What Is The MitoSwab Test?
This profile assesses for key steps in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain
There are various ways of assessing mitochondrial function, including blood testing. The organic acids test (OAT) is an excellent profile that shows various mitochondrial markers and indicators of mitochondrial dysfunction that can be influenced by toxins, nutrients deficiencies, and other factors. The OAT is a critical test to perform for anyone suspected of having mitochondrial problems. Through Integrative Medicine Academy we have the Advanced OAT Mastery Course which covers this profile in detail. However, the OAT is often complemented by another worthwhile profile called the MitoSwab Test.
This laboratory test measures the activity of three key factors within the mitochondrial related to the citric acid cycle, aka Krebs cycle (Kc), and the electron transport chain (ETC). The three markers are:
· Citrate synthase – this is the first enzyme in Kc activity and is considered the rate-limiting enzyme in the first stage of mitochondrial metabolism. Lack of citrate synthase activity will greatly compromise overall mitochondria function.
· Complex I – the first and largest complex of the ETC. It can be defective genetically, but environmental factors compromise its function too. This complex has the highest potential for generating oxidative damage within the mitochondria.
· Complex IV – the final official complex of the ETC that turns oxygen into water which leads to large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production need for energy.
The MitoSwab Test is sampled from a buccal swab and has approximately an 84% correlation for mitochondrial defects compared to muscle biopsy. This test is recommended to do along with the organic acids test (OAT) from Mosaic Diagnostics (formally Great Plains Laboratory) for a more comprehensive assessment of mitochondria imbalances.
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