels to assess nutritional status, however, is complicated by the fact that use of Selenium- or sulfur-containing shampoo markedly increases hair Selenium (externally) and can give a false high value.