Quinolinic Acid

Quinolinic Acid

What's

Quinolinic Acid

Quinolinic Acid is a fascinating compound that your body naturally produces as part of a process called the kynurenine pathway. This pathway is responsible for breaking down an essential amino acid called tryptophan, which you might recognize as the compound in turkey that makes you feel sleepy after a big Thanksgiving meal. Quinolinic Acid is particularly interesting because it plays a role in the communication system of your brain. It's a type of compound called a neuroactive metabolite, which means it can influence the activity of neurons, the cells that transmit information throughout your brain and nervous system. Specifically, Quinolinic Acid interacts with a type of receptor in your brain called the NMDA receptor. This receptor is involved in learning, memory, and behavior. Quinolinic Acid is a small but mighty player in the complex symphony of biochemical reactions that keep your brain functioning smoothly.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of Quinolinic Acid in your body could indicate that your body is breaking down more tryptophan than usual, which might be due to factors like stress, diet, or certain medications. This compound is important for brain communication, particularly in areas related to learning, memory, and behavior. However, too much of it could potentially disrupt these processes, as it might overstimulate the NMDA receptors in your brain. This could be linked to various neurological conditions, such as cognitive disorders or mood imbalances. It's also worth noting that certain medications, like corticosteroids or interferons, can increase the production of Quinolinic Acid. So, if you're taking these medications, it might be contributing to higher levels of this compound in your body.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Quinolinic Acid could include cognitive difficulties, memory problems, mood swings, or behavioral changes.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Quinolinic Acid could mean that your body isn't breaking down tryptophan, an important amino acid, as efficiently as it should. This could potentially affect the way your brain cells communicate with each other, as Quinolinic Acid plays a key role in this process. It interacts with something called the NMDA receptor in your brain, which is involved in learning, memory, and behavior. So, if you have low levels of Quinolinic Acid, it could potentially impact these cognitive functions. Certain factors like specific medications or health conditions could potentially affect the production of Quinolinic Acid in your body.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Quinolinic Acid may not be easily noticeable, but could potentially include difficulties with learning, memory, and behavior due to its role in these cognitive functions.

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See References

Test for

Organic Acids (OAT) by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains)

Urine

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides a comprehensive metabolic analysis of a patient's overall health, including intestinal yeast and bacteria, vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and oxalates.

DUTCH Plus by Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

Saliva

Urine

The DUTCH Plus™ offers an extensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also assesses the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) and includes the insomnia cortisol sample. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 12 years of age.

Metabolomix+ by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Organix® by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

The Organix® (formerly the Organic Acids Test/Metabolic Analysis Profile) assesses important metabolic pathways and provides insights into nutrient status, organic acids, and the body's cellular metabolic process. It is designed to help practitioners identify the root causes of dysfunction and provide a systems-based approach to help patients overcome chronic conditions. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

DUTCH Cycle Mapping + Complete (Dried Urine) by Precision Analytical (DUTCH)

Urine

This bundle combines the DUTCH Cycle Mapping™ and the DUTCH Complete™ tests. It offers a comprehensive hormonal analysis throughout the entire menstrual cycle. This bundle cannot be ordered for patients under 12 years of age.

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