Telomere Length
Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number seem to be inextricably linked and predictive of cancer risk as well as many other medical conditions. Telomeres are the protective ends of chromosomes. They are successively shortened every time a cell divides. Telomere length is an indicator of chromosome stability and cellular aging and is also related to cancer. Our Telomere Assay uses quantitative PCR to measure the absolute length of telomeres per chromosome end.
Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number (mtDNA-CN)
Mitochondria are organelles present within nearly all nucleated cells. They contain their own genome, known as mtDNA, which codes for cellular components that generate most of the energy required by the cells in our bodies. Mitochondria are also engaged in a variety of activities necessary for cellular metabolism. Our assay quantitates the number of copies of mtDNA present per cell, which may be indicative of overall cellular health as well as specific disease states. In fact, current research indicates that mtDNA copy number could be used as a proxy to screen for neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
EGCg
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the main active ingredient in green tea products. EGCg is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exists in high concentrations in green tea. It is a powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated potential in the areas of cancer prevention and treatment, endothelial repair, and anti-aging, among others. Our laboratory-developed assay measures the amount of EGCg present in blood plasma and green tea nutriceuticals.