Neurotransmitters: brain health

#102:

The Role of #Neurotransmitters in Health and Disease, and their Detection via LC-MS/MS in Urine and Blood

#Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers of the brain, transmitting signals between neurons and playing essential roles in regulating a variety of bodily functions, including mood, cognition, sleep, and motor skills. Some key neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and norepinephrine. Each has a unique role in the nervous system, and disruptions in their levels or activity can lead to a range of diseases and disorders.

In #neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s, neurotransmitter imbalances are closely linked to the degradation of neuronal function. For instance, dopamine deficiency in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, while glutamate is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. #Cancers of the nervous system can also involve disrupted neurotransmitter pathways, as tumor cells may release or respond to neurotransmitters in abnormal ways that can aid in tumor growth, invasiveness, and immune evasion.

#Sleep disorders like insomnia and hypersomnia are closely related to neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and #GABA. For example, serotonin plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and imbalances can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying awake. In #autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurotransmitter dysfunctions in serotonin, dopamine, and GABA pathways are increasingly noted, suggesting a potential role in the social, behavioral, and communication challenges associated with ASD.

Why Test Neurotransmitters via LC-MS/MS in #Blood and #Urine?

Blood and urine testing of neurotransmitters has become critical for diagnosing and understanding these diseases. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is particularly effective for this purpose because it provides high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for the accurate measurement of neurotransmitter levels even in minute concentrations. Unlike other methods, LC-MS/MS can detect a wide range of neurotransmitters and their metabolites, providing a comprehensive view of neurotransmitter function.

Urine samples are typically used to assess neurotransmitter #metabolites and breakdown products, which can indicate how neurotransmitters are processed in the body. Blood samples, on the other hand, reflect more immediate levels of circulating neurotransmitters and may indicate real-time neurotransmitter dynamics. Together, these samples provide a fuller picture of neurotransmitter imbalances, aiding in diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and guiding treatment. This approach is particularly valuable in personalized medicine, where tailoring treatment to individual neurochemical profiles can improve outcomes in complex conditions like neurodegenerative diseases, sleep disorders, and ASD.

A sample report (with 20 biomarkers and their significance) is available on request!

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