Tag: Biomarker

Initially developed in 1980 to evaluate nutritional conditions and surgical risk in gastrointestinal surgery, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has since proven to be a valuable tool in various clinical settings. This simple biomarker reflects a patient’s nutritional and immune status, both of which are critical determinants of health and recovery.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test is a highly sensitive and reliable way to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency. The relationship between methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 involves a biochemical pathway where the vitamin acts as a necessary cofactor, and its absence causes MMA levels to rise significantly.

Research indicates that malnourished patients often exhibit a significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) than well-nourished individuals, reflecting underlying systemic inflammation. This simple and affordable marker, derived from a standard blood test, offers healthcare providers a valuable tool for assessing nutritional status, especially in at-risk populations like the elderly.

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was originally developed in the 1980s for surgical patients and has since expanded as a predictor of outcomes across various diseases. This simple blood-test-based index helps clinicians assess a patient's combined nutritional and immune status, offering critical insights into their risk of adverse outcomes associated with malnutrition.

While many people assume 'CGA' is a dietary nutrient, Chromogranin A (CgA) is a protein produced within the body and is a crucial biomarker for various health conditions. It is secreted by neuroendocrine cells and acts as a precursor for several bioactive peptides that regulate metabolic and physiological functions. This means that while not a dietary protein, its presence and activity are deeply intertwined with the body's internal state and overall nutrition.