The "CD8-CD57+ Lymphocytes (Absolute)" marker on an HNK1 (CD57) panel from Labcorp represents a specific measurement of immune cells within your blood, quantified absolutely rather than as a percentage of total lymphocytes. This test focuses on a subset of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes, both critical components of your immune system's arsenal against infections and malignancies. These CD8-CD57+ cells, often referred to in the context of natural killer cell function due to their ability to directly attack and kill virus-infected cells or tumor cells without the need for prior activation, are unique. When you have a higher or lower than normal absolute count of these cells, it can be indicative of various health conditions. For example, a low absolute count of CD8-CD57+ lymphocytes is often observed in patients suffering from chronic conditions like Lyme disease, indicating a weakened immune response possibly due to the prolonged battle against the infection. On the other hand, understanding the high end of these counts is less straightforward but could suggest an active immune response to an infection or stress. This marker is particularly useful for clinicians in the context of diagnosing and managing chronic infectious diseases, as it provides insight into the state of the immune system's natural killer cell function. However, interpreting the results of this marker should always be done within the broader context of a patient's overall health, symptoms, and other laboratory findings to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their immune status.

The CD57 test is offered in some clinical laboratories and is being used by some health practitioners to evaluate and follow patients diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease.

CENP-A stands for centromere proteins A.

Centromere antibodies can be directed against a number of centromere proteins (CENP), including CENP-A, -B, and -C, though CENP-B is thought to be the main target.

These antibodies are found in 20% to 40% of patients with SSc and are associated with the lcSSc subtype.

Furthermore, centromere antibodies are included in the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria. However, these antibodies can occur in other connective tissue diseases, including:

- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),

- primary biliary cholangitis,

- rheumatoid arthritis,

- and Sjögren syndrome.

CENP-B stands for centromere proteins B.

Centromere antibodies can be directed against a number of centromere proteins (CENP), including CENP-A, -B, and -C, though CENP-B is thought to be the main target.

These antibodies are found in 20% to 40% of patients with SSc and are associated with the lcSSc subtype.

Furthermore, centromere antibodies are included in the 2013 ACR-EULAR classification criteria. However, these antibodies can occur in other connective tissue diseases, including:

- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),

- primary biliary cholangitis,

- rheumatoid arthritis,

- and Sjögren syndrome.

Centromere B Antibody is diagnostic for the form of scleroderma known as CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal immotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia).

With a high specificity and a prevalence of 80 to 95%, antibodies against centromeres are pathognomonic for the limited form of progressive systemic sclerosis and can be detected even before the onset of the disease. If the corresponding clinical indication is given, the quantitative determination of antibodies with a monospecific test system, e.g. the Anti-Centromeres ELISA, is recommended.

Function:

Cerebellum is the part of the brain controlling movement and balance. Inside the cerebellar cortex there are large neurons called Purkinje’s cells. The Cerebellar antibodies test measures antibodies against the cerebellum Purkinje’s Cell Antigens.

Antibodies Appear:

- Autism

- Celiac Disease

- Gluten Ataxia

- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Syndrome

- Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome

Known Cross-Reactions:

gliadin, tumor cells, Milk butyrophilin

Function:

Cerebellum is the part of the brain controlling movement and balance. Inside the cerebellar cortex there are large neurons called Purkinje’s cells. The Cerebellar antibodies test measures antibodies against the cerebellum Purkinje’s Cell Antigens.

Antibodies Appear:

- Autism

- Celiac Disease

- Gluten Ataxia

- Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration Syndrome

- Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome

Known Cross-Reactions:

gliadin, tumor cells, Milk butyrophilin

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body's iron metabolism. This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in the blood.

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing enzyme that plays a role in the body's iron metabolism. This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in the blood.

Fecal cesium (CS) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent Cs that has been excreted from the body in bile. Naturally occurring Cs is not radioactive and is referred to as stable Cs (Cs133). Cesium is a naturally occurring element found combined with other elements in rocks, soil, and dust in low amounts. Humans may be exposed to Cs at relatively low levels from air and diet. Cesium-chloride is used as a lubricant to facilitate drilling for oil and natural gas. As such Cs may contaminate surface and ground water, and certain crops in close proximity to drilling sites.

Cesium is a naturally occurring element found combined with other elements in rocks, soil, and dust in low amounts. It is used to make atomic clocks, optical glass, and vacuum tubes. Nuclear explosions or the breakdown of uranium in fuel elements can produce radioactive forms of cesium. Exposure to stable or radioactive cesium occurs from ingesting contaminated food or drinking water or breathing contaminated air. In muscle cells, cesium competes with, and displaces, potassium. Such exposures may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, fatigue, muscle weakness, and palpitations. In severe conditions, it can cause cardiac arrhythmia, coma, and even death. Cesium can cause DNA damage which can affect genomic stability. Altered in genomic stability is a hallmark of aging. Thus, cesium toxicity may accelerate aging owing to its contribution to genomic instability.

Naturally occurring Cs can be found in a stable form. Radioactive Cs is produced by the fission of uranium in fuel elements, usually near nuclear power plants. These are unstable but eventually become stable through radioactive decay. Some Cs can be found in air, water, and soil (and thereby food) based on location near nuclear plants.

Higher levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D3) have been linked to enhanced absorption of radioactive isotopes like cesium. Cs and potassium compete for uptake and cell membrane potential.

Utilization of breath methane levels for SIBO assessment is controversial largely due to a lack of validation related to diagnostic specifics such as timing and magnitude of increase; however, CH4 measurements are increasingly obtained to address other clinical questions. Recent evidence has associated CH4 production with the pathogenesis of common clinical conditions, such as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.