Additional Analytical Services

MTI offers several other analytical services aside from 3-methylhistidine analysis. These services include physiological amino acid analysis, ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) analysis, homocysteine (HCYS) analysis, hormone analysis (multiple) and protein assays.

Amino Acid Analysis by GC/MS

MTI offers amino acid analysis for free amino acids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using the EZ: faast™ procedure. This procedure consists of a solid phase extraction followed by derivatization and liquid/liquid extraction. Total preparation time is 15 minutes. This service is available for plasma/serum samples.

Price (U.S. $): $79.45

ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) Analysis

The lab has had extensive experience working with HMB analysis from previous research within the company. HMB is an active metabolite of leucine and has the ability to suppress proteolysis while it minimizes muscle damage.1 HMB is sold as a nutritional supplement to increase lean muscle and muscle strength. HMB analysis is available for plasma/serum or urine samples.

Price (U.S. $): $29.59

Homocysteine (HCYS) Analysis

HCYS analysis will be done by a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric procedure similar to the method used for 3-methyhistidine analysis.2, 3 This procedure consists of a reduction step followed by a solid phase extraction step and then the samples are derivatized for GC/MS. HCYS analysis is important for the evaluation of folate and vitamin B 12 deficiencies. These deficiencies have been shown to increase circulating HCYS concentrations, with evidence showing a strong correlation between high levels of HCYS and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.4 HCYS analysis is available for plasma/serum samples.

Price (U.S. $): $43.75

Hormone Analysis*

Hormone analysis will take place by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Examples of hormones that can be analyzed include: IGH-1, IGFBP-3 (total), IGF-1, cortisol, DHBA, testosterone, C-reactive protein, insulin, C-peptide of insulin. Other hormones can be analyzed upon request.

*Analysis offered for research purposes only

Price: Dependent upon hormone sample, contact Dr. Rathmacher for more information ( rathmacher@mti-hmb.com)

Protein Assays

Protein assays can be done on various samples using the BCA (bicinchoninic acid) Protein Assay.

Price: Dependent upon matrix and sample type, contact Dr. Rathmacher for more information ( rathmacher@mti-hmb.com)

Works Cited

^1.	Nissen S.L. and Abumrad N.N. 1997. Nutritional role of the leucine metabolite ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB). Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry 8: 300 311. View Abstract
^2.	Rathmacher J.A., Link G.A., Flakoll P.J., and Nissen S.L. 1992. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis of stable isotopes of 3-methylhistidine in biological fluids: application to plasma kinetics in vivo. Biological Mass Spectrometry 21: 560 566. View Abstract
^3.	Ducros V., Schmitt D., et al. 1999. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of total homocysteine in human plasma by stable isotope dilution: method and clinical applications. Journal of Chromatography 729(1-2): 333 339. View Abstract
^4.	Massy, Z.A. 2000. Importance of homocysteine, lipoprotein (a) and non-classical cardiovascular risk factors (fibrinogen and advanced glycation end-products) for atherogenesis in uraemic patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant 15:81 91. View Abstract

John A. Rathmacher, Ph.D.
Metabolic Technologies, Inc.
Iowa State University Research Park
2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4400
Ames, Iowa 50011

Phone: (515) 296-9916
Fax: (515) 296-0908
E-mail: John A. Rathmacher

©2010 Metabolic Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.