Our oxidative stress profile was designed to measure:

cellular antioxidant level,

Intracellular glutathione,

Lipid Peroxide

DNA damage to lipids and DNA is also quantified using TBARS (MDA), 8-F2-Isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguaninosine (8-OHdG).

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are constantly produced by metabolic processes in all living cells. Under normal physiological conditions, cell generated ROS are neutralized by the action of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Should these systems falter, excessive ROS accumulation can lead to cellular damage, including DNA damage, protein oxidation and lipid oxidation which may lead to damage of cell membranes and mitochondria as well as the progression of conditions associated with aging.

The Oxidative Stress Test measures two systems for removing ROS from the cell. The first is intracellular reduced glutathione, the primary antioxidant found within cells and the second being the superoxide dismutase (SOD) family, the main enzymes which remove ROS from the cell and mitochondria. In addition to evaluating the cells ability to remove ROS, damage to lipids and DNA is also quantified using TBARS (MDA), F2-Isoprostane and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguaninosine (8-OHdG). TBARS is a measure of oxidative stress caused either by environmental factors or internal causes, i.e. reduced glutathione levels or reduced SOD activity. F2-isoprostane is pro-inflammatory. It is downstream from arachodonic acid and creates inflammation within the brain and is vasoconstrictive. 8-OHdG is correlated with an increased risk of cancer and neurologic disorders. This profile demonstrates the antioxidant capacity of the cell, the removal of ROS and the damage created as a result of excess ROS.

Measuring and treating oxidative stress helps prevent aging and age related conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.