What is Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO)? And Why Does the Toxin Zoomer Test for It?

Urinary solvent oxidation metabolite

Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) is a urinary metabolite produced when the body processes certain aromatic solvents such as styrene. Measuring PGO helps indicate recent solvent exposure and provides insight into how hepatic detox pathways are handling those compounds.

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Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO)

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About Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO)

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About Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO)

Overview and History

Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) is an organic acid formed as a breakdown product of aromatic hydrocarbons, most notably solvents like styrene and ethylbenzene. Biochemically, it is generated through hepatic oxidation of these compounds and is excreted in urine, which makes it useful as a non‑endogenous exposure marker. PGO was identified in occupational and environmental studies as a measurable indicator of solvent exposure and is commonly quantified using targeted mass spectrometry methods (LC‑MS/MS). In clinical and occupational contexts, it is interpreted alongside other solvent metabolites and exposure information to build a clearer picture of recent contact with volatile organic compounds.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

Elevated urinary PGO suggests recent or higher exposure to solvents that are metabolized to phenyl glyoxylic acid, or alternatively a shift in metabolic pathways that increases conversion to this metabolite. Levels may also be influenced by timing of sample collection and renal excretion. Low or undetectable PGO typically reflects minimal recent exposure, efficient clearance, or simply that the sample was collected outside the time window of excretion. Because metabolism and excretion vary between people, PGO results are most meaningful when viewed with related metabolites, creatinine or specific gravity adjustment, exposure history, and detox‑related genetic information from the full panel.

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PGO is included in the Toxin Zoomer to quantify exposure to common industrial solvents and to contextualize that exposure within an individual’s detox capacity. As part of the broader urine toxicant profile and paired detox genetics, PGO helps clinicians identify exposure sources and biological patterns that support personalized, capacity‑aligned interpretation.

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Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) FAQs

What is Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) and why is it important?

PGO is a urine metabolite produced when the body breaks down certain solvents like styrene. Its presence and amount reflect recent exposure and aspects of how the liver processes those chemicals. Tracking PGO helps clinicians link lab findings to possible environmental sources and to other detox markers in the report.

What does it mean if my Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) levels are low?

Low or undetectable PGO generally means there was little or no recent exposure to solvents that produce this metabolite, or that the sample was collected after the metabolite was cleared. It can also reflect individual differences in metabolism or kidney excretion. Interpretation should consider other solvent metabolites, exposure history, and detox‑related genetic results.

What does it mean if my Phenyl glyoxylic Acid (PGO) levels are high?

Higher urinary PGO often indicates recent or greater exposure to solvents such as styrene or ethylbenzene, or altered metabolic processing that favors formation of this metabolite. Elevated values are a signal to review possible sources and to compare with other toxicants and genetic detox markers. Clinical interpretation requires the full panel and exposure context to understand significance.

Why is PGO measured on the Toxin Zoomer?

Measuring PGO helps detect and quantify solvent exposure and shows how those exposures are being metabolized. When combined with other urine toxicants and detox genetics on the Toxin Zoomer, PGO contributes to a more complete, personalized profile of environmental burden and detox capacity.

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