U1-snRNP antibodies, also referred to as U1-RNP and Smith (Sm)/RNP, target 3 components of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex: U1-snRNP RNP A, U1-snRNP RNP C, and U1-snRNP RNP-70kd.

These antibodies, found in 2% to 14% of SSc patients, are more frequent in lcSSc than in dcSSc.

The 2 main types of SSc are defined according to the pattern of skin involvement: limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).

In lcSSc, skin thickening is present distal to the elbows and knees, and facial skin thickening may or may not be present. In contrast, dcSSc is characterized by thickening of the skin of the whole extremity, as well as that of the anterior chest, abdomen, and back, with or without facial skin involvement. Multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, can be affected in both forms, though organ involvement is generally less severe in lcSSc.

CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) occurs frequently in lcSSC but can also occur in longstanding dcSSc.

The antibodies are also found in patients with other autoimmune diseases, including approximately 90% of patients with mixed connective tissue disease.

Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) is an important marker often measured in blood tests to evaluate iron status in the body. Essentially, UIBC represents the reserve capacity of transferrin, a protein that binds iron and transports it through the bloodstream. When a healthcare provider measures UIBC, they are determining how much transferrin is not currently bound to iron. This information is crucial because it helps to assess whether there is too much or too little iron in the body. For instance, a high UIBC indicates that there is a large amount of transferrin available for binding, which usually suggests iron deficiency. Conversely, a low UIBC might indicate that most of the transferrin is already saturated with iron, pointing to conditions like iron overload or hemochromatosis. By combining UIBC with other iron-related tests, such as serum iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC), healthcare providers can gain a comprehensive understanding of a patient's iron metabolism. This helps in diagnosing various conditions related to iron imbalances, enabling appropriate treatment plans to be formulated.

Unsaturated/Saturated Ratio Index Includes: 

- Omega 3 FA (EPA, DHA, ALA)

- Omega 6 FA (LA, AA, DA)

- Saturated FA (Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic)

-- Increasing polyunsaturated (PUFA) intake lowers LDL-C and decreases heart disease risk.

-- Increased intake of PUFA lowers LDL-C by increasing LDL receptor activity.

The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

The pyrimidine metabolites are markers of folate metabolism. The two markers are uracil and thymine. Folate acts as a methyl donor in converting uracil to thymine.

Elevated values of uracil suggest folic acid deficiency. Folate is needed to convert uracil to thymine by methylation.

The levels of uranium (U) in hair usually reflect levels of U in other tissues. However, hair may be externally contaminated by shampoos or hair products that contain U.

U is a nonessential element that is very abundant in rock, particularly granite, lignite, monazite sands, and phosphate rocks. U is present at widely varying levels in drinking water, root vegetables, and present in high phosphate fertilizers. Other sources of U include: ceramics, some colored glass, many household products and tailings from U mines. Spent U rods have been milled into armor piercing bullets and missile heads.

Urinary uranium (U) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. This test measures U238 which is the most abundant, naturally occurring U isotope.

All ten isotopes of U are radioactive; U-238 is the most abundant naturally occurring isotope and lowest energy emitter. It is important to note that the measured U-238 represents naturally occurring U, and does not indicate or imply exposure to highly enriched U-235 which is used in nuclear power and weaponry.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found on earth found in nearly all rocks and soils. It is used as fuel for nuclear power plants and the nuclear reactors that run naval ships and submarines. It can also be used in nuclear weapons. Depleted uranium is used in military applications, including as a shield to protect against ionizing radiation, as armor in military vehicles, in munitions to help them penetrate enemy armored vehicles, and as a counterbalance on helicopter rotors. Uranium can be ingested through the lungs, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and can be absorbed through the skin. Uranium can stick to plant roots so unwashed root vegetables are a primary source of uranium in the diet. However, Brazil nuts are also found to have high levels. The majority of uranium that is inhaled through the lungs or ingested through the GI tract is not absorbed and leaves the body through the feces.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.

Sources:

Largely limited to use as a nuclear fuel. Present naturally in air, water, food, and soil. The uranyl ion forms water-soluble compounds and is an important component in body fluids. Three different kinds are defined: natural, enriched, and depleted uranium(DU). The radiological and chemical propertiesof natural and DU have similar chemotoxicity, though natural is 60% more radiotoxic.

Nutrient Interactions:

U is reactive. It can combine with and affect the metabolism of lactate, citrate, pyruvate, carbonate,and phosphate, causing mitochondrialdamage. It replaces calciumin bone.

Fecal uranium (U) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent U that has been excreted from the body in bile. The levels of U in feces has been used to estimate total daily intake of U. Most U passes through the intestine unabsorbed. Excretion of U from the body occurs via bile and urine.

Sources:

Largely limited to use as a nuclear fuel. Present naturally in air, water, food, and soil. The uranyl ion forms water-soluble compounds and is an important component in body fluids. Three different kinds are defined: natural, enriched, and depleted uranium(DU). The radiological and chemical propertiesof natural and DU have similar chemotoxicity, though natural is 60% more radiotoxic.

Nutrient Interactions:

U is reactive. It can combine with and affect the metabolism of lactate, citrate, pyruvate, carbonate,and phosphate, causing mitochondrialdamage. It replaces calciumin bone.

Uranium (U) is an abundant element on earth. Its widespread use in military and industry, including nuclear power, has increased human exposure. Uranium can be ingested or inhaled and is cleared in urine rapidly, although some will pool in bone and kidney tissues. Uranium toxicity in humans leads to renal damage. Lung cancer is commonly associated with inhaled uranium. Urine can be a sensitive specimen for uranium exposure, but assessment should be undertaken promptly. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate 1.4% has been used to treat uranium toxicity and inositol hexaphosphate has been used in animal studies.