Inflammation, NF-KB Regulation & Healthy Aging Panel
- $4,518.68
- $1,161.95
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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: Apolipoprotein B Cardio IQ, Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B
Apolipoprotein B
Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, CReactive Protein CRP, CRP
C-REACTIVE PROTEIN
Also known as: Cardio IQ Homocysteine , Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardio IQ
HOMOCYSTEINE,
Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20
Albumin
Albumin/Globulin Ratio
Alkaline Phosphatase
Alt
AST
Bilirubin, Total
Bun/Creatinine Ratio
Calcium
Carbon Dioxide
Chloride
Creatinine
Egfr African American
Egfr Non-Afr. American
GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN
GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN
Globulin
Glucose
Potassium
Protein, Total
Sodium
Urea Nitrogen (Bun)
Also known as: Cortisol AM
Cortisol, A.M.
Also known as: Cortisol PM
Cortisol, P.M.
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone
DHEA SULFATE
Ferritin
Also known as: Factor I, Fibrinogen, Fibrinogen Activity Clauss
Fibrinogen Activity,
Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c
HEMOGLOBIN A1C
Also known as: Cardio IQ hs-CRP , hsCRP Cardio IQ
Hs Crp
Also known as: Insulin (fasting)
Insulin
Interleukin 1 Beta
Also known as: CYTOKINE, IL-6 HS, Interleukin6 Highly Sensitive ELISA
Interleukin 6, Highly
Also known as: Cardio IQ Lipid Panel, Cholesterol and Lipids, Lipid Panel Cardio IQ, Lipids
Chol/HDLC Ratio
Cholesterol, Total
HDL Cholesterol
LDL-Cholesterol
Non HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Also known as: Cardio IQ Lipoprotein (a), Lipoprotein a Cardio IQ
Lipoprotein (A)
Also known as: Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility , HDL Subfractions, IDL Subfractions, LDL Subfractions, Lipoprotein Fraction, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility Cardio IQ, Quest Diagnostics has replaced the VAP® Cholesterol Test with Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ™ test
HDL Large
LDL Medium
LDL Particle Number
LDL Pattern
LDL Peak Size
LDL Small
Also known as: ESR, SED RATE, Sed Rate by Modified Westergren ESR
Sed Rate By Modified
Also known as: Tnf Alpha Highly Sensitive
Tnf Alpha, Highly
The Inflammation, NF-KB Regulation & Healthy Aging Panel panel contains 19 tests with 49 biomarkers .
Overview
Healthy aging begins at the cellular level.
When inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalance go unchecked, they trigger NF-κB, the master regulator of inflammation and one of the most important signaling pathways in the human body. Chronic NF-κB activation leads to fatigue, hormonal decline, insulin resistance, tissue breakdown, and accelerated aging.
The Inflammation, NF-κB Regulation & Healthy Aging Panel from Ulta Lab Tests provides the most complete picture of how your cells are functioning, repairing, and defending themselves.
By combining six powerful diagnostic modules—spanning inflammation, immune regulation, oxidative stress, cardiometabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and cellular aging—this all-in-one panel measures the biological processes that determine how fast or how well you age.
Why This Panel Matters
While most tests look for disease after it develops, this panel reveals the early biochemical shifts that lead to disease and accelerated aging years before symptoms arise.
It empowers you and your healthcare provider to:
- Detect and modulate chronic inflammation and NF-κB activation
- Identify oxidative stress and antioxidant depletion
- Evaluate metabolic and cardiometabolic risk
- Track hormonal balance and cellular repair capacity
- Personalize diet, exercise, and lifestyle programs for healthy longevity
Panel Composition: Six Foundational Pillars of Healthy Aging
This master panel includes the essential biomarkers from six interrelated domains, each representing a core pathway of inflammation and repair.
1. Cellular Inflammation & NF-κB Control Panel
Category: Inflammation & NF-κB Activation
Key Tests:
|
Test |
Quest Code |
Clinical Significance |
|
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) |
4420, 91737 |
Detects low-grade systemic inflammation and early vascular risk. |
|
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) |
809 |
Reflects chronic immune activity and inflammation duration. |
|
Ferritin |
457 |
Doubles as an iron storage and inflammation marker; rises with oxidative stress. |
|
Fibrinogen Activity |
461 |
Indicates clotting potential and systemic inflammatory load. |
|
Homocysteine |
91733 |
Elevations signal endothelial inflammation and NF-κB activation. |
Purpose: Measures the body’s core inflammatory tone and NF-κB pathway activity—the root signal for aging and disease.
2. Immune Balance & Cytokine Activity Panel
Category: Cytokine & Immune Regulation
Key Tests:
|
Test |
Quest Code |
Clinical Significance |
|
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) |
34473 |
Cytokine controlled by NF-κB; drives inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. |
|
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) |
34485 |
“Master cytokine” promoting tissue injury, insulin resistance, and chronic pain. |
|
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) |
1757 |
Early inflammation trigger linked to autoimmune and degenerative conditions. |
Purpose: Reveals the intensity of immune signaling and cytokine imbalance fueling inflammation and aging.
3. Cardiometabolic Inflammation & Vascular Health Panel
Category: Cardiometabolic & Endothelial Function
Key Tests:
|
Test |
Quest Code |
Clinical Significance |
|
Cardio IQ® Advanced Lipid + Inflammation Panel |
91716 and 91604 |
Assesses LDL particle size, ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, and fibrinogen to evaluate vascular inflammation and lipid oxidation. |
|
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] |
91729 |
Genetic lipid factor that elevates inflammatory and clotting risk. |
|
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) |
91726 |
Measures atherogenic particle number—more predictive than LDL-C for heart risk. |
Purpose: Connects inflammation and oxidative stress to cardiovascular and endothelial aging, offering precision lipid insights.
4. Metabolic Resilience & Insulin Sensitivity Panel
Category: Metabolic Health & Insulin Resistance
Key Tests:
|
Test |
Quest Code |
Clinical Significance |
|
Hemoglobin A1c |
461 |
Tracks 3-month average glucose; higher levels promote glycation and inflammation. |
|
Insulin, Fasting |
561 |
Early indicator of insulin resistance and metabolic stress. |
|
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) |
10231 |
Assesses liver, kidney, and electrolyte status; identifies metabolic inflammation or fatty-liver changes. |
Purpose: Detects insulin resistance and metabolic inflammation—the hidden drivers of “inflammaging” and fatigue.
5. Cellular Aging & Regeneration Panel
Category: Biological Aging & Repair Potential
Key Tests:
|
Test |
Quest Code |
Clinical Significance |
|
Telomere Length (TOOLBOX GENOMICS ) |
94963 |
Measures biological age and cumulative cellular wear; shorter telomeres indicate accelerated aging. |
|
DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) |
402 |
Anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone that declines with age; supports immune and tissue repair. |
|
Cortisol, AM & PM |
4212 and 4213 |
Evaluates diurnal stress rhythm; chronic elevations shorten telomeres and activate NF-κB. |
Purpose: Determines your true biological age and regenerative capacity by linking stress, hormones, and DNA integrity.
Clinical Applications & Benefits
- Root-Cause Detection: Identify where chronic inflammation begins—immune imbalance, oxidative stress, metabolism, or hormonal dysregulation.
- Longevity Optimization: Quantify biological aging and track improvements over time.
- Personalized Prevention: Design evidence-based plans targeting the exact pathways driving your inflammation or fatigue.
- Comprehensive Baseline: Establish a 360° snapshot of your cardiovascular, metabolic, and cellular health.
- Therapeutic Monitoring: Evaluate the impact of dietary, supplement, or hormone-balance interventions on inflammation and repair markers.
Who Should Consider This Panel
- Individuals pursuing longevity, anti-aging, or regenerative programs
- Those with chronic inflammation, fatigue, or autoimmune tendencies
- Patients with heart, metabolic, or cognitive risk factors
- Anyone experiencing stress, poor recovery, or premature aging signs
- Functional medicine and integrative health patients seeking comprehensive insight
Sample Requirements & Preparation
- Specimen: Blood draw (plus urine for 8-OHdG) at a Quest Diagnostics location
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Timing: AM/PM cortisol samples collected per schedule
- Turnaround Time: 5–10 business days
Symptoms or Concerns This Panel Addresses
- Fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog or memory decline
- Unexplained weight gain or metabolic slowdown
- Hormonal imbalance or adrenal stress
- Joint pain, stiffness, or chronic inflammation
- Premature aging signs (skin, recovery, cognition)
- Sleep disruption, anxiety, or burnout
Excellent — here’s a full, professional Results Interpretation Guide for the
?? Inflammation, NF-κB Regulation & Healthy Aging Panel — designed as the master interpretive framework for all six underlying panels.
This guide organizes each biomarker domain into what it measures, how to interpret your results, why it matters, and how to improve your score.
It’s written in the same authoritative but patient-friendly style as your other Ulta Lab Tests guides, suitable for both digital display and printable PDF use.
Results Interpretation Guide
Inflammation, NF-κB Regulation & Healthy Aging Panel
(Cellular | Metabolic | Oxidative | Cardiometabolic | Longevity)
Understanding Your Results
This master panel integrates six biological pathways that define how well your body repairs and renews itself.
Chronic activation of NF-κB, the body’s master inflammatory switch, drives oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and cellular aging.
Your results reveal how these systems interact — from inflammation and metabolism to hormone balance and telomere repair — to shape your biological age and long-term health trajectory.
Section 1 · Inflammation & NF-κB Activation
(CRP, ESR, Ferritin, Fibrinogen, Homocysteine)
|
Marker |
Optimal Range |
Meaning |
If Elevated |
|
hs-CRP |
< 1.0 mg/L |
Detects low-grade inflammation and vascular injury. |
Indicates chronic NF-κB activity, infection, or metabolic stress. |
|
ESR |
< 15 mm/hr (men) < 20 mm/hr (women) |
Reflects long-term inflammatory trends. |
Suggests ongoing immune activation. |
|
Ferritin |
30–150 ng/mL (women) 50–300 ng/mL (men) |
Iron storage and acute-phase reactant. |
High = oxidative stress or liver inflammation. |
|
Fibrinogen |
200–300 mg/dL |
Inflammation and blood viscosity marker. |
Elevated = increased clot risk and vascular inflammation. |
|
Homocysteine |
< 8 µmol/L |
Measures methylation and endothelial integrity. |
Elevated = poor B-vitamin status, oxidative stress. |
Improvement Strategy:
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods (fish, leafy greens, turmeric).
- Supplement with omega-3s, curcumin, folate, B12, and magnesium.
- Manage stress, improve sleep, and exercise regularly.
Section 2 · Cytokine & Immune Regulation
(IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β)
|
Marker |
Optimal Range |
Meaning |
If Elevated |
|
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) |
< 1.5 pg/mL |
Pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to aging (“inflammaging”). |
Chronic immune activation, metabolic syndrome, or obesity. |
|
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) |
< 2.8 pg/mL |
“Master” cytokine that amplifies NF-κB. |
Tissue injury, autoimmune or insulin resistance. |
|
Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) |
< 1.0 pg/mL |
Early inflammation initiator. |
Active inflammation or infection. |
Improvement Strategy:
- Emphasize gut and immune health (fiber, probiotics, polyphenols).
- Reduce processed food and sugar.
- Incorporate regular exercise and stress-reduction techniques.
Section 3 · Cardiometabolic & Endothelial Function
(ApoB, Lp(a), LDL Particle Size, hs-CRP, Fibrinogen)
|
Marker |
Optimal Range |
Meaning |
If Elevated |
|
ApoB |
< 80 mg/dL |
True count of atherogenic particles. |
Hidden cholesterol risk despite normal LDL-C. |
|
Lp(a) |
< 14 mg/dL |
Genetic clotting & inflammation risk. |
Lifetime atherogenic predisposition; control inflammation. |
|
LDL Particle Size |
Pattern A (large buoyant) |
Lipid quality & oxidation risk. |
Pattern B = small, dense, easily oxidized LDL. |
Improvement Strategy:
- Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3s and fiber.
- Regular exercise, stress control.
- Discuss statins or PCSK9 inhibitors for high ApoB/Lp(a).
Section 4 · Metabolic Resilience & Insulin Sensitivity
(A1c, Fasting Insulin, CMP-14)
|
Marker |
Optimal Range |
Meaning |
If Elevated |
|
Hemoglobin A1c |
4.8–5.2 % |
3-month glucose average. |
> 5.6 % = prediabetes; accelerates aging. |
|
Fasting Insulin |
2–8 µIU/mL |
Early marker of insulin sensitivity. |
> 10 µIU/mL = insulin resistance, metabolic inflammation. |
|
Liver Enzymes (ALT/AST) |
ALT < 30 U/L AST < 35 U/L |
Detects fatty-liver stress. |
Elevated = metabolic overload or toxicity. |
Improvement Strategy:
- Reduce refined carbs and sugary drinks.
- Intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.
- Increase muscle mass and daily activity.
- Optimize sleep and stress balance.
Section 5 · Biological Aging & Repair Potential
(Telomere Length, DHEA-S, Cortisol AM/PM)
|
Marker |
Optimal Range |
Meaning |
If Out of Range |
|
Telomere Length |
Equal to or “younger” than chronological age |
DNA protection & biological age. |
Short = accelerated aging, oxidative damage. |
|
DHEA-S |
Age-specific upper half of range |
Adrenal resilience & anti-inflammatory repair hormone. |
Low = stress exhaustion, poor regeneration. |
|
Cortisol AM/PM |
High AM / Low PM |
Stress rhythm and recovery cycle. |
Flat = adrenal fatigue; High PM = sleep & repair disruption. |
Improvement Strategy:
- Manage stress through meditation and consistent sleep.
- Maintain moderate exercise; avoid overtraining.
- Nutrient support: vitamin C, magnesium, adaptogens.
- Support DHEA levels via lifestyle or supplementation if medically advised.
Interpreting Combined Patterns
|
Pattern |
Interpretation |
Next Steps |
|
High Inflammation + High Cytokines |
Active NF-κB signaling driving systemic aging. |
Focus on anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, and stress reduction. |
|
High Oxidative Stress + High ApoB/Lp(a) |
Oxidized lipids and endothelial injury. |
Combine antioxidant therapy with lipid management. |
|
High Insulin + High Cortisol |
Metabolic stress and HPA overdrive. |
Balance meals, manage stress, and prioritize recovery. |
|
Short Telomeres + Low DHEA-S |
Accelerated biological aging and poor repair. |
Address hormonal and antioxidant support, reduce stress load. |
|
Optimal Markers Across Systems |
Balanced inflammation, strong resilience, healthy biological age. |
Maintain habits; re-test annually to monitor progress. |
Global Longevity Score
|
Domain |
Weight |
Optimal Trend |
|
Inflammation & NF-κB |
20 % |
Low-normal CRP/ESR/Fibrinogen |
|
Cytokine Activity |
10 % |
IL-6 < 1.5 pg/mL TNF-α < 2.8 pg/mL |
|
Oxidative Stress |
15 % |
High GSH:GSSG + Normal 8-OHdG |
|
Cardiometabolic |
20 % |
ApoB < 80 mg/dL Pattern A LDL |
|
Metabolic |
20 % |
A1c < 5.2 Insulin < 8 µIU/mL |
|
Biological Aging |
15 % |
Age-appropriate telomeres DHEA-S high-normal Balanced cortisol |
Longevity Optimization Goal:
Maintain > 80 % of markers in the optimal range to slow biological aging and extend healthspan.
Re-Testing Recommendations
|
Purpose |
Interval |
|
Baseline longevity assessment |
Once annually |
|
Active lifestyle or therapeutic change |
Every 3–6 months |
|
Tracking inflammation reversal or stress recovery |
8–12 weeks |
When to Consult a Provider
- Persistently elevated hs-CRP (> 3 mg/L) or IL-6 (> 2 pg/mL)
- Shortened telomeres relative to age
- Fasting insulin > 10 µIU/mL or A1c > 5.7 %
- High ApoB/Lp(a) with cardiovascular family history
- Flattened cortisol curve with fatigue or insomnia
Action Framework
|
Focus Area |
Top Interventions |
|
Nutrition |
Anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet; limit refined carbs; add antioxidants. |
|
Exercise |
Mix of resistance, aerobic, and mobility training. |
|
Stress & Sleep |
Consistent circadian rhythm, meditation, deep breathing, adequate rest. |
|
Targeted Supplementation |
Omega-3s, CoQ10, NAC, vitamin D, B-complex, adaptogens (under provider supervision). |
|
Environmental Detox |
Minimize plastics, heavy metals, and chemical exposure. |
Key Takeaway
Inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalance are measurable and modifiable.
By optimizing these biomarkers, you can slow cellular aging, improve energy and cognition, and extend both lifespan and healthspan.
Measure → Understand → Rebalance → Renew
Your data-driven path to vitality and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes this panel unique?
It’s the only integrated test bundle measuring inflammation (NF-κB), immune signaling, oxidative stress, metabolism, cardiovascular inflammation, and biological aging—all in one assessment.
Q2: Can lifestyle changes improve these results?
Absolutely. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, and antioxidant support can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, lengthen telomeres, and balance cortisol.
Q3: How often should I repeat testing?
Re-test every 6–12 months to monitor progress or adjust interventions. More frequent testing (every 3–6 months) is ideal for active longevity programs.
Q4: Can these results predict lifespan?
No test predicts exact lifespan, but telomere length, oxidative stress, and inflammation levels strongly correlate with biological aging rate and healthspan.
Complementary Tests & Panels
- Micronutrient Testing – assess nutrient deficiencies influencing inflammation and repair.
- Genetic Polymorphism Panels (MTHFR, APOE) – identify genetic risk for oxidative and cardiovascular stress.
- Sex Hormone & Thyroid Panels – evaluate endocrine impact on metabolism and inflammation.