Sarcosine
SARC
Description
"Sarcosine" test measures levels of sarcosine, a metabolite involved in methylation, amino acid metabolism, and prostate health. Doctors may recommend this test when symptoms like fatigue, cognitive changes, or prostate concerns arise. Elevated sarcosine levels can signal metabolic imbalance or, in some cases, increased prostate cancer risk. A blood or urine sample is analyzed to detect abnormal levels. Results help guide follow-up care through targeted testing, supplements, or dietary changes to support methylation and cellular health.
Test Category
Amino Acids, Metabolites
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Micromoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Methylation Group
Test Group Description
Methylation Group: Centered on evaluating methylation levels and associated parameters, this group provides insights into methylation processes and their related health implications.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–4.00 µmol/L
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Chronic kidney disease
Crohn's disease (Inflammatory bowel disease affecting the digestive tract)
Glycine encephalopathy (Disorder affecting glycine metabolism in the brain)
Medications (such as antimicrobials or nephrotoxic drugs)
Prostate cancer
Rheumatoid arthritis (Chronic autoimmune j...
Key Reasons For Testing
Biomarker for Prostate Cancer: Indicates cancer aggressiveness, aiding in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment assessment.
Neurotransmitter Regulation: Modulates glutamate signaling, impacting cognition, mood, and neurological functions.
Psychiatric Disorders: Serves as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
Glycine Transporter Inhibition: Enhances NMDA receptor function by increasing synaptic glycine, relevant for cognitive and psychiatric applications.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Pollack SJ, Waltman RJ. Sarcosine and its role in cellular metabolism. Biochem J. 1991;273(1):205-209.
[2] Struys EA, Heijboer AC, Moorselaar RJ, Jakobs C. Serum sarcosine and related metabolites in prostate cancer. Clin Biochem. 2010;43(13-14):951-953.
[3] Jansen EE, Struys EA, Jakobs C. Sarcosine in prostate cancer: metabolic implications and diagnostic potential. Mol Med. 2005;11(7-8):409-417.
[4] Sreekumar A, Poisson LM, Rajendiran TM, et al. Metabolomic profiles delineate potential role of sarcosine in prostate cancer progression. Nature. 2009;457(7231):910-914.
[5] Dunn WB, Bailey NJ, Johnson HE. Measuring the metabolome: current analytical technologies. Analyst. 2005;130(5):606-625.
[6] Tretter L, Adam-Vizi V. Role of sarcosine in mitochondrial function. J Bioenerg Biomembr. 2005;37(1):23-28.
[7] Huang M, Lu S, Tong X, Li W. Sarcosine detection using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry: advancements in cancer biomarker research. Anal Chem. 2011;83(2):727-735.
[8] Costello LC, Franklin RB. Concepts of citrate metabolism and its implications in prostate cancer. Prostate. 1991;19(3):181-205.
[9] Cao DL, Ye DW, Zhang HL, et al. Sarcosine as a potential biomarker in prostate cancer progression. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2011;14(3):274-282.
[10] Nelson ME, Bingham EM, Singh R. Investigation of sarcosine as a urinary biomarker for cancer. J Urol. 2013;189(4):1234-1238.
[11] Zhang Z, Wang J, Dong W, et al. Comparison of sarcosine levels in normal and cancerous tissues: a systematic analysis. Cancer Lett. 2012;322(1):45-48.
[12] Kuhara T, Ohse M, Inoue M, et al. High-performance liquid chromatography for sarcosine measurement in clinical applications. Clin Chim Acta. 2004;349(1-2):35-42.
[13] Glund S, Deshmukh A, Long YC, et al. Sarcosine metabolism and its role in oxidative stress regulation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007;293(5):E1250-E1257.