Designed to provide a snapshot of the gut’s microbial composition
GUTXPACE
Advanced microbiome analysis using Next Generation Sequencing
GUTXPACE is a test designed to analyse the intestinal microbiome by providing a snapshot of the microbial composition in the gut at the time of sampling, using advanced Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies.
This advanced diagnostic tool enables the assessment of microbial balance (eubiosis) and microbiota efficiency—key elements in maintaining general health and supporting immune system function.
Essential for modulating vital physiological processes
Monitoring and managing the intestinal microbiota is essential for modulating vital physiological processes, such as the clearance of senescent cells, chronic inflammation control, and the regulation of immune responses.
This test is based on next-generation sequencing of hypervariable regions (V3–V4) of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. In addition to identifying microbial imbalances, it provides essential information to guide personalized interventions involving diet, probiotics, and lifestyle, helping to restore microbiota balance and improve overall health.
Each individual’s microbiota composition is unique, and certain microbiome profiles have been associated with better health outcomes.
The Impact
ON HEALTH
Intestinal dysbiosis has been linked to a wide range of pathological conditions, including metabolic (e.g. obesity, diabetes), cardiovascular, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Microbial imbalance contributes to the production of harmful metabolites (e.g. trimethylamine-N-oxide, TMAO) and a reduction in beneficial metabolites (e.g. short-chain fatty acids). It also promotes systemic chronic inflammation by modulating immune pathways such as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
This low-grade inflammatory state is associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even certain types of cancer.
ON STEM CELLS
Intestinal dysbiosis alters tissue homeostasis by directly and indirectly affecting stem cells. Under conditions of microbial imbalance, the production of critical metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), known for their pro-inflammatory action, or butyrate, which exerts an anti-inflammatory and protective role, is impaired.
This metabolic imbalance has negative effects on the regenerative activity of stem cells, reducing their capacity for self-renewal and promoting a state of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
The combination of these factors can compromise the genomic stability of stem cells, favouring genetic mutations and degenerative processes. In addition, dysbiosis can interfere with the microenvironment of the stem niche, altering the molecular and cellular signals that regulate the maintenance and functionality of stem cells.
The influence of the microbiota therefore extends far beyond the simple intestinal microbial balance, playing a crucial role in the regulation of tissue health and in the regenerative capacity of the body.
ON AGEING
Dysbiosis plays a central role in biological ageing processes. Microbial imbalance accelerates ageing through three primary mechanisms:
- Increased oxidative stress: reduced production of antioxidant metabolites by beneficial bacteria, leading to greater oxidative damage at cellular and molecular levels.
- Impaired immune response: dysbiosis contributes to ‘inflammaging’ (age-related chronic inflammation), promoting cellular senescence and inefficient clearance of damaged cells.
- Reduced regenerative function: disruption of stem cell maintenance, impairing tissue regeneration and accelerating functional decline in organs and tissues.
Restoring microbial balance through dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, or targeted therapies may therefore help slow the ageing process, improve overall health, and prevent many age-related diseases.
Comprehensive Analysis
The GUTXPACE report provides a detailed overview of the main microbial groups that influence intestinal health, metabolic activity, and immune regulation. Each biomarker is evaluated against its reference range to highlight potential imbalances—such as dysbiosis, reduced microbial diversity, or altered metabolic functions—that may affect overall wellbeing.
This comprehensive analysis helps identify strengths and weaknesses within the gut ecosystem, offering a clearer understanding of how microbial composition contributes to inflammation control, energy production, and immune homeostasis.
| BIOMARKER | RESULT | REFERENCE VALUE | HEALTH IMPACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes Ratio | -0.48 (Log10 Ratio) | -0.77 – 2.22 (Log10 Ratio) | |
| Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) | 12.8 (CLR) | 9.47 – 13.6 (CLR) | |
| Butyrate-Producing Bacteria | 13.3 (CLR) | 13.9 – 15.8 (CLR) | |
| Bifidobacteria | 10.46 (CLR) | 7.38 – 15.71 (CLR) | |
| Akkermansia muciniphila | 12.6 (CLR) | 7.28 – 16.40 (CLR) | |
| Energy-Producing Bacteria | 16.8 (CLR) | 14.9 – 17.6 (CLR) | |
| Immune Homeostasis | -1.21 (Log10 Ratio) | -1.66 – 0.76 (Log10 Ratio) |
EXTENDED DIAGNOSTIC PROTOCOL
As part of an integrated approach, it is recommended to complement the analysis of systemic inflammation with the following tests included in the BIOXPACE protocol:
IMMUNEXPACE - Immune System Balance Evaluation
Evaluates the balance and functional efficiency of the immune system. The immune system contributes to the resolution of systemic inflammation primarily through the clearance of senescent cells, which sustain inflammatory processes by releasing specific signalling molecules.
When the immune system is weakened, senescent cells are not efficiently removed and progressively accumulate in tissues, perpetuating chronic inflammation.
CYTOXPACE - Systemic Inflammation Assessment
Assesses key markers of systemic inflammation. Alterations in these biomarkers can accelerate biological ageing, increase genotoxicity and genomic instability, and compromise physiological DNA repair mechanisms, thereby increasing the risk of inflammation-related diseases.
SENEXPACE - Cellular Senescence Monitoring
Assesses cellular senescence, a defence mechanism that prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of cells with damaged DNA and high tumourigenic potential.
However, senescent cells release inflammatory signals that contribute to the spread of inflammation throughout the body, triggering systemic inflammatory responses.
NANOXPACE - Nano/Microplastics Detection
Detects and quantifies the presence of nano- and microplastics in the bloodstream. The immune system recognises these foreign particles and initiates an immune response that contributes to a state of inflammation.
The progressive accumulation of nano/microplastics promotes genotoxicity and genomic instability, ultimately accelerating degenerative ageing processes.
