Mental health, stress, fatigue

FlorInScan

Laboratoires Réunis has many years of experience in the field of intestinal health and stool analysis. For nearly 17 years, we have been offering the FlorInScan extensive stool analysis. The individual profiles are continuously developed and adapted according to the latest scientific findings.

The following FlorInScan and other profiles are available at Laboratoires Réunis for targeted diagnostics and prevention:

FlorInScan includes the classical, quantitative, culture-based determination of fecal microflora (aerobic and anaerobic flora, fungi and yeasts), as well as the analysis of digestive performance by determining food residues,  the pH value and pancreatic elastase. An examination for occult blood in stool is also included. FlorInScan is an important component of preventive and personalized medicine for unclear gastrointestinal complaints or diseases of allergic or immunological origin.

FlorInScan Plus is an advanced screening: in addition to the determination of fecal microflora status, digestive performance and blood in stool, immunological and inflammatory markers (secretory IgA, calprotectin and alpha-1-antitrypsin) are included. These markers allow conclusions on invasive mucosal changes and permeability disorders, e.g. in the context of allergies and chronic inflammatory processes or tumors.

FlorInScan microbiome profile is our newly developed extensive profile based on molecular microbiome analysis. It includes the determination and quantification of health-related, anaerobic bacteria, which can only be detected by molecular genetic methods.

The FlorInScan microbiome profile ideally complements the classic, cultural-based FlorInScan analysis. The analysis of these relevant bacterial groups can additionally be included in the medical interpretation and prevention of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and diabetes as well as in further therapy.

Fatty acid nutrition and metabolism can influence inflammation risks. The test analyzes the variations in genes associated with utilization of fatty acids. The results can be used by doctors to recommend the optimal nutrition or supplementation in regard to omega3/6 fatty acid metabolism for the individual patient.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the nervous system to relay information from one nerve to another. An optimal neurotransmitter balance is necessary to maintain proper health. Imbalances can cause the brain and the body to be over- or under-stimulated, producing neurological or psychological symptoms as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia or impulsivity.

At Laboratoires Réunis we offer the following neurotransmitters stress profiles:

• Neurotransmitter stress profile basic (serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline)
  
• Neurotransmitter stress profile complete (catecholamines, glutamate, GABA, serotonin, creatinine)
  

These three neurotransmitter catabolites reflect the activity of neurotransmitters involved in cognitive functions and in the control of mood:

• Vanillylmandelic acid
• Homovanillic acid
• 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid

Preventive genetic test against Alzheimer’s disease

The BRAINgen test analyzes genetic polymorphisms known to be involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease as well as its possible underlying causes such as lipid metabolic disorders, inflammation processes and other independent disorders involved in other metabolic pathways.

BRAINgen allows to reduce the relative risk by preventive measures.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

The PHARMAgen Customized Analysis enables physicians to gather relevant information about pharmacogenetic and drug interactions without it being necessary to know what drug pathways are involved. Three different approaches are possible, if the information is scientifically available:

• the physician prescribes a PHARMAgen test for any drug and gets pharmacogenetic information,
• the physician provides a list of drugs which a patient is already treated with and asks for drug interactions or possible pharmacogenetic issues, or finally
• the physician may also prescribe the genetic analysis of known polymorphisms of any phase I enzyme.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

Preventive genetic test against emotional instability

EMOgen analyzes polymorphisms in relation with the metabolism of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin), the homocysteine metabolism, serotonin synthesis and transport. This test allows to counteract the development of depression and anxiety disorders.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

Preventive genetic test against neurodegenerative diseases

NEUROgen analyzes polymorphisms involved in oxidative stress and detoxification processes, protein activity in relation with nervous system, all of them playing a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It allows reducing the relative risk by preventive measures such as suitable dietary habits and/or lifestyle.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

Lyme borreliosis is the most common bacterial disease in Europe transmitted by ticks. Depending on the region 5-35% of the ticks are infected. The clinical manifestations are multi-faceted; especially the chronic form with inflammation of the nervous system, the heart muscle and the joints is a therapeutic challenge. Efficient diagnostic tests are therefore essential for appropriate treatment measures.

The following tests are available at Laboratoires Réunis for targeted diagnostics and prevention:

• Serology
• ELIspot
• Borrelia detection in ticks (PCR)
• LTT (only available in Luxembourg)

Short-chain fatty acids are formed in the intestine during the metabolism of fibers and complex carbohydrates by bacteria. The fatty acids acetate, propionate and butyrate are particularly important: they are the main source of energy for the intestinal epithelium, stimulate the formation of mucus, have anti-inflammatory effects (mainly butyrate) and counteract weigh increase (mainly propionate).

A balanced ratio of short-chain fatty acids is thus essential for intestinal health. With the help of the profile for short-chain fatty acids, targeted nutritional measures as well as combinations with special probiotics can be taken.

Preventive genetic test against nicotine addiction

The NICOTINEgen profile characterizes genetic variations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor associated with nicotine addiction. Results allow to define the risk of addiction and to facilitate the choice between a nicotine replacement therapy (patches or chewing-gum containing nicotine) or a medical therapy (e.g. bupropion or varenicline).

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited  laboratory.

Oxidative stress

Oxygen is vital because it allows the production of energy from organic matter. Paradoxically, oxygen can also be harmful: physiological processes such as cellular respiration or protective mechanisms of the body constantly produce highly reactive oxygen compounds, including free radicals, all highly toxic.

Oxidative stress is defined as a disturbance in the balance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to neutralize them leading to an accumulation of free radicals. Oxidative stress over a long period may promote the development of diseases: cardiovascular diseases, chronic infectious diseases, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases and even cancer. Besides, oxidative stress plays also an important role in aging.

The factors or conditions below may contribute to oxidative stress:

• Heavy physical efforts
• Unbalanced diet
• Consumption of tobacco and alcohol
• Chronic fatigue
• Physical or mental stress
• Chronic and inflammatory diseases
• Treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, oral contraception
• Pollution, UV radiation
• Infections

There is a conclusive link between high levels of oxidative stress and a patient’s health.
However, in more than 80% of cases, it is possible to reduce oxidative stress and thus to improve health status, regardless of clinical context or patient’s age.

Targeted laboratory diagnoses are therefore essential for an early diagnosis and treatment of oxidative stress.

Laboratoires Réunis offers, in addition to a wide range of individual analyses, the following laboratory diagnostic profiles for the detection of oxidative stress:

• Oxidative stress-base profile: antioxidative capacity, oxidized LDL and 8-OHdG
• Profile of complete oxidative stress: antioxidant capacity, 8-OHdG, oxidized LDL, SOD, GPX, Se, Zn, Vit A & E, ubiquinone, citrulline, nitrotyrosine,
• Nitrosative stress profile: ubiquinone, nitrotyrosine, nitrophenylacetic acid, citrulline

Genetic test to determine the bioavailability of free vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates several biological functions but up to 90% of vitamin D is bound to the vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) being responsible  for its transportation.
Less than 1% of the vitamin D only is freely available and therefore biologically active.
By investigating SNPs within the VDBP gene, which are associated with a different affinity to vitamin D metabolites, freeVitaminDgen detects if there is a deficiency of bioavailable vitamin D.

This test is carried out on a sub-contracted basis by an accredited laboratory.

Vitamins are crucial parts of biochemical conversions in the body, such as co-factors in enzyme reactions and play an important role against oxidative stress. Deficiency or excess of vitamins can lead to a decreased function of several (organ) systems and the human body as a whole. Therefore, vitamin testing gives insight into absolute and relative deficiencies, and provides information about the impact of dietary changes and supplementations.

Laboratoires Réunis offers the following tests related to vitamins:

• Vitamin B3
• folic acid (vitamin B9)
• Vitamin B12
• Holotranscobalamin (active vitamin B12)
• freeVitaminDgen (genetic test to determine the bio-availability of free vitamin D)
• Biotin (vitamin H)

Minerals are dissolved substances that are present within and outside the body cell. They are essential for several metabolic processes like enzyme activation, regulation of water balance and pH. Increased or decreased levels can impair metabolic processes and additionally give information about possible diseases.

Laboratoires Réunis offers complete analysis of minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium. Single analysis on demand.