M.A.P 1.0

The Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0, developed by DHA Laboratory, is a laboratory test designed to shed light on the underlying biochemical disturbances that may contribute to mental health disorders. At the core of many mental illnesses is a trio of pathological processes: microglial cell activation, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity.

These conditions are pivotal in understanding the etiology of neuropsychiatric symptoms because they can lead to imbalances in neurotransmitters and damage to neuronal structures, ultimately affecting brain function. The Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 aims to provide clinicians and patients with a comprehensive metabolic snapshot that could help in identifying these disturbances.

This test encompasses a wide array of biomarkers including but not limited to AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), Glucose, Total Protein, Uric Acid and several others, each offering clues about different aspects of metabolic and neurochemical health.

For instance, markers like hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) are indicators of systemic inflammation, which is closely linked to neuroinflammation. Similarly, levels of neurotransmitter metabolites such as Homocysteine, Histamine, and Kryptopyrrole provide insight into the biochemical imbalances that might be contributing to psychiatric symptoms.

This unique panel also reveals nutrient deficiencies that can contribute to hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances, promote neuroinflammation and that have been linked to depression [2., 5.].  Specifically, the Mental M.A.P. 1.0 test includes zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin, and a full iron panel.  Using the most accurate blood testing available to assess zinc and copper levels, this panel provides insight into potential neurotransmitter imbalances that may otherwise be missed by clinicians.

Whole blood histamine is also included as a marker because it can more accurately assess complete histamine levels in the blood, which is often missed in plasma histamine tests.  Histamine is implicated in microglial overactivation which may contribute to a range of neurocognitive and mental health disorders including depression and Parkinson’s disease.  [3.]  

By assessing these and other related biomarkers, the Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 test can help in identifying individual biochemical profiles, paving the way for targeted treatment strategies. It's important to note that blood draws for this test must be performed at Labcorp, ensuring standardized collection procedures and accurate results.

Who should get a Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0?

The Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 test is particularly suited for individuals experiencing a wide range of psychiatric symptoms or mental health disorders where the underlying cause may be related to biochemical imbalances, neuroinflammation, or other metabolic dysfunctions.

This test can be a valuable diagnostic tool for patients who have not found relief through standard treatments or for whom a precise diagnosis remains elusive. Here are some specific patient groups and symptoms that may benefit from undergoing a Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 test:

Patients with Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Individuals who have tried conventional psychiatric medications (such as SSRIs for depression) without significant improvement may have underlying biochemical issues that this test could help identify.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: These conditions often have overlapping symptoms with mental health disorders, including cognitive impairments and mood disturbances, which could stem from neuroinflammatory processes.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Early detection of metabolic and neurochemical imbalances may provide insights into conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, where neuroinflammation is a contributing factor.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD: Both conditions have been linked to altered neurotransmitter levels, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, making the Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 potentially useful for uncovering specific metabolic dysfunctions.

Depression and Anxiety: Patients with mood disorders including depression and anxiety often exhibit imbalances in neurotransmitter levels, inflammation markers, and other metabolic irregularities that this test can detect. [1.]

Psychotic Disorders: For individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, biomarkers related to inflammation and neurotransmitter metabolism may provide critical insights.

The Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 offers a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of an individual's symptoms. It's designed to complement traditional psychiatric assessments and treatments, providing a targeted strategy that addresses the root causes of mental health issues.

Practical application in the clinic

The clinical applications of the Mental M.A.P.™ 1.0 are broad, supporting clinicians in diagnosing, managing, and optimizing treatment strategies for patients with mental health concerns or cognitive disorders. Here are some key clinical applications:

Identifying Nutritional Deficiencies: The test can detect deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for brain health and cognitive function. Addressing these deficiencies can be a critical step in treating mental health issues.

Assessing Neurotransmitter Metabolism: By evaluating markers related to neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism, the Mental M.A.P.™ can help in understanding imbalances that may contribute to mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Evaluating Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones play a significant role in regulating mood and cognitive function. The test can identify underlying agonists of hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to mental health symptoms.  Correcting these underlying agonists promotes greater efficacy of targeted hormone therapy.

Detecting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression and cognitive decline [4., 9.]. The Mental M.A.P.™ can identify markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, guiding anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments.

Screening for Toxic Exposures: Exposure to heavy metals and other toxins can adversely affect mental health. The test can provide initial screening for liver dysfunction, which may indicate toxic exposures and highlight a need for further testing and implementation of detoxification strategies.

Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: For patients already undergoing treatment for mental health conditions, the Mental M.A.P.™ can provide valuable feedback on the efficacy of treatment plans and guide adjustments.

Personalized Treatment Plans: The comprehensive data from the Mental M.A.P.™ allow healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific biochemical needs of their patients, potentially including dietary recommendations, supplements, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes.

Preventive Healthcare: In individuals at risk of mental health conditions or cognitive decline, the test can serve as a preventive tool, identifying potential issues before they become symptomatic and guiding interventions to maintain mental and cognitive health.

The Mental M.A.P.™ 1.0 is a tool that embodies the principles of functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying causes of disease and treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. It is particularly useful for practitioners working in integrative or functional medicine, psychiatry, and other fields focused on a holistic approach to mental health.

What sample types are collected?

The Mental M.A.P.™️ 1.0 test by DHA Laboratory involves the collection of various sample types to evaluate the comprehensive range of biomarkers included in the panel. The specific types of samples collected can include:

Serum: Many of the test markers, such as hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein), ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), various enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP, GGT), and nutrient levels (iron, copper, zinc), are typically measured in serum. Serum is obtained by allowing blood to clot and then centrifuging it to remove the clot and blood cells, leaving behind the liquid portion (serum) which contains a wide array of biochemical markers.

Plasma: Some tests may require plasma, which is the liquid part of blood that remains after blood has been prevented from clotting and then centrifuged. Plasma is used for tests that require more stable conditions for certain analytes or when the interaction with clotting factors might affect the results.

Whole Blood: Certain analyses, like those for eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate), complete blood counts, or specific nutrient levels (such as magnesium or zinc, which can be measured in red blood cells), might utilize whole blood samples. Whole blood is essential for tests that assess elements within the blood cells or require the context of the blood's complete cellular makeup.

Urine: Tests like the measurement of kryptopyrrole, a biomarker that has been associated with certain mental health conditions, require urine samples. Urine can provide valuable information on the body's excretion of certain metabolites, which can be indicative of metabolic processes and dysfunctions relevant to mental health.

Each sample type is chosen based on the specific requirements for accurately measuring the test's biomarkers. The combination of these different sample types allows for a thorough evaluation of the patient's metabolic state, providing insights into various aspects of neurochemistry, inflammation, nutrient status, and organ function relevant to mental health.

This comprehensive approach ensures that clinicians have access to a wide array of data to inform diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Sample Collection

This test requires a blood draw and a urine sample.  The urine sample may be done at home and sent into the lab using provided shipping materials.  It's important to note that blood draws for this test must be performed at Labcorp, ensuring standardized collection procedures and accurate results.

References

[1] Du J, Zhu M, Bao H, Li B, Dong Y, Xiao C, Zhang GY, Henter I, Rudorfer M, Vitiello B. The Role of Nutrients in Protecting Mitochondrial Function and Neurotransmitter Signaling: Implications for the Treatment of Depression, PTSD, and Suicidal Behaviors. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Nov 17;56(15):2560-2578. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.876960. PMID: 25365455; PMCID: PMC4417658.

[2] Huang, D., Lai, S., Zhong, S. et al. Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011–2016). BMC Psychiatry 23, 498 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-04953-z

[3] Iida T, Yanai K, Yoshikawa T. Histamine and Microglia. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2022;59:241-259. doi: 10.1007/7854_2022_322. PMID: 35538301.

[4] Lambert B, Semmler A, Beer C, Voisey J. Pyrroles as a Potential Biomarker for Oxidative Stress Disorders. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 1;24(3):2712. doi: 10.3390/ijms24032712. PMID: 36769035; PMCID: PMC9917263.

[5] Liu S, Gao X, Zhou S. New Target for Prevention and Treatment of Neuroinflammation: Microglia Iron Accumulation and Ferroptosis. ASN Neuro. 2022 Jan-Dec;14:17590914221133236. doi: 10.1177/17590914221133236. PMID: 36285433; PMCID: PMC9607999.

[6] Müller N. Immunological aspects of the treatment of depression and schizophrenia. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Mar;19(1):55-63. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.1/nmueller. PMID: 28566947; PMCID: PMC5442364.

[7] Swardfager, W., Herrmann, N., Mazereeuw, G.,  et al.  Zinc in Depression: A Meta-Analysis

[8] Biological Psychiatry. Volume 74, Issue 12, P872-878, DECEMBER 15, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.008

[9] Tanaka Ken-ichiro, Kawahara Masahiro.  Copper Enhances Zinc-Induced Neurotoxicity and the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in a Neuronal Model of Vascular Dementia.  Front. Neurosci., 09 February 2017.  Sec. Neurodegeneration.  Volume 11 - 2017 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00058

[10] Troubat R, Barone P, Leman S, Desmidt T, Cressant A, Atanasova B, Brizard B, El Hage W, Surget A, Belzung C, Camus V. Neuroinflammation and depression: A review. Eur J Neurosci. 2021 Jan;53(1):151-171. doi: 10.1111/ejn.14720. Epub 2020 Mar 20. PMID: 32150310.

[11] Ward RJ, Dexter DT, Crichton RR. Iron, Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jun 30;23(13):7267. doi: 10.3390/ijms23137267. PMID: 35806270; PMCID: PMC9266893.

[12] Xiao L, Yang C, Gu W, Liu R, Chen D. Associations between serum copper, zinc, selenium level and sex hormones among 6-19 years old children and adolescents in NHANES 2013-2016. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Sep 12;13:924338. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.924338. PMID: 36171898; PMCID: PMC9511025.

[13] Xuanjun Liu, Shuming Zhong, Zhinan Li, Junhao Chen, Ying Wang, Shunkai Lai, Haofei Miao, Yanbin Jia.  Serum copper and zinc levels correlate with biochemical metabolite ratios in the prefrontal cortex and lentiform nucleus of patients with major depressive disorder.  Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry.  Volume 99, 2020, 109828, ISSN 0278-5846.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109828