EliteVita
Understanding Biomarkers
Biomarkers, also known as biological markers, serve as crucial indicators of your overall health status, offering a detailed snapshot of your current physiological conditions. These measurable indicators are essential in revealing risk factors, the presence of diseases, and other significant health information, thereby enabling healthcare professionals to intervene at an early stage and devise customised treatment plans tailored to individual needs. Biomarkers are detectable in various bodily fluids and tissues, including blood, saliva, urine, and more, providing valuable clues to a wide array of conditions.
This includes, but is not limited to, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and genetic predispositions. The ability to accurately measure and interpret these markers can lead to better-targeted therapies and more personalised healthcare approaches, ultimately resulting in improved outcomes and a better understanding of one’s health.
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EliteVita's Biomarker Analysis Suite
Our comprehensive biomarker analysis services include:
Insights into Cardiovascular Health: Our service evaluates biomarkers indicative of heart disease risks, aiding in the formulation of preventative and therapeutic actions.
Genetic Risk Analysis: By analysing genetic markers, we provide insights into your susceptibility to inherited conditions, enabling proactive health management.
Detection of Conditions: We pinpoint biomarkers related to inflammation and autoimmune disorders, facilitating accurate diagnoses and monitoring of treatment progress.
Customised Assessments: Our tests determine your genetic reactions to certain drugs, ensuring that your medication is both effective and safe.
Biomarker Analysis Suite
This comprehensive panel provides detailed insights into your health across key areas, using cutting-edge diagnostics to offer personalised recommendations.
Cardiovascular Health & Inflammation
- Standard full Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol levels (HDL, LDL) and triglycerides to assess heart health.
- ApoB Level (Apolipoprotein B): Indicates the number of particles carrying “bad” cholesterol, linked to cardiovascular risk.
- Lipoprotein(a) (“Lp little a”): A genetic risk marker for heart disease.
- Hs-CRP: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, often linked to heart disease risk.
- Homocysteine: Elevated levels can indicate risk for heart disease and blood vessel damage.
- Uric Acid: High levels can lead to gout and are associated with heart and kidney health.
- Complete Blood Count: Assesses overall health by measuring various blood cells to check for conditions like anaemia and infection.
Metabolic Health
- HbA1C: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Evaluates how your body processes glucose with fasting and post-meal glucose/insulin levels, identifying potential insulin resistance or diabetes.
- Full Liver Profile: Tests for liver enzymes and function to assess liver health.
- Full Kidney Profile: Includes eGFR (kidney function), S. Creatinine, BUN, Electrolytes, and Cystatin C to evaluate kidney health.
Hormonal Health (Both Men & Women)
- Thyroid Panel: Measures TSH, fT4, and fT3 to assess thyroid function, crucial for metabolism, energy, and overall health.
- Cortisol: The stress hormone, which affects energy, mood, and metabolism.
- Free Calcium: Helps evaluate bone health, thyroid function, and overall mineral balance.
Hormonal Health (Women)
- Estradiol: A form of oestrogen, essential for reproductive and overall health.
- Progesterone: Important for menstrual health and pregnancy.
Hormonal Health (Men)
- Total & Free Testosterone: Key hormones for male vitality, muscle mass, energy, and reproductive health.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Regulates the availability of testosterone in the body.
Sleep
- Magnesium & RBC Magnesium: Crucial for muscle relaxation and quality sleep.
- Vitamin D: Supports immune function and can affect sleep quality.
- Ferritin: Measures stored iron levels, which can affect energy and sleep patterns.
Endurance & Fitness
- Iron & Total Iron-binding Capacity: Key for oxygen transport and endurance.
- Creatine Kinase: Enzyme levels that indicate muscle damage or recovery needs after exercise.
Cognition
- Vitamin B12 & Folate: Essential for brain function, mood, and energy.
- Apo E Genotyping: Helps assess genetic risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.
Other
- Zinc Levels: Important for immune function, hormone production, and overall health.
Personalised Treatment Protocols
EliteVita is dedicated to formulating personalised treatment plans that blend advanced therapies tailored to meet individual needs in Dubai. Our offerings include Vitamin Drips, designed to combat specific nutrient deficiencies and boost overall vitality, and NAD+ IV Therapy, a cornerstone treatment celebrated for its rejuvenating effects and ability to elevate energy levels by replenishing cellular NAD+ levels, thereby enhancing cellular health and slowing aging processes.
This protocol may extend beyond our foundational therapies to include innovative treatments such as Vibroacoustic Therapy, each chosen to align with and support your specific health objectives. Leveraging insights from nutrigenomics, we also create personalised nutrition plans that harmonise with your genetic blueprint, ensuring optimal internal health.
FAQ'S
What is the purpose of a biomarker?
A biomarker is a biological indicator used to measure and evaluate health conditions, disease risks, and treatment responses. Biomarkers can be found in blood, saliva, urine, or tissues and are used in medical diagnostics, personalized medicine, and wellness tracking.
Key Purposes of Biomarkers:
- Early Disease Detection – Identifies conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetesbefore symptoms appear.
- Personalized Medicine – Helps doctors tailor treatments and medications based on individual responses.
- Nutritional & Metabolic Health – Measures vitamin levels, inflammation markers, and metabolic efficiency.
- Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness – Tracks how well a treatment or therapy is working over time.
- Predicting Disease Risk – Assesses genetic and environmental factors contributing to chronic conditions.
- Anti-Aging & Longevity Insights – Evaluates cellular health, oxidative stress, and overall aging processes.
How much does biomarker testing cost?
The cost of biomarker testing in Dubai varies depending on the type of test, the number of biomarkers analyzed, and the healthcare provider. Prices typically range from AED 800 to AED 5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and depth of the analysis.
Factors That Affect Biomarker Testing Prices:
- Type of Biomarkers Tested – Basic screenings (e.g., inflammation, vitamin levels, metabolic markers) are more affordable than advanced panels (e.g., hormonal, cancer, or genetic biomarkers).
- Number of Biomarkers Analyzed – More extensive testing covering multiple health aspectsincreases the cost.
- Testing Technology & Lab Quality – Advanced AI-driven biomarker analysis and precision medicine labs may have higher fees.
- Personalized Reports & Consultations – Some packages include detailed health reports and expert consultations for better guidance.
How are biomarkers detected?
Biomarkers are detected through laboratory tests that analyze biological samples such as blood, saliva, urine, or tissue. Advanced medical technologies, including genetic sequencing, imaging, and molecular diagnostics, are used to measure biomarker levels and assess health conditions.
Common Methods for Biomarker Detection:
- Blood Tests – Detects biomarkers related to inflammation, cholesterol, glucose, hormones, and organ function.
- Urine Tests – Identifies metabolic and kidney function markers, as well as signs of toxins or infections.
- Saliva Testing – Used for hormone analysis, stress biomarkers (cortisol), and genetic testing.
- Genetic Testing (DNA & RNA Analysis) – Detects genetic predispositions, disease risks, and personalized medicine markers.
- Imaging & Scans – MRI, CT, and PET scans help identify tumor markers and neurological biomarkers.
- Tissue Biopsy – Used in cancer diagnostics and advanced disease assessment.
Why do we need biomarkers?
Biomarkers are essential for monitoring health, diagnosing diseases, and guiding personalized treatments. They provide valuable insights into bodily functions, allowing for early disease detection, treatment optimization, and long-term health tracking.
Key Reasons Why Biomarkers Are Important:
- Early Disease Detection – Helps identify conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases before symptoms appear.
- Personalized Medicine – Tailors medications, treatments, and therapies based on individual biomarker profiles.
- Health Monitoring & Prevention – Tracks cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, and metabolic health for proactive care.
- Fitness & Performance Optimization – Assesses biomarkers related to muscle recovery, energy levels, and endurance.
- Nutritional & Hormonal Balance – Helps adjust diet, supplements, and hormone levels for overall well-being.
- Longevity & Anti-Aging – Measures cellular health, oxidative stress, and DNA repair markers to slow aging.
What are the 4 types of biomarkers?
Biomarkers are classified into four main types based on their function and role in health monitoring, disease detection, and treatment guidance. These include:
- Diagnostic Biomarkers
- Used to detect diseases or medical conditions.
- Example: Blood sugar (glucose) levels for diabetes, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer.
- Prognostic Biomarkers
- Predict disease progression and future health risks.
- Example: Genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2) for breast cancer risk, inflammatory markers (CRP) for heart disease.
- Predictive Biomarkers
- Help determine how a patient will respond to a specific treatment or medication.
- Example: HER2 biomarker for breast cancer treatment response, pharmacogenomic markers for personalized medicine.
- Monitoring Biomarkers
- Track treatment effectiveness and disease progression over time.
- Example: HbA1c for diabetes management, tumor markers (CEA, CA-125) for cancer progression.
How long does biomarker testing take?
The time required for biomarker testing depends on the type of test, the complexity of analysis, and the laboratory processing time. On average, biomarker test results are available within a few hours to several weeks, depending on the specific biomarkers being analyzed.
Estimated Timeframes for Biomarker Testing:
- Basic Blood Tests (e.g., glucose, cholesterol, inflammation markers) – 24 to 48 hours.
- Hormonal & Metabolic Biomarkers (e.g., thyroid, cortisol, vitamin levels) – 3 to 7 days.
- Genetic & DNA-Based Biomarker Tests – 1 to 3 weeks (due to in-depth sequencing and analysis).
- Cancer & Advanced Disease Biomarkers – 7 to 14 days, depending on complexity.
- Comprehensive Biomarker Panels – 1 to 4 weeks, as multiple markers require detailed evaluation.
Who should get biomarker testing?
Biomarker testing is beneficial for anyone looking to optimize their health, detect potential health risks early, or personalize their treatment plans. It is especially useful for individuals with specific medical conditions, genetic predispositions, or performance goals.
Who Can Benefit from Biomarker Testing?
- Individuals Seeking Preventive Health Screening – Early detection of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- People with Chronic Illnesses – Helps monitor inflammation, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal imbalances.
- Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts – Optimizes muscle recovery, endurance, and performance based on metabolic biomarkers.
- Individuals with Family History of Diseases – Identifies genetic predispositions to chronic conditions.
- People Experiencing Unexplained Symptoms – Helps diagnose fatigue, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or metabolic issues.
- Those on Personalized Medication Plans – Supports precision medicine by assessing how your body processes medications.
- Anti-Aging & Longevity Seekers – Measures oxidative stress, cellular aging markers, and metabolic health.
What are the benefits of biomarker testing?
Biomarker testing provides critical insights into your health, allowing for early disease detection, personalized treatments, and optimized wellness strategies. By analyzing key biological markers, you can take proactive steps to improve your overall well-being.
Key Benefits of Biomarker Testing:
- Early Disease Detection – Identifies risks for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions before symptoms appear.
- Personalized Medicine & Treatment Plans – Helps tailor medications and therapies based on your unique biomarker profile.
- Optimized Nutrition & Metabolic Health – Reveals vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic efficiency to improve diet and lifestyle.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance – Assesses muscle recovery, hydration levels, and endurance markers for better fitness outcomes.
- Monitoring of Chronic Conditions – Tracks inflammation, organ function, and disease progression for better long-term management.
- Anti-Aging & Longevity Insights – Measures cellular health, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers to promote longevity.
- Improved Mental & Cognitive Health – Identifies biomarkers linked to stress, mood disorders, and neurological health.
What is the best biomarker for inflammation?
The best biomarker for inflammation depends on the type and severity of inflammation in the body. However, C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered the most widely used and reliable biomarker for detecting acute and chronic inflammation.
Key Biomarkers for Inflammation:
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – A general marker of systemic inflammation linked to conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and infections.
- High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) – A more precise version of CRP, often used to assess cardiovascular inflammation and heart disease risk.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – Measures the rate at which red blood cells settle, indicating chronic inflammation or infection.
- Interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10) – Cytokines that regulate inflammatory responses and are linked to autoimmune diseases and chronic illness.
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) – A marker of chronic inflammation, particularly in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Fibrinogen – A protein involved in blood clotting that can indicate systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
What is the best biomarker for the heart?
The best biomarker for heart health depends on the specific aspect being measured, such as heart disease risk, inflammation, or heart muscle damage. Among all, Troponin is considered the gold standard biomarker for detecting heart attacks and heart muscle damage.
Key Biomarkers for Heart Health:
- Troponin (cTnI, cTnT) – The most specific marker for detecting heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and heart muscle injury.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) & High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) – Indicates inflammation in blood vessels, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) & NT-proBNP – Helps diagnose heart failure by measuring stress on the heart.
- LDL & HDL Cholesterol – Measures “bad” (LDL) and “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels, which affect heart disease risk.
- Triglycerides – High levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) – A more accurate indicator of cardiovascular disease risk than LDL cholesterol alone.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] – A genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
- Homocysteine – High levels are linked to an increased risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke.
What are the methods of biomarker analysis?
Biomarker analysis is performed using advanced laboratory techniques that detect, measure, and interpret biological markers in blood, urine, saliva, tissues, and other bodily fluids. These methods help in disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and personalized health management.
Common Methods of Biomarker Analysis:
- Blood Tests & Serum Biomarker Analysis
- Measures levels of proteins, enzymes, hormones, and metabolic markers.
- Used for cholesterol, inflammation, and organ function testing.
- Genetic & Molecular Biomarker Analysis
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) – Identifies genetic mutations and disease risk markers.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) – Used for comprehensive DNA and RNA biomarker analysis.
- Immunoassays & ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
- Detects proteins, hormones, and immune system markers.
- Common for hormone levels, autoimmune diseases, and infection detection.
- Mass Spectrometry (MS) & Chromatography
- Used for metabolic and nutritional biomarker testing.
- Helps detect toxins, vitamin levels, and drug metabolism markers.
- Imaging-Based Biomarker Analysis
- MRI, CT, PET scans detect neurological and tumor biomarkers.
- Used for cancer detection, brain health, and cardiovascular assessments.
- Flow Cytometry
- Analyzes cellular biomarkers in blood samples.
- Used in immune system profiling and cancer research.
What is a biomarker blood test for Alzheimer's?
A biomarker blood test for Alzheimer’s disease detects biological markers that indicate early signs of neurodegeneration, brain inflammation, and amyloid plaque buildup, which are linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These tests help with early detection, risk assessment, and monitoring of cognitive decline.
Key Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Detection:
- Beta-Amyloid (Aβ42 & Aβ40) – Measures amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
- Total Tau (t-Tau) & Phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau 181, p-Tau 217) – Indicators of neurodegeneration and brain cell damage.
- Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) – Detects nerve cell damage and cognitive decline.
- Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) – Measures brain inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE Genotyping) – Identifies genetic risk factors (ApoE4 variant) for Alzheimer’s development.
What is lung cancer biomarker testing?
Lung cancer biomarker testing is a specialized diagnostic test that detects genetic mutations, proteins, and molecular markers associated with lung cancer. These biomarkers help determine the type of lung cancer, guide targeted therapies, and predict treatment response.
Key Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Detection & Treatment:
- EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) Mutation – Helps determine eligibility for targeted EGFR inhibitor therapies.
- ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) Rearrangement – Identifies lung cancers that respond to ALK-targeted therapies.
- PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) – Assesses the effectiveness of immunotherapy drugs for lung cancer treatment.
- KRAS Mutation – Helps guide treatment options, including KRAS inhibitor drugs.
- BRAF, ROS1, MET, HER2, RET Mutations – Important genetic markers for selecting personalized lung cancer therapies.
- Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) & Liquid Biopsy – Detects cancerous DNA fragments in the blood for early detection and monitoring.
What is a biomarker test for cancer?
A biomarker test for cancer detects genetic mutations, proteins, and molecular markers associated with tumor growth, cancer progression, and treatment response. These tests help with early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment planning for various types of cancer.
Key Types of Cancer Biomarker Tests:
- Tumor-Specific Biomarkers
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – For prostate cancer detection and monitoring.
- CA-125 – Used for detecting and tracking ovarian cancer.
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) – Indicates colorectal, lung, and breast cancer.
- Genetic & Molecular Biomarkers
- BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations – Predicts breast and ovarian cancer risk.
- EGFR, ALK, KRAS, and BRAF Mutations – Important in lung cancer treatment decisions.
- HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) – Helps guide treatment for breast and gastric cancers.
- Liquid Biopsy & Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)
- Detects tumor DNA in the blood, allowing for early detection and real-time monitoring of cancer progression.
- Immune System Biomarkers
- PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) – Determines eligibility for immunotherapy treatments.
What is the difference between genetic and biomarker testing?
Genetic testing and biomarker testing both help assess health risks, detect diseases, and guide treatment decisions, but they analyze different aspects of health.
Genetic Testing:
- Focuses on DNA and inherited genes to identify genetic predispositions to diseases.
- Helps predict the likelihood of conditions like cancer, heart disease, and metabolic disorders before they develop.
- Commonly used for hereditary disease risk, ancestry tracing, and personalized medicine.
- Typically conducted using blood, saliva, or tissue samples for DNA sequencing.
Biomarker Testing:
- Measures proteins, molecules, and biological markers to detect existing diseases and monitor health conditions.
- Used to track inflammation, cancer progression, cardiovascular health, and treatment responses.
- Helps guide personalized treatment plans by showing how a disease is behaving in the body.
Uses blood, urine, or tissue samples to analyze metabolic and molecular markers.
