Urinary Neurotransmitter Research Articles

Mental stress objective screening for workers using urinary neurotransmitters.

Almost 10% of the population develop depression or anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Considering that people who are exposed to high stress are more likely to develop mental disorders, it is important to detect and remove mental stress before depression or anxiety disorder develops. We aimed to develop an objective screening test that quantifies mental stress in workers so that they can recognize and remove it before the disorder develops. We obtained urine specimens from 100 healthy volunteers (49 men and 51 women; age = 48.2 ± 10.8 years) after they received medical checks and answered the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). Participants were divided into high- and low- stress groups according to their total BJSQ scores. We further analyzed six urinary neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, 5-hydoroxyindoleacetic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, homovanillic acid, and vanillylmandelic acid) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare their levels between the two groups. We obtained the concentrations of the six analytes from 100 examinees and revealed that the levels of urinary dopamine (p = 0.0042) and homovanillic acid (p = 0.020) were significantly lower in the high-stress group than those in the low-stress group. No biases were observed between the two groups in 36 laboratory items. The stress index generated from the six neurotransmitter concentrations recognized high-stress group significantly. Moreover, we discovered that the level of each urinary neurotransmitter changed depending on various stress factors, such as dissatisfaction, physical fatigue, stomach and intestine problems, poor appetite, poor working environments, sleep disturbance, isolation, worry, or insecurity. We revealed that urinary neurotransmitters could be a promising indicator to determine underlying mental stress. This study provides clues for scientists to develop a screening test not only for workers but also for patients with depression.

Urinary neurotransmitter analysis and canine behavior assessment.

Behavioral problems are highly prevalent in domestic dogs, negatively affecting the quality of life of dogs and their owners. In humans and dogs, neuropsychological or neurobehavioral disorders can be associated with deviations in various neurotransmitter systems. Previous evidence has revealed correlations between urinary neurotransmitters and various behavioral disorders; however, a causal relationship has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Non-invasive urinary neurotransmitter analysis may identify specific biomarkers, which enable a more differentiated assessment of canine behavioral disorders in the future and contribute to more effective neuromodulatory treatment decisions and monitoring. This approach could offer new insights into underlying pathomechanisms of canine neurobehavioral disorders. This study assessed urinary neurotransmitter levels and the descriptive behavior profile of 100 dogs using established rating scales (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale, Dog Personality Questionnaire, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale), and explored relationships between these variables. No correlation was found between urinary neurotransmitters and the assessed behavior profiles; however, age-, sex- and neuter-related influences were identified. The lack of correlation could be explained by the many confounding factors influencing both behavior and urinary neurotransmitter excretion, including age, sex and neuter status effects, and methodological issues e.g., low discriminatory power between anxiety and aggression in the descriptive behavior evaluation. Urinary neurotransmitter testing could not be validated as a tool for canine behavior evaluation in this study. However, reliable assessment methods with low susceptibility to human biases could be valuable in the future to support behavioral-phenotype diagnoses.

Metabolic fingerprinting of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy receiving a ketogenic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil.

Consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) has been shown to improve seizure control, reduce behavioural comorbidities and improve cognitive function in epileptic dogs. However, the exact metabolic pathways affected by dietary MCT remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify changes in the metabolome and neurotransmitters levels relevant to epilepsy and behavioural comorbidities associated with the consuming of an MCT supplement (MCT-DS) in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Metabolic alterations induced by a commercial MCT-DS in a population of 28 dogs with IE were evaluated in a 6-month multi-centre, prospective, randomised, double-blinded, controlled cross-over trial design. A metabolic energy requirement-based amount of 9% MCT or control oil was supplemented to the dogs' stable base diet for 3 months, followed by the alternative oil for another 3 months. A validated, quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy platform was applied to pre- and postprandially collected serum samples to compare the metabolic profile between both DS and baseline. Furthermore, alterations in urinary neurotransmitter levels were explored. Five dogs (30%) had an overall reduction in seizure frequency of ≥50%, and were classified as MCT-responders, while 23 dogs showed a ≤50% reduction, and were defined as MCT non-responders. Amino-acid metabolism was significantly influenced by MCT consumption compared to the control oil. While the serum concentrations of total fatty acids appeared similar during both supplements, the relative concentrations of individual fatty acids differed. During MCT supplementation, the concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid were significantly higher than under the control oil. β-Hydroxybutyric acid levels were significantly higher under MCT supplementation. In total, four out of nine neurotransmitters were significantly altered: a significantly increased γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration was detected during the MCT-phase accompanied by a significant shift of the GABA-glutamate balance. MCT-Responders had significantly lowered urinary concentrations of histamine, glutamate, and serotonin under MCT consumption. In conclusion, these novel data highlight metabolic changes in lipid, amino-acid and ketone metabolism due to MCT supplementation. Understanding the metabolic response to MCT provides new avenues to develop better nutritional management with improved anti-seizure and neuroprotective effects for dogs with epilepsy, and other behavioural disorders.

Urinary Neurotransmitter Patterns Are Altered in Canine Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease in humans and dogs. Epilepsy is thought to be caused by an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Intact neurotransmitters are transported from the central nervous system to the periphery, from where they are subsequently excreted through the urine. In human medicine, non-invasive urinary neurotransmitter analysis is used to manage psychological diseases, but not as yet for epilepsy. The current study aimed to investigate if urinary neurotransmitter profiles differ between dogs with epilepsy and healthy controls. A total of 223 urine samples were analysed from 63 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and 127 control dogs without epilepsy. The quantification of nine urinary neurotransmitters was performed utilising mass spectrometry technology. A significant difference between urinary neurotransmitter levels (glycine, serotonin, norepinephrine/epinephrine ratio, ɤ-aminobutyric acid/glutamate ratio) of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and the control group was found, when sex and neutering status were accounted for. Furthermore, an influence of antiseizure drug treatment upon the urinary neurotransmitter profile of serotonin and ɤ-aminobutyric acid concentration was revealed. This study demonstrated that the imbalances in the neurotransmitter system that causes epileptic seizures also leads to altered neurotransmitter elimination in the urine of affected dogs. Urinary neurotransmitters have the potential to serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnostics and treatment monitoring in canine epilepsy. However, more research on this topic needs to be undertaken to understand better the association between neurotransmitter deviations in the brain and urine neurotransmitter concentrations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Measurement of neurotransmitters excreted in the urine of behaviorally healthy dogs in home and boarding kennel conditions

Clinically relevant biomarkers have long been sought in behavioral medicine as a means to enhance diagnoses and treatment beyond the assessment of clinical symptoms. The monoamine neurotransmitters (NT) serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E), as well as glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been implicated in anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Analysis of urine presents the potential for noninvasive, high-throughput NT level evaluation. In this exploratory study, we evaluated a first-morning urine sample collected from 19 healthy dogs undergoing the stress of kennel boarding (Boarding) and 24 healthy dogs in the typical home environment (Home). NE (P < 0.001) and DA (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the Boarding group dogs compared to the Home group dogs. 5HT, Glu, and GABA did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. These findings suggest urinary NT assays may provide additional biomarkers for stress research as well as neuropsychiatric disorder diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in canine patients.

Validity of Urinary Monoamine Assay Sales Under the "Spot Baseline Urinary Neurotransmitter Testing Marketing Model" [Retraction

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.2147/IJNRD.S22783.].

HUMAN MATERNAL SUPRAPHYSIOLOGICAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA IMPAIRS PLACENTAL ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION, CHOLESTEROL TRAFFIC AND FUNCTIONALITY OF NEONATAL HDL.

Different experiment approaches have demonstrated that children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit neurocognitive and behavioral deficits. This review summarized the potential biomarkers of OSA-associated neurocognitive impairment in children.A scoping review of studies on children with OSA that evaluated the potential value of different markers in identifying neurocognitive impairment was undertaken. Additionally, the biomarkers were categorized according to the different research methods, including brain imaging studies, serological indicators and urine markers.Majority of the studies that evaluated blood biomarkers, plasma insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related biomarkers appeared to exhibit a favorable profile, and could discriminate between OSA children with or without neurocognitive impairments. Brain imaging studies and urinary neurotransmitters could also be helpful for screening OSA cognitive morbidity in children.Due to limited research methods available in children, the cognitive susceptibility of children with OSA has been rarely studied. The main reason for this may be the limited research methods in children. Numerous study populations of children and complex psychological tests are required, which involve major labor and costs.Multi-center prospective studies are needed to identify suitable biomarkers for the timely prediction and effective intervention to prevent neurocognitive impairment in children with OSA and to explore further opportunities in this arena.

Obesogenic Alterations in Adrenal Function and Neurotransmitter Balance Improved with Dietary Supplementation (P21-008-19)

ObjectivesDysfunction of the HPA axis, as evidenced by alterations in the diurnal salivary cortisol rhythm, has been shown to contribute to the pathophysiology of obesity both directly by skewing body composition and indirectly by altering appetite and microbiome. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a laboratory and clinical-guided dietary supplemental protocol on HPA axis dysfunction. MethodsThis study examines a cohort of 703 patients utilizing a clinical analysis of 1. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis tests which were 4 point salivary cotisol, 2 point salivary DHEA, and 6 urinary neurotransmitters. 2. Self-reported Quality of Life questionnaire 3. Personalized dietary supplementation with neurotransmitter amino acid precursors and/or adrenal support monitored for 8 months. ResultsPre and post test demonstrated improved sleep quality (47%, P < 0.05); increased serotonin by 172% (P < 0.05); increased norepinephrine (P < 0.05); improved adrenal tone with increased morning cortisol (P < 0.05) and decreased evening cortisol (P < 0.08). ConclusionsA personalized medicine approach consisting of symptom analysis, noninvasive laboratory testing and dietary supplementation improved parameters of HPA axis dysfunction. Lab-guided personalized medicine may be able to diagnose early and treatable HPA axis dysfunction and in this way curtail a known pathway to obesity. Funding SourcesNo grant funding was received. The research is an IRB-exempted analysis of data collected by Sanesco International, Inc. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Related biomarkers of neurocognitive impairment in children with obstructive sleep apnea

ObjectivesDifferent experiment approaches have demonstrated that children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit neurocognitive and behavioral deficits. This review summarized the potential biomarkers of OSA-associated neurocognitive impairment in children. MethodsA scoping review of studies on children with OSA that evaluated the potential value of different markers in identifying neurocognitive impairment was undertaken. Additionally, the biomarkers were categorized according to the different research methods, including brain imaging studies, serological indicators and urine markers. ResultsMajority of the studies that evaluated blood biomarkers, plasma insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related biomarkers appeared to exhibit a favorable profile, and could discriminate between OSA children with or without neurocognitive impairments. Brain imaging studies and urinary neurotransmitters could also be helpful for screening OSA cognitive morbidity in children. ConclusionDue to limited research methods available in children, the cognitive susceptibility of children with OSA has been rarely studied. The main reason for this may be the limited research methods in children. Numerous study populations of children and complex psychological tests are required, which involve major labor and costs.Multi-center prospective studies are needed to identify suitable biomarkers for the timely prediction and effective intervention to prevent neurocognitive impairment in children with OSA and to explore further opportunities in this arena.

Association between Urinary Neurotransmitter Status and Scoliosis Progression: A Case-Controlled Series

Previous investigations into the relationship between neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis have been mixed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differences in a urinary neurotransmitter profile across three different groups. These groups included a progressive scoliosis group, a non-progressive scoliosis group, and a non-scoliotic control group. When evaluating urinary neurotransmitter levels across all groups, statistically significant differences were observed between all three groups for multiple neurotransmitters. The differences seemed to increase as the scoliosis increased in Cobb angle measurement. Further studies should seek to distinguish a potential cause or effect relationship between these neurotransmitter abnormalities and idiopathic scoliosis onset and/or progression.

Development and validation of a simple, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of urinary neurotransmitters and their metabolites.

Neurotransmitters play crucial roles in physiological functions and their imbalances have demonstrated association in the pathology of several diseases. The measurement of neurotransmitters possesses a great potential as a significant clinical tool. This study presents the development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of multi-class neurotransmitters associated with dopamine, tryptophan and glutamate-γ-aminobutyric acid pathways. A total of ten neurotransmitters and their metabolites (dopamine, epinephrine, metanephrine, tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenic acid, kynurenine, anthranilic acid, GABA, glutamic acid) were determined based on a simple and rapid 'dilute and shoot' method using minimal urine volume. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Poroshell 120 Bonus-RP LC Column in combination with a gradient elution within an 8.5-min time frame. The method exhibited good sensitivity as the limits of quantification ranged between 0.025 and 0.075μg/mL with acceptable matrix effects (< ±14.5%), no carryover and good linearity (r 2>0.98). The accuracy and precision for all analytes were within tolerances, at < ± 9.9% mean relative error (MRE) and <8.6% relative standard deviation (RSD), respectively. The method was successfully applied in measuring the neurotransmitter concentrations in urine of healthy donors. Furthermore, the undertaken stability experiments indicated that acidified urine specimens allowed the analytes to be stable for prolonged durations in comparison to those untreated. The study also reveals the performance of the method is unaffected by the absence of expensive deuterated reference standards under the experimental conditions employed which further simplifies the analytical procedures and provides a significant cost saving for running the assay. Graphical abstract The quantification of multi-class neurotransitters associated with the dopamine, tryptophan and GABA-glutamate pathways using a simple 'dilute and shoot' LC-MS/MS method.

Biomarkers associated with obstructive sleep apnea and morbidities: a scoping review

ObjectiveTo map potential biomarkers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-associated morbidities in both adults and children, to identify gaps in current evidence, and to determine the value of conducting a full systematic review. MethodsA scoping review was undertaken of studies in patients with OSA that evaluated the potential value of biological markers in identifying OSA-associated morbidities. Retained articles were only those studies whose main objective was to identify morbidity biomarkers in subjects with OSA, the latter being confirmed with a full overnight polysomnography (PSG) in a laboratory or at-home settings. The methodology of the selected studies was classified using an adaptation of the evidence quality criteria recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Additionally the biomarkers were categorized according to their potential clinical applicability. Results572 citations were identified of which 48 met inclusion criteria. Thirty-four studies were conducted in adults and 14 involved children. Most of the studies evaluated blood biomarkers, and presented 31 potential diagnostic biomarkers. ConclusionThe majority of studies that performed explored blood-based biomarkers, with most not identifying definitive morbidity biomarkers. Of the potentially promising morbidity biomarkers, plasma IL-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein appear to exhibit a favorable profile, and may discriminate OSA patients with and without morbidities in both adults and children. MRP 8/14 was retained in children as well as cardiovascular morbidity-associated biomarker. Urinary neurotransmitters may also provide a good tool for screening OSA cognitive morbidity in children.

Urinary Neurotransmitters Are Selectively Altered in Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Predict Cognitive Morbidity

BackgroundPediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cognitive dysfunction, suggesting altered neurotransmitter function. We explored overnight changes in neurotransmitters in the urine of children with and without OSA. MethodsUrine samples were collected from children with OSA and from control subjects before and after sleep studies. A neurocognitive battery assessing general cognitive ability (GCA) was administered to a subset of children with OSA. Samples were subjected to multiple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for 12 neurotransmitters, and adjusted for creatinine concentrations. ResultsThe study comprised 50 children with OSA and 20 control subjects. Of the children with OSA, 20 had normal GCA score (mean ± SD) (101.2 ± 14.5) and 16 had a reduced GCA score (87.3 ± 13.9; P < .001). Overnight increases in epinephrine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels emerged in children with OSA; taurine levels decreased. Using combinatorial approaches and cutoff values for overnight changes of these four neurotransmitters enabled prediction of OSA (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.923; P < .0001). Furthermore, GABA and taurine alterations, as well as overnight reductions in phenylethylamine, were more prominent in children with OSA and low GCA than in children with OSA and normal GCA (P < .001), and they reliably discriminated GCA status (AUC: 0.977; P < .0001). ConclusionsPediatric OSA is associated with overnight increases in urinary concentrations of catecholamines indicative of heightened sympathetic outflow. Increases in GABA levels and decreases in taurine levels could underlie mechanisms of neuronal excitotoxicity and dysfunction. Combinatorial approaches using defined cutoffs in overnight changes in concentrations of selected neurotransmitters in urine may not only predict OSA but also the presence of cognitive deficits. Larger cohort studies appear warranted to confirm these findings.

Validity of urinary monoamine assay sales under the "spot baseline urinary neurotransmitter testing marketing model".

Spot baseline urinary monoamine assays have been used in medicine for over 50 years as a screening test for monoamine-secreting tumors, such as pheochromocytoma and carcinoid syndrome. In these disease states, when the result of a spot baseline monoamine assay is above the specific value set by the laboratory, it is an indication to obtain a 24-hour urine sample to make a definitive diagnosis. There are no defined applications where spot baseline urinary monoamine assays can be used to diagnose disease or other states directly. No peer-reviewed published original research exists which demonstrates that these assays are valid in the treatment of individual patients in the clinical setting. Since 2001, urinary monoamine assay sales have been promoted for numerous applications under the “spot baseline urinary neurotransmitter testing marketing model”. There is no published peer-reviewed original research that defines the scientific foundation upon which the claims for these assays are made. On the contrary, several articles have been published that discredit various aspects of the model. To fill the void, this manuscript is a comprehensive review of the scientific foundation and claims put forth by laboratories selling urinary monoamine assays under the spot baseline urinary neurotransmitter testing marketing model.

Analysis of urinary neurotransmitters by capillary electrophoresis: Sensitivity enhancement using field-amplified sample injection and molecular imprinted polymer solid phase extraction

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been investigated for the analysis of some neurotransmitters, dopamine (DA), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) at nanomolar concentrations in urine. Field-amplified sample injection (FASI) has been used to improve the sensitivity through the online pre-concentration samples. The cationic analytes were stacked at the capillary inlet between a zone of low conductivity - sample and pre-injection plug - and a zone of high conductivity - running buffer. Several FASI parameters have been optimized (ionic strength of the running buffer, concentration of the sample protonation agent, composition of the sample solvent and nature of the pre-injection plug). Best results were obtained using H 3PO 4–LiOH (pH 4, ionic strength of 80 mmol L −1) as running buffer, 100 μmol L −1 of H 3PO 4 in methanol–water 90/10 (v/v) as sample solvent and 100 μmol L −1 of H 3PO 4 in water for the pre-injection plug. In these conditions, the linearity was verified in the 50–300 nmol L −1 concentration range for DA, 3-MT and 5-HT with a determination coefficient ( r 2) higher than 0.99. The limits of quantification (10 nmol L −1 for DA and 3-MT, 5.9 nmol L −1 for 5-HT) were 500 times lower than those obtained with hydrodynamic injection. However, if this method is applied to the analysis of neurotransmitters in urine, the presence of salts in the matrix greatly reduces the sensitivity of the FASI/CE–UV method.Therefore, a solid phase extraction (SPE) on a dedicated imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed to extract specific neurotransmitters, catecholamines, metanephrines and indolamines, from urine. Matrix salts were thus discarded after sample extraction on AFFINIMIP™ Catecholamine & Metanephrine (100 mg) cartridge. Therefore, lower limits of quantification were determined in artificial urine (46 nmol L −1 for DA, 11 nmol L −1 for 3-MT and 6 nmol L −1 for 5-HT).The application of this protocol MIP-SPE/FASI–CE–UV analysis of neurotransmitters in human urine gave rise to electropherograms with a very good base line and signal to noise ratios above 15.

Urinary neurotransmitter testing: considerations of spot baseline norepinephrine and epinephrine

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of statistical analysis of spot baseline urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine assays in correlation with spot baseline urinary serotonin and dopamine findings previously published by the authors. Our research indicates a need for physicians and decision-makers to understand the lack of validity of this type of spot baseline monoamine testing when using it in the decision-making process for neurotransmitter deficiency disorders.MethodsMatched-pairs t-tests were performed for a group of subjects for whom spot baseline urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine assays were performed on samples collected on different days then paired by subject.ResultsThe reported laboratory test results for urinary serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, obtained on different days from the same subjects, differed significantly and were not reproducible.ConclusionSpot baseline monoamine assays, in subjects not suffering from a monoamine-secreting tumor, such as pheochromocytoma or carcinoid syndrome, are of no value in decision-making due to this day-to-day variability and lack of reproducibility. While there have been attempts to integrate spot baseline urinary monoamine assays into treatment of peripheral or central neurotransmitter-associated disease states, diagnosis of neurotransmitter imbalances, and biomarker applications, significant differences in day-to-day reproducibility make this impossible given the known science as it exists today.

Urinary neurotransmitter testing: considerations of spot baseline norepinephrine and epinephrine

Urinary neurotransmitter testing: considerations of spot baseline norepinephrine and epinephrine Marty Hinz1 Alvin Stein2 Thomas Uncini31Clinical Research, NeuroResearch Clinics Inc., Cape Coral, FL, USA; 2Stein Orthopedic Associates, Plantation, FL, USA; 3DBS Laboratories, Duluth, MN, USABackground: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of statistical analysis of spot baseline urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine assays in correlation with spot baseline urinary serotonin and dopamine findings previously published by the authors. Our research indicates a need for physicians and decision-makers to understand the lack of validity of this type of spot baseline monoamine testing when using it in the decision-making process for neurotransmitter deficiency disorders.Methods: Matched-pairs t-tests were performed for a group of subjects for whom spot baseline urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine assays were performed on samples collected on different days then paired by subject.Results: The reported laboratory test results for urinary serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, obtained on different days from the same subjects, differed significantly and were not reproducible.Conclusion: Spot baseline monoamine assays, in subjects not suffering from a monoamine-secreting tumor, such as pheochromocytoma or carcinoid syndrome, are of no value in decision-making due to this day-to-day variability and lack of reproducibility. While there have been attempts to integrate spot baseline urinary monoamine assays into treatment of peripheral or central neurotransmitter-associated disease states, diagnosis of neurotransmitter imbalances, and biomarker applications, significant differences in day-to-day reproducibility make this impossible given the known science as it exists today.Keywords: neurotransmitter testing, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin

Neurotransmitter testing of the urine: a comprehensive analysis

This paper analyzes the statistical correlation of urinary serotonin and dopamine data in subjects not suffering from monoamine-secreting tumors such as pheochromocytoma or carcinoid syndrome. Peer-reviewed literature and statistical analyses were searched and monoamine (serotonin and dopamine) assays defined in order to facilitate their proper interpretation. Many research findings in the literature are novel. Baseline assays completed with no monoamine precursors differ from baseline assays performed on a different day in the same subject. There is currently no scientific basis, value, or predictability in obtaining baseline monoamine assays. Urinary assays performed while taking precursors can demonstrate a lack of correlation or unexpected correlations such as inverse relationships. The only valid model for interpretation of urinary monoamine assays is the “three-phase model” which leads to predictability between monoamine assays and precursor administration in varied amounts.PurposeThis paper reviews the basic science of urinary monoamine assays. Results of statistical analysis correlating baseline and nonbaseline assays are reported and provide valid methods for interpretation of urinary serotonin and dopamine results.Patients and methodsKey scientific claims promoting the validity of the urinary neurotransmitter testing (UNT) model applications are discussed. Many of these claims were not supported by the scientific literature. Matched-pairs t-tests were performed on several groupings. Results of all statistical tests were compared with peer-reviewed literature.ResultsThe statistical analysis failed to support the UNT model. Peer-reviewed literature search failed to verify scientific clams made in support of applications of the UNT model in many cases.

Neurotransmitter testing of the urine: a comprehensive analysis

Neurotransmitter testing of the urine: a comprehensive analysis Marty Hinz1, Alvin Stein2, George Trachte3, Thomas Uncini41Clinical Research, NeuroResearch Clinics, Inc., Cape Coral, FL, USA; 2Stein Orthopedic Associates, Plantation, FL, USA; 3Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, MN, USA; 4DBS Labs, Duluth, MI, USAAbstract: This paper analyzes the statistical correlation of urinary serotonin and dopamine data in subjects not suffering from monoamine-secreting tumors such as pheochromocytoma or carcinoid syndrome. Peer-reviewed literature and statistical analyses were searched and monoamine (serotonin and dopamine) assays defined in order to facilitate their proper interpretation. Many research findings in the literature are novel. Baseline assays completed with no monoamine precursors differ from baseline assays performed on a different day in the same subject. There is currently no scientific basis, value, or predictability in obtaining baseline monoamine assays. Urinary assays performed while taking precursors can demonstrate a lack of correlation or unexpected correlations such as inverse relationships. The only valid model for interpretation of urinary monoamine assays is the “three-phase model” which leads to predictability between monoamine assays and precursor administration in varied amounts.Purpose: This paper reviews the basic science of urinary monoamine assays. Results of statistical analysis correlating baseline and nonbaseline assays are reported and provide valid methods for interpretation of urinary serotonin and dopamine results.Patients and methods: Key scientific claims promoting the validity of the urinary neurotransmitter testing (UNT) model applications are discussed. Many of these claims were not supported by the scientific literature. Matched-pairs t-tests were performed on several groupings. Results of all statistical tests were compared with peer-reviewed literature.Results: The statistical analysis failed to support the UNT model. Peer-reviewed literature search failed to verify scientific clams made in support of applications of the UNT model in many cases. Keywords: serotonin, dopamine, urinary neurotransmitter testing

Impact of Orally Consumed Lycium barbarum on Various Urinary Neurotransmitter Levels in Healthy Human Male Adults

Standardized Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) juice, GoChi® has previously shown statistically significant clinical improvements in weakness, stress, mental acuity, ease of awakening, shortness of breath, focus on activity, sleep quality, daydreaming, fatigue, depression, circulation, calmness and overall feelings of health and well‐being. We investigated the impact of L. barbarum on various neurotransmitters related to the above clinical effects. Subjects (n=5, age=44.6 y) consumed single bout of L. barbarum juice (120 ml) after at least 12 h fast. Urinary neurotransmitter levels were analyzed by EIA one day prior and post‐intake. Compared to pre‐intake, serotonin and taurine levels were significantly increased by 12% and 25% respectively, and 5‐HIAA was decreased by 16% (P&lt;0.05). Epinephrine and norepinephrine levels tended to be elevated, but dopamine, DOPAC, glycine, GABA, PEA, histamine and creatinine levels had no changes. Resting metabolic rate measured by indirect calorimeter was increased by L. barbarum intake, and area under the curve (0–4 hr) over baseline (1,761 kcal) was 927 kcal‐h, higher than the control level (395 kcal‐h) (P&lt;0.05). These results suggest that L. barbarum exhibits stimulus effects on various neurotransmitters and energy/caloric metabolism in humans, which may be related to the improvements in the above subjective symptoms.