Total Saturated Fats is a key marker providing important information about the levels of saturated fats in your diet. Saturated fats are a type of fat found in various foods, including animal products like meat and dairy, as well as some plant-based oils like coconut and palm oil and peanut butter. These fats are typically solid at room temperature. Monitoring the total amount of saturated fats in your diet is crucial because high intake is linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease and other health issues. When you consume too many saturated fats, it can lead to higher levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, in your blood.

SCFAs are produced from the fermentation of fibre and protein by certain components of the gut microflora. The SCFAs produced from the fermentation of fibre by probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli have a range of beneficial effects from serving as a fuel for cells lining the intestine (and the rest of the body) to creating an acidic intestinal environment that is unfavourable to potential pathogens.

SIgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions, including tears, saliva, sweat, colostrum, and secretions from the genitourinary tract, GI tract, prostate and respiratory epithelium. It is the most abundant class of antibodies found in the intestine. It promotes clearance of microbial pathogens and antigens from intestinal lumen through a process of entrapment called “immune exclusion.” SIgA uses this process to prevent the binding of these invaders to the epithelial cell receptors and entrapping them in the upper and lower layers of mucus, thus facilitating their removal through agglutination and GI secretion.

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) are the products of fermentation of insoluble fiber from diet (e.g., cellulose, resistant starch) by the bacteria in the gut. These fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in regulating metabolism in the gut and are closely associated with gastrointestinal diseases. Acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid are the most abundant, representing 90-95% of the SCFA present in the colon. A total of 13 SCFAs are quantified in stool to assist assessment of the gut health and inflammation.

The Total T-Helper-1 Cell marker serves as a critical component in the evaluation of immune system functionality, particularly in the adaptive immune response. T-Helper-1 (Th1) cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells, which are pivotal in orchestrating the body's defense against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and certain bacteria, by producing a specific profile of cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2).

These cytokines not only help in the activation of macrophages and the enhancement of their phagocytic activity but also play a crucial role in promoting the differentiation of CD8+ T cells into cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby aiding in the clearance of infected cells.

The Total T-Helper-17 (Th17) marker is a critical component in evaluating immune system functionality, particularly in the context of immune response regulation. T-Helper 17 (Th17) cells, a subset of pro-inflammatory T-helper cells, play a pivotal role in the immune system, primarily involved in the defense against pathogens and in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

The Th17 marker is crucial for understanding the dynamics of immune responses, especially in conditions where the immune system may be overactive or imbalanced. Th17 cells produce interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine that triggers inflammation and has been linked to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Elevated levels of Th17 cells can signify a heightened inflammatory state, suggesting a predisposition or existing condition of autoimmunity or chronic inflammation.

Total T-Helper-2 (Th2) cells are a subset of the CD4+ T cells, playing a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response. They are characterized by their function in helping B cells to produce antibodies and are crucial in the defense against extracellular pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites. This evaluation is particularly relevant in the context of allergic responses, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions, where a shift towards a Th2-dominant response can indicate an imbalance in immune regulation.

The measurement of Th2 cells within this panel provides insights into the Th1/Th2 balance, an essential aspect for understanding various pathological conditions and guiding therapeutic strategies. By monitoring Th2 levels, healthcare providers can gain valuable information about an individual's immune status, facilitating personalized medical interventions aimed at restoring immune equilibrium and mitigating disease progression.

The T3 test measures triiodothyronine in blood to help doctors diagnose hyperthyroidism. The total triiodothyronine (T3) test is one of several tests used to diagnose thyroid disorders. T3 is an active thyroid hormone that your body creates by converting thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine. The 3 and 4 in the names represent the number of iodine atoms it has.

T3 helps maintain muscle control, brain function and development, heart and digestive functions. High or low T3 levels may indicate an overactive or underactive thyroid.

The thyroid gland is located in front of your neck. It has right and left lobes that resemble a butterfly. This gland produces hormones that help control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. Disorders that affect thyroid function can either speed up or slow down metabolic processes.

Total Tau in CSF is a biomarker used to assess neuronal damage and degeneration, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Tau is a protein primarily found in neurons, where it stabilizes microtubules essential for cellular transport. Elevated levels of total tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are often associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, where neuronal damage leads to the release of tau into the CSF. Increased tau can also indicate acute brain injuries, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurodegenerative disorders. In Alzheimer’s disease, total tau is typically elevated alongside phosphorylated tau (pTau), which reflects pathological tau phosphorylation processes, distinguishing it from other neurodegenerative diseases. The measurement of total tau in CSF, combined with other markers like amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides and pTau, provides valuable insights into the underlying pathology, aiding in early diagnosis, prognosis, and differentiation of dementia-related conditions.

Total Testosterone in the context of a female hormone panel refers to the total amount of testosterone present in a woman's blood, measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Testosterone, commonly associated with male health, is actually an important hormone in females as well, albeit in lower concentrations. It plays a critical role in muscle strength, bone density, and the functioning of the reproductive organs. Additionally, it influences libido, mood, and overall energy levels. The normal range of total testosterone in women varies depending on factors such as age and health conditions, but it generally falls between 15 to 70 ng/mL.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been linked to healthy aging throughout our lifespan - from fetal development to prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and used in cell membrane production, function, and overall gene expression. Most standard American diets are deficient in common n-3 food sources such as flax, oily fish, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Deficiencies in n-3 have been correlated with many clinical conditions such as neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, mood disorders, skin abnormalities, visual changes, and cancer.

The Total WBC (White Blood Cell) count measures the total number of white blood cells present in the blood, which are essential components of the immune system. White blood cells are responsible for defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials.

In the context of the Lymphocyte MAP panel, the Total WBC count serves as a foundational assessment of the immune system's overall state. A normal range of WBC indicates a balanced immune response, whereas deviations from this range can signal various health conditions. For instance, a higher than normal WBC count (leukocytosis) can indicate an inflammatory response, infection, stress, or more serious conditions like leukemia. Conversely, a lower than normal count (leukopenia) can suggest a compromised immune system, potentially due to bone marrow deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, or the effects of certain medications.

The marker "Total, Free (MN+NMN)" typically refers to the measurement of both metanephrine (MN) and normetanephrine (NMN) levels in a biological sample, such as blood or urine. These two compounds, metanephrine and normetanephrine, are metabolites of catecholamines, specifically epinephrine and norepinephrine. Measuring their levels can provide important diagnostic information related to the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system and the presence of certain medical conditions.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. The Toxoplasma parasite can persist for long periods of time in the bodies of humans (and other animals), possibly even for a lifetime.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is capable of infecting a variety of intermediate hosts including humans. Infected definitive hosts (cats) shed oocysts in feces that rapidly mature in the soil and become infectious.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects most species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and causes the disease toxoplasmosis. Tick based transmission has been increasingly considered and evidence indicates that T. gondii could be a potentially unrecognized tick-borne pathogen spreading toxoplasmosis . The parasite forms cysts that can affect almost any part of the body often your brain and muscle tissue of different organs, including the heart. The immune system keeps the parasites in check in an inactive state however, if it is weakened by disease or certain medications, the infection can be reactivated, leading to serious complications.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that is capable of infecting a variety of intermediate hosts including humans. Infected definitive hosts (cats) shed oocysts in feces that rapidly mature in the soil and become infectious.