Folates function as cofactors in the transfer and utilization of one carbon groups. These reactions are essential for the production of purines and pyrimidines for DNA synthesis. Folates also play a major role in the regeneration of methionine from homocysteine. In pregnancy, poor body stores of folates may lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Folates function as cofactors in the transfer and utilization of one carbon groups. These reactions are essential for the production of purines and pyrimidines for DNA synthesis. Folates also play a major role in the regeneration of methionine from homocysteine. In pregnancy, poor body stores of folates may lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

5-OH-indoleacetic Acid is a breakdown product of serotonin that is excreted in the urine. Serotonin is a hormone found at high levels in many body tissues. Serotonin and 5-OH-indoleacetic Acid are produced in excess amounts by carcinoid tumors, and levels of these substances may be measured in the urine to test for carcinoid tumors.

5-OH-indoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA) is a downstream metabolite of serotonin, which is formed from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Most blood serotonin and urinary 5-HIAA comes from serotonin formation outside of the CNS, primarily the liver and enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Serotonin is further metabolized by monoamine oxidase to become 5-HIAA.

Pyroglutamate (or 5-Oxoproline) is an intermediate in the glutathione metabolism and a marker of glutathione deficiency.

Pregnenetriol is a metabolite of 17a-pregnenolone, an intermediary resulting from the hydroxylation of pregnenolone by CYP17A1 enzyme.

Two types of antibodies are detected in the Western blot test.

This particular marker is called 58 KD (IGG) Band and hence is a IgG antibody marker. IgG antibodies are a sign of an older infection. In contrast, IgM antibodies reflect a relatively recent infection. 

IgM antibodies usually disappear after eight weeks post-exposure. 
IgG remains in the serum for a very long time. 

5a,3a–androstanediol is a neuroactive steroid that enhances dopamine activity, important for mood elevation.

5a,3a-Androstanediol, a metabolite of the potent androgen 5a-Dihydrotestosterone (5a-DHT), is a significant marker in the ZRT Laboratory Urinary Neurotransmitters panel, emphasizing its role in male health and hormonal balance. This metabolite provides insight into the body's androgen metabolism, particularly reflecting the activity of 5a-DHT, a key hormone in male physiology.

In men, 5a,3a-Androstanediol is involved in several critical functions, including the development and maintenance of male characteristics, regulation of mood and libido, and influence on hair growth patterns. Abnormal levels of this metabolite can indicate issues in androgen metabolism, which might manifest in conditions such as male pattern baldness, prostate health concerns, and potential mood disorders.

5a,3a–androstanediol is a neuroactive steroid that enhances dopamine activity, important for mood elevation.

3a-Androstanediol (often abbreviated as 3a-diol), also known as 5a-androstane-3a,17b-diol, is an endogenous inhibitory androstane neurosteroid and a weak androgen, and a major metabolite of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As a neurosteroid, it acts as a potent positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, and has been found to have rewarding, anxiolytic, pro-sexual, and anticonvulsant effects. Relative to its isomer 3b-androstanediol, which is a potent estrogen, 3a-androstanediol has substantially lower, though still significant affinity for the estrogen receptors.

5a-Androstanediol is a testosterone metabolite that is more androgenic than b-Androstanediol. It is metabolized via the 5-alpha metabolic pathway (= increased 5α-reductase activity). In contrast, the 5-beta metabolism makes androgens less potent.

Increased 5a-reductase activity may be accompanied by clinical signs of androgenicity (excess facial hair growth, scalp hair loss, acne, irritability, oily skin, prostate issues in men...etc).

5A-AD is a metabolite of 5αDHT.

Research suggests:

- that postmenopausal women may experience low levels of this metabolite.

- elevations of this pathway in females maybe due to PCOS and hirsutism.

5a-DHT is a testosterone metabolite. 

5a-DHT is essential for the development of the male sex characteristics before birth, particularly the formation of the external genitalia. In the adult, 5a-DHT is needed to develop and maintain male gender characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. In women, 5a-DHT may induce the onset of puberty and causes the body and pubic hair growth.

Increased 5a-DHT levels are found in about 40% of patients with idiopathic hirsutism and 35% of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (=PCOS).

5a-DHT is a testosterone metabolite. 

5a-DHT is essential for the development of the male sex characteristics before birth, particularly the formation of the external genitalia. In the adult, 5a-DHT is needed to develop and maintain male gender characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. In women, 5a-DHT may induce the onset of puberty and causes the body and pubic hair growth.

Increased 5a-DHT levels are found in about 40% of patients with idiopathic hirsutism and 35% of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (=PCOS).