Brands

IgG and IgG4 mediated food intolerances

The term “Victus” is derived from Latin and stands for “nourishment” as in necessary for live. This concept was developed in order to identify and differentiate questionable overall IgG and/or IgG4 mediated food intolerances . Whenever predominantly acute allergic symptoms occur it is recommended to look for IgE and IgG4 reactions.

However, if chronic and mainly unspecific symptoms are presented, such as fatigue, temperature, muscle and joint pain, migraine/head ache or generalized urticaria, it is advisable to determine IgG1 to IgG3 antibodies, which are solely covered with the total IgG test.

The Victus-Concept is modularly built from the following test stages:

In a VictuScreen with each 3 allergy pools, a targeted association to the different reaction types can be undertaken. Whilst the VictuScreen lgE and lgG4 show reactions towards food as well as inhalative allergens, the VictuScreen lgG can clarify total IgG reactions against food products. The base test VictuBase lgE, lgG4 or lgG serves as a starting point where 88 important staple foods are tested. An individual recipe book offers possibilities for dietary change.

If the base test reveals many reactions or if symptoms continue despite the observance of the dietary recommendations of the base test, it is recommended in any case to extend the food spectrum with the VictuAdvanced lgG4 and/or lgG, , in which further 88 food products are tested.

Additionally, a combination with VictuPlus is possible. When looking for alternative foods, the profiles „gluten-free corn“ or„milk substitutes“ can be chosen.

The immune system has different and contrasting capabilities for creating a specific immune response, which are named TH1, TH2 and regulative T-cells. Because the regulation of the immune system is influenced by several messengers, the different kinds of immune response are also characterised by various messenger patterns. Only when the immune messengers of the different T-cell populations are in balance, can the efficiency of the immune system be assured.

Currently the most modern and differentiated option for the in-vitro testing of T-cell reactions, is the measurement of the cell’s messenger release compared to a test substance in a short-term culture (bead-based multi-parameter technique). ITT (Immune-Target-Test) is a patented procedure and has crucial advances over the LTT-options which have been in use for a long time. Firstly the faster test performance, and secondly it provides differentiated assertions regerading the type of immune reaction presented.
The test T-cell-function basic wmeasures the release of cytokine markers IL-2, IL-10 and IFN-gamma against to the antigen influenza and mitogenic PWM.

By choosing other suitable messengers it is possible to extensively evaluate the immunological reaction rate. The test can also recognize different types of abnormal immune reactions as well as pseudo-allergic phenomena without involvement of memory cells.

ITT®- CYRA®

ITT® can not only test for all metals and alloys used in the dental sector, but also for synthetics, composite materials and root canal fillings. Additionally, the testing of original materials is possible (material sample). The ITT® is therefore primarily recommended as a laboratory diagnostic procedure for the determination of intolerances towards dental material. Also, this method offers further options for the objectivization of immune reactions towards pollutants, medication or chemicals. In dental medicine this test is called ITT®-CYRA. The Cytokine assay in a cell culture is a method for differentiated diagnosis of environmental health questions and is categorically supported by the RKI (RKI 2001/2004). These environmental health questions also involve sensitisations due to dental materials.

T-Select®

Natural immunomodulators can activate the cytokine activity of T-cells without triggering their proliferation. Only by determination of the cytokine release, is an evaluation of cell toxic T-cell activation through immunomodulators possible. T-Select® is a basic program for the testing of immunomodulators, which includes the incubation of patient cells with a modulator concentration series and the measurement of cytokine production IL-2, IL-10, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. As well as a standard panel wfor testing we also offer additional T-select profiles with thymus/spleen preparations and vitamins/trace elements .

Testing of the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells

The role of the natural killer cell function as the first non-specific defence barrier for infections and tumour proliferation is unquestionable. But a good NK-cell function is also an important immunological aging parameter.
However, the NK-cell function is not detectable by the determination of cell numbers in the blood, because it does not correlate with its activity or cytotoxicity. For the functional analysis the cytotoxicity assay comes into consideration, which has proven itself for many years. The patient’s blood is incubated with marked tumour cells for 8-20 h. Hereinafter the amount of killed off target cells is used as a measure for the cytotoxic activity and determined via flow cytometry. The MHC-negative K562-lymphoma cells serve as target cells, because they are recognized as alien by the NK cells in any case, unlike other tumour cells. Besides measuring the basal eradication rate, the ability to stimulate the NK cytotoxicity is determined by physiological mediators such as IL-2. In addition to the cytotoxicity, the activation of expression of the early lymphocytic activation antigen CD69 is used as a function marker.

NK-Select®

The effect of natural immunomodulators on the NK-cell activity is also analysed with the described functional assays. Though the cytotoxicity test offers the most information, it is quite elaborate. Patient cells are incubated with the modulator in question, followed by calculation of the modulator’s effect after subtraction of the basal activity. As well as thestandard panel we also offer NK-Select® profiles with mistletoe preparations, immune fungus and micronutrients.

Approximately 40 trillion bacteria and microbes make up the intestinal microbiome. A molecular analysis of stool utilizing the highly complex technology of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows decoding its bacterial composition. The results give a comprehensive overview of the bacterial colonization of the intestine. Any shifts or abnormalities regarding the composition and distribution of the bacteria are detectable. Additionally, information about the mucosal integrity and gut permeability can be derived and any potential for inflammation and pathogenicity revealed. The combination of these results is then translated to targeted therapeutic recommendations.
 
The Lab4gut program represents a structured diagnostic concept and allows for a straightforward therapeutic approach. Analysis of several inflammatory (Calprotectin, Alpha1-Antitrypsin, Beta-Defensin) and permeability markers (Zonulin) as well as the intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), secretory IgA and other markers can also be included. The following modules vary depending on the indication:
 

• Lab4gut basic/semiquantitative (Indication: nonspecific health problems, metabolic disbalance)
• Lab4gut NGS (Indication: nonspecific health problems, metabolic disbalance, weight problems, dyspepsia)
• Lab4gut NGS advanced (Indication: nonspecific health problems, signs of inflammation)
• Lab4gut NGS complete (Indication: nonspecific intestinal complaints, inflammation, indigestion)
• Lab4gut Brain (Indication: intestinal and neurogenic disorders such as anxiety, mood changes, depression)
• Lab4gut Parasites (PCR)
• Mycological analysis

Essential oils are naturally occurring substances with a high medicinal potential. They have an extensive concentration and pathogen dependent antimicrobial effect and are comparable to antibiotics in that aspect. At the same time aromatic oils develop anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating effects at the target site. In certain situations (geriatrics, palliative medicine) the psychogenic antidepressant effect of these substances is also used. In situations with chronic irritations, which are accompanied by inflammation and dysbacteriosis (e.g. therapy resistant chronic urinary tract infections, chronic sinusitis), therapeutic success can be achieved with aromatic oils due to the transportation of the local milieu.
For the individual, personalised selection of the correct essential oil, knowledge of its antimicrobial potential on the microbial flora at the target site is of great importance. The lab test BactoSelect® is a method specifcally developed by Lab4more to answer these questions. It determines the antimicrobial characteristics of gas chromatographically standardised aromatic oils in an individual bacterial milieu. The effect of several oils on the overall cultivated habitat flora of the respective biotope and/or. examination material is tested, resulting in an objective laboratory recommendation for an aroma therapy.