When To Order The Advanced Oxidative Stress Test from Precision Point Diagnostics

Precision Point Diagnostics Advanced Oxidative Stress Test

The Advanced Oxidative Stress test shows how much oxidative stress there is in the body and how effectively antioxidant enzymes remove it. Reactive oxygen species (ROS, also called free radicals) are produced by virtually every metabolic process in the body and are counterbalanced by the action of antioxidants. Mitochondria are the main producers of ROS and the main victims of ROS. Two systems are important for proper removal of ROS. One is intracellular reduced glutathione, the primary antioxidant found within cells. The other is the superoxide dismutase (SOD) family, the main enzymes which remove ROS from the cell and mitochondria. When these antioxidants do not function normally, free radicals accumulate, which leads to cellular damage including DNA, protein and lipid membrane dysfunction. Oxidative stress can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, neurologic conditions,  cancers, or toxicity. Oxidative damage to lipids occurs early in the development of atherosclerosis and can lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Oxidative stress can cause high or low levels of an antioxidant enzyme. At the initial onset of oxidative stress, the body produces more of the enzyme to cope with the free radicals. However, with chronic oxidative stress, enzyme levels are depleted and cannot respond properly to the oxidant challenge. Toxins can also deplete antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, treatment options are the same for both high and low levels of levels of GSH. In contrast, F2-isoprostanes and 8-OHdg are elevated in cases of oxidative stress. Generally, treatments include nutritional support for detoxification, stimulation of Nrf2-ARE pathway, antioxidants, minerals, adjunctive nutritional treatments, and elimination of toxins, infection, and environmental sources of oxidative stress. Females may have higher needs for antioxidants.

This short video will help you assess in which situations it is appropriate to order an Advanced Oxidative Stress Test from Precision Point Diagnostics.