Vasoactive intestinal peptide (= VIP) is a neurotransmitter, widely distributed through the central and peripheral nervous system with the highest concentration occurring in the submucosal postganglionic intrinsic nerves of the intestinal tract. 

Normally VIP has a low blood concentration and does not change with meals.

What are the functions of Vasoactive intestinal peptide?

VIP is considered a hormone and is found in the pancreas, intestine, and central nervous system. It has many functions in the body, such as:

→ functions as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter

→ helping to control the secretion of water, salts, enzymes, and gastric acid during digestion. 

→ regulates smooth muscle activity, epithelial cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract 

→ being a potent vasodilator [open (dilate) blood vessels]

→ has effects on the immune system and the central nervous system. 

→ it functions as a neurohormone and paracrine mediator, being released from nerve terminals and acting locally on receptor-bearing cells.

The Vasopressin test measures the level of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in blood.

The marker "VCA gp125 (IgG)" is an important component of a comprehensive test that aims to detect potential neural autoimmunity, which can affect the nervous system and brain health. "VCA" stands for Viral Capsid Antigen, and "gp125" refers to a specific glycoprotein component of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) that this test targets. The "IgG" in the name signifies Immunoglobulin G, a type of antibody. In the context of this test, the presence of IgG antibodies against the VCA gp125 indicates a past or ongoing immune response to the EBV.

The Epstein-Barr Virus is known for its association with various conditions, including but not limited to, mononucleosis, certain cancers, and potentially contributing to autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions. The NeuralZoomer Plus panel, offered by Vibrant Wellness, includes this marker as part of its broader effort to identify autoantibodies that could signal the presence of neurological conditions, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing potential autoimmune-related neurological disorders. This tool is particularly valuable for identifying silent or subclinical conditions that may otherwise go unnoticed, enabling early intervention strategies to prevent or mitigate long-term health issues related to neural autoimmunity.

The venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) is a blood test that can identify syphilis infections. Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

A VDRL test measures antibodies that are often produced within one to two weeks after an infected person develops an initial sore. VDRL testing can be performed on blood or spinal fluid.

Serologic tests provide only indirect evidence of syphilis and may be reactive in the absence of clinical, historical, or epidemiologic evidence of syphilis. The VDRL usually becomes reactive within the first few weeks after infection, peaks during the first year, and then slowly declines, so that low titers (levels) are seen in late syphilis. It can revert to negative in the absence of treatment in about 25% of cases. 

Presence of vegetable fibers is indicative of improper chewing or digestive insufficiency.

Vegetable fibers in the stool may be indicative of inadequate chewing, or eating “on the run”.

VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. VEGF is a growth factor that promotes the growth of new blood vessels. The body makes VEGF in response to low oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia. Thus, when tissues are receiving too little oxygen rich blood flow, VEGF is produced to provide a better blood supply to the tissues. VEGF also increases the permeability or leakiness of blood vessels. In fact, one form of VEGF, VEGF-A was once known as vascular permeability factor. VEGF plays a role in cell metabolism, bone formation, and blood cell creation (hematopoiesis). Unfortunately, cancer cells also produce VEGF to help improve their own blood flow. Interestingly, cancer treatments have been developed to block the action of VEGF to starve cancerous tumors of blood flow.

The marker VEGF, Serum refers to a specific test that measures the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a person's blood serum. VEGF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth of blood vessels. This test is important because abnormal levels of VEGF can indicate various medical conditions, such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and eye disorders. By measuring VEGF in the serum, doctors can gain valuable insights into a patient's vascular health and the potential progression of certain diseases. This information helps in diagnosing conditions early and guiding appropriate treatment strategies to manage or improve the patient's health outcomes.

Veillonella are anaerobic, gram-negative cocci, part of the normal flora of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal tract.

Veillonella are anaerobic, gram-negative cocci, part of the normal flora of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal tract.

Quantitative Assessment:

VCL is a quantitative parameter used to assess sperm motility. It is one of the factors evaluated during a semen analysis to determine the quality and functionality of sperm.

Velocity of Straight Line (VSL) is an important parameter measured in semen analysis to assess sperm motility. VSL refers to the time-average velocity of a sperm head as it moves along a straight line between its first and last detected positions. It is a crucial aspect of sperm motility evaluation and provides insights into the ability of sperm to move efficiently in a forward direction.

In terms of what is considered a good VSL value in semen analysis, the specific threshold can vary depending on laboratory standards and reference values. However, generally, a VSL value above 25-30 micrometers per second (μm/s) is often considered indicative of healthy sperm motility. Higher VSL values suggest that sperm are capable of progressive, forward movement, which is essential for successful fertilization.

Verrucarin A (VRA) is a macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxin produced from Stachybotrys, Fusarium, and Myrothecium. Trichothecenes are frequently found in buildings with water damage but can also be found in contaminated grain. VRA is a small, amphipathic molecule that can move passively across cell membranes.

Verrucarin and Verrucarol are trichothecene mycotoxins mainly produced by Fusarium and Aspergillus species and are known to cause tremors, immune toxicity, inflammation, are cytotoxic (= can damage cells or cause them to die), and are potent protein synthesis inhibitors (= stops or slows the growth or proliferation of cells by disrupting the processes that lead directly to the generation of new proteins).

Verrucarin and Verrucarol are trichothecene mycotoxins mainly produced by Fusarium and Aspergillus species and are known to cause tremors, immune toxicity, inflammation, are cytotoxic (= can damage cells or cause them to die), and are potent protein synthesis inhibitors (= stops or slows the growth or proliferation of cells by disrupting the processes that lead directly to the generation of new proteins).