Purpose of running this test:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage lipid, protein, and nucleic acid in your cells by oxidizing them. This increases the chemical stress in your body called oxidative stress. A result of oxidative stress is damage to your DNA, which produces 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which is excreted in your urine. Your level of oxidative stress can be determined by running an Oxidative Damage Test.
Numerous articles and research studies have indicated that urinary 8-OHdG is not only a marker for generalized, cellular oxidative stress, but might also be associated with a high risk for cancer, including bladder and prostate cancer. In addition, it has been associated with other health conditions, including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, atopic dermatitis, and diabetes. Evidence suggests that higher levels of 8-OHdG are also seen in cases of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression.
Elevated levels of urinary 8-OHdG have been detected in patients with various types of cancers. Increased levels of modified DNA and 8-OHdG have been found in human atherosclerotic plaque. Elevated urinary 8-OHdG and leukocyte DNA were also detected in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, and the level of urinary 8-OHdG in diabetes correlated with the severity of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy.
| Result | This table contains the rationale behind my suggestions. These suggestions are for your consideration. Defer your choices to your own health care practitioner, as always. |
| 8 OHdG | Consider using antioxidants such as the comprehensive antioxidant blend in Ultifend. Also, consider Resveratrol, Pycnogenol, and NADH. Quercetin has been reported to be of particular help for DNA damage. However, quercetin can inhibit COMT, so this may be non-optimal for those who are COMT ++. The use of BH4 and MTHFR A1298C Liver Support capsules should also be considered, as healthy levels of BH4 may help to reduce reactive oxygen species. Ultimate B and Green Tea are a natural way to supplement low dose vitamin PQQ, as well as Chervil. |
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Related Tests to Run
High levels of oxidized molecules on a UAA, for example, methionine sulfoxide, cystine, or homocystine, may suggest pro-oxidant conditions in your body, and this Oxidative Damage Test may be useful.
High levels of H2S, which can be generated due to excessive transulfuration pathway activity, may be a direct cause of DNA damage. If your levels of taurine are particularly high on a UAA, if you clearly have problems with sulfite, if your level of sulfur is high on a HMT and UEE, and/or molybdenum and B12 are low, then you should consider doing this test to assess oxidative damage to your DNA, as well as supporting with Molybdenum and B12 once lithium is determined to be in balance.
Toxic metals, in particular cadmium and nickel, are a source of DNA damage. Also, a lack of BH4 may generate reactive oxygen species. In assessing the need for BH4, tests such as the UAA and the Neopterin / Biopterin Profile Urine Test are helpful.
