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Natalie Cole Optimistic About Her Battle with Hepatitis C
Although currently recovering from combination therapy's side effects, the well-respected vocalist Natalie Cole may have conquered the Hepatitis C virus....
Hep C and Fatty Liver Disease Linked
Pittsburgh researchers have found an enzyme known to participate in fat production is elevated in those with Hepatitis C. Further exploration of this enzyme could help physicians better predict which HCV patients are at risk of developing fatty liver disease....
Anadys' ANA773 Hepatitis C Phase I Trials in Netherlands
Reducing the dosing schedule in half, Anadys Pharmaceuticals continues its investigation of ANA773, a Toll-Like Receptor-7 agonist prodrug. Approaching the Hepatitis C virus differently from most other contenders, Phase I clinical trials evaluating the safety, tolerability and viral-load decline associated...
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- 2IT-BAD monoclonal antibody 170
- A
type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal
antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer
cells
- A33 Monoclonal Antibody
- Type
of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies
are laboratory produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells
- AABB
- American Association
of Blood Banks
- AAFP
- American Academy of Family
Physicians
- AAH
- Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis
- AAI
- American Association of
Immunologists
- AAPB
- American Association
of Pathologists and Bacteriologists
- AASLD
- American Association
for the Study of Liver Disease
- AAV
- Adeno Associated Virus
- ab
- Prefix meaning away from,
from
- Ab
- Abbreviation for Antibody
- AB
- Abdominal
- Abacterial
- Free from bacteria
- Abasia
- Inability to walk
- Abate
- To lessen or decrease
- Abatement
- A decrease in the
severity of a pain or a symptom
- ABC
- Aspiration biopsy cytology
- ABD
- Abdomen, Abdominal
- ABDOM
- Abdomen, Abdominal
- Abdomen
- Gut, part of the body
that contains the stomach, liver, intestines, spleen and other organs. Large
cavity between the chest and the pelvis
- Abdominal
- Related to the gut,
which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the
pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs
- Abdominal Distention
- Increased
abdominal girth
- Abdominal Girth
- Measurement
of the distance around the abdomen at a specific point (usually at the level
of the umbilicus). Abdominal girth can be an objective measurement of abdominal
swelling
- Abdominal Pain
- Sensation of
discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region
- Abdominal Swelling
- Increased
abdominal girth
- Abdomino
- Surgical procedure
in which the end portion of the sigmoid colon and the entire rectum and anus
are removed. The remaining colon is brought to the surface of the body as a
permanent colostomy. Known as a Perineal resection
- Abdominocentesis
- Paracentesis
- Abdominocystic
- Pertaining
to the abdomen and gallbladder
- Abdominoscopy
- Inspection or
examination of the abdominal cavity, particularly direct examination of the
abdominal organs by endoscopy, peritoneoscopy. Laparoscopy
- Aberrant
- Irregular
- ABG
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Abirritant
- An agent that relieves
irritation. Diminishing or relieving irritation, soothing
- Ablation
- In medicine, the
removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may
be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods
- ABM
- Adjusted Body Mass
- Abnormal
- Not normal; contrary
to the usual structure, behavior, condition, position, or rule. In referring
to a lesion or growth, may be cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer)
- Abnormality
- Not normal. Differing
in any way from the usual state, condition or structure
- ABO Antigens
- A system of genetically
determined antigens (proteins) located on the surface of the erythrocyte. The
presence of these specific antigens gives a blood its unique properties. Because
of the antigen differences existing between individuals, blood groups are significant
in blood transfusions, maternal-foetal incompatibilities (erythroblastosis foetalis),
tissue and organ transplantation
- ABO Blood Group
- One of the
four blood groups A, B, AB, or O comprising the ABO system
- ABO Incompatibility
- A type
of blood incompatibility, found rarely. Transfusion reactions may occur as a
result of such incompatibility
- Abortive Infection
- When a
virus infects a cell (or host), but cannot complete the full replication cycle,
i.e. a non-productive infection
- Abouchement
- The termination
of a vessel in a larger one
- ABP
- Arterial Blood Pressure
- Abrosia
- Lack of food
- Abrupt
- Sudden
- Abs
- Antibodies,
Abs are associated with specific causes of hepatitis
- Abscess
- Localized pocket of
pus. An enclosed collection of pus in tissues, organs, or confined spaces in
the body. An abscess is a sign of infection and is usually swollen and inflamed
- Absorbent
- A drug that promotes
the absorption of diseased tissues
- Absorption
- Process in which
food nutrients are taken from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream for
distribution to all cells in the body. The degree and speed at which a drug
enters the bloodstream from the small intestine
- ABT -751
- A substance that
is being studied in the treatment of cancer. Belonging to the family of drugs
called sulfonamides
- ABW
- Actual Body Weight
- AC
- Abdominal Circumference,
Abdominal Compression, Activated Charcoal, Acute Cholecystitis, Alcoholic Cirrhosis
- a.c
- Ante Cibum--Before Meals
- Acacia Bark
- Acacia Arabica--also
called Wattle Bark. Medicinally, Acacia Bark is used as a substitute for Oak
Bark. Used for diarrhea. Also used as an astringent gargle, injection, or lotion
- Acalculous
- Without the presence
of stones, gallstones as an example
- Accelerated Approval
- FDA regulations
governing early marketing approval of promising drugs for life threatening illnesses
- Accessory Digestive Organs
- Organs
that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract. These organs
are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, gallbladder, liver, and
pancreas
- Accessory Spleen
- Normal spleen
tissue in an abnormal anatomical location
- Accumulation
- Build-up
- ACE Inhibitor
- Drug typically
used to treat high blood pressure (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitor)
- Acetaminophen
- The generic
name for a common nonprescription medication useful in the treatment of mild
pain or fever
- Acetylcholine
- Neurotransmitter
widely distributed in body tissues with a primary function of mediating synaptic
activity of the nervous system and skeletal muscles
- ACG
- American College of Gastroenterology
- Achalasia
- Constriction of
the lower portion of the esophagus due to inability of the sphincter muscles
to relax
- Achlorhydria
- Absence of hydrochloric
acid from the gastric juice
- Acholia
- Absence of bile, or
failure to secrete bile
- Acholuria
- Term used to describe
the absence of bile pigment in the urine, usually in the context of describing
a type of jaundice
- Acid-Base Equilibrium
- Condition
in which the net rate of acid or alkali production by the body is balanced by
the net rate of acid or alkali excretion from the body, resulting in a stable
concentration of hydrogen ions in the body fluids
- Acid Fast
Bacillus
- Bacteria capable of living in acidic environments,
such as inside macrophages. Tuberculosis and MAI/MAC are acid fast bacilli
- Acidity
- Sour, Acid content
of any substance
- Acidophilus
- Microflora
(good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping
your body fight disease. Intestinal cleanser. Helps prevent acne, bad
breath, fungus, and diverticulosis. Helps in the absorption of calcium and other
minerals in the body
- Acidosis
- High blood acidity,
a condition marked by abnormally high acid levels in the blood, associated with
some forms of diabetes, lung disease, and severe kidney disease
- Acid Reflux
- Disorder in which
acid in the stomach comes up into the esophagus, the valve separating the stomach
and esophagus does not function properly
- ACL
- Anal Canal Length
- Aconite
- Also known as Fu-Tzu
and Monkshood. Extremely powerful and potentially toxic herb. Considered an
effective stimulant for the spleen and kidneys. Also used in the treatment for
general weakness, cancer, malaise, poor circulation, and heart disease. Aconite's
toxic ingredient is an extremely potent central nervous system poison called
"Aconitine". Even in extremely small amounts, this potent chemical can inhibit
respiration, and in larger amounts can lead to complete heart failure! Aconitine
can be extremely toxic. This is definitely not an herb for casual use by the
herbal novice, and if used at all, should only be done so under the close supervision
& monitoring of a knowledgeable practitioner.
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome [AIDS]
- Syndrome
characterized by suppressioerin of the immune system that renders the body susceptible
to various illnesses; Late, symptomatic stage of HIV disease
- Acrid
- Has a biting taste or
causes heat and irritation when applied to the skin
- Action Study
- In clinical trials,
a study that focuses on finding out whether actions people take can prevent
cancer or disease
- Activated
Charcoal
- An over-the-counter product that may help relieve intestinal
gas
- Active Control Treatment
- A
control treatment that involves use of a pharmacologically or medically active
substance. Active controls are used when there is already an available treatment,
so the use of a placebo or no treatment would be unethical
- Active Immunization
- The conferring
of immunity through the introduction of an attenuated form of a virus; for example,
the injection of cowpox virus to confer immunity to smallpox, or by the injection
of a killed or inactivated virus. The principle is that the body, by learning
to deal with a mild and harmless virus closely related to a more serious strain,
or a dead or inactive virus, develops antibodies against the virulent, live
or active virus
- Active Infection
- Infection
in which a disease causing microorganism is actively replicating and infecting
new cells
- Acuity
- Sharpness
- Accupressure
- Traditional Chinese
healing technique in which finger pressure is applied to specific points on
the body to treat disease & help relieve symptoms
- Acupuncture
- One of the oldest
most commonly used medical procedures in the world, acupuncture originated more
than 2,000 years ago in China. Traditional Chinese medicine believes there are
more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect pathways known
as meridians, and conduct energy, or chi, throughout the body
- Acustimulation
- Mild electrical
stimulation of acupuncture points to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
- Acute
- Severe, Short. Sensing
or perceiving accurately, clearly, effectively, or sensitively characterized
by sharpness or severity, having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course
- Acute Hepatitis
- Initial stage
of viral hepatitis following infection. In HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), acute hepatitis
refers to the first six months of infection
- Acute Infection
- Suddenly occurring
infection that is severe and sharp. Relatively brief infections, i.e. a few
days to a few weeks, following which the virus is usually eliminated completely
from the body by the immune system;
- Acute Tubular Necrosis
- ATN--Reversible
kidney damage resulting in delayed kidney function. Among other factors, it
may be caused by quality of donor organ, time of organ storage before transplantation,
or medications to prevent rejection
- Acute Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatocellular
inflammatory disease caused by certain hepatotrophic viruses. Common, important
group of worldwide diseases that share clinical, biochemical, and morphologic
features, but are due to different viruses
- Acute Yellow Atrophy
- Massive
necrosis of the liver, a rare complication of viral hepatitis (fulminant hepatitis)
that may also result from exposure to hepatotoxins or from drug hypersensitivity.
A lobe or the entire liver shrinks, becoming a soft, flabby, yellow-brown to
green mass with a wrinkled capsule. There is confluent necrosis of hepatocytes,
often with fatty change. Mortality is 60% to 90%
- Acyclovir-Zovirax
- An antiviral
drug used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1, fever blisters,
cold sores), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2, genital herpes) and herpes zoster
(shingles), and occasionally for acute varicella-zoster virus (Chickenpox)
- ADA
- Americans with Disabilities
Act
- ADCC
- Antibody Dependent Cell
Mediated Cytotoxicity
- Addiction
- Dependence on a
substance (alcohol or drugs), to the point that stopping is very difficult and
causes severe mental and physical reactions
- ADE
- Apparent Digestive Energy
- Adenine
- One of the four basic
nucleotides that make up DNA. White, crystalline derivative
- Adenitis
- Inflammation of one
or several lymph nodes, or related lymphoid tissues
- Adeno
- Greek word for gland
- Adenocarcinoma
- Cancer that
begins in cells that line certain internal organs. Seen under a microscope,
these cancer cells grow in patterns that normally are seen only in glands
- Adenoma
- Non-cancerous tumor
- Adenopathy
- Enlargement of
glands, particularly the lymph nodes
- Adenosine Triphosphate
- ATP.
A substance present in all living cells that provides energy for many metabolic
processes and is involved in making RNA. ATP made in the laboratory is being
studied in patients with advanced solid tumors to see if it can decrease weight
loss and improve muscle strength
- Adenoviruses, Canine
- Species
of the genus Mastadenovirus that causes fever, edema, vomiting, and diarrhea
in dogs and encephalitis in foxes. Epizootics have also been caused in bears,
wolves, coyotes, and skunks
- Adenovirus Early Proteins
- Proteins
encoded by adenoviruses that are synthesized prior to, and in the absence of,
viral DNA replication. Proteins are involved in both positive and negative regulation
of expression in viral and cellular genes, and also affect the stability of
viral mRNA. Some are also involved in oncogenic transformation
- Adenovirus E1 Proteins
- The
very first viral gene products synthesized after cells are infected with adenovirus.
The E1 region of the genome has been divided into two major transcriptional
units, E1A and E1B, each expressing proteins of the same name (Adenovirus E1A
Proteins and Adenovirus E1B Proteins)
- Adenovirus E1A Proteins
- Proteins
transcribed from the E1A region of adenovirus which are involved in positive
regulation of transcription of the early genes
- Adenovirus E1B Proteins
- Proteins
transcribed from the E1B region of adenovirus which are involved in regulation
of the levels of early and late gene expression
- Adenovirus E2 Proteins
- Proteins
transcribed from the E2 region of adenovirus. Several of these are required
for viral DNA replication
- Adenovirus E3 Proteins
- Proteins
transcribed from the E3 region of adenovirus but not essential for viral replication.
The E3 19K protein mediates adenovirus persistence by reducing the expression
of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens on the surface of infected
cells
- Adenovirus E4 Proteins
- Proteins
transcribed from the E4 region of adenovirus. The E4 19K protein transactivates
transcription of the adenovirus E2F protein and complexes with it
- Adenovirus Infections, Human
- Respiratory
and conjunctival infections caused by 33 identified serotypes of human adenoviruses
- Ad Hoc Review Group
- Review
group that is created for the sole purpose of reviewing a specific application
or set of applications. Also referred to as ad hoc study section, especially
if the applications are for grant support
- Adherence
- Degree to which
patient care exactly follows study protocol
- Adhesion
- Fibrous band of structure
by which parts abnormally adhere. Internal growth of scar tissue
- Adipose Tissue
- Type of connective
tissue specialized for lipid (fat) storage
- Adiposis
- Condition of fatty
infiltration or degeneration of single organs such as the heart or liver
- Adjunct Therapy
- Therapy given
in addition to primary treatment
- Adjuvant
- Herb used to aid
the effect of a principal ingredient when added to a mixture
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Substances that stimulate, activate, augment, potentiate, or modulate the immune response
at either the humoral or cellular level. The classical agents (Freund's adjuvant,
BCG, Corynebacterium parvum, et al.) contain bacterial antigens. Some are endogenous
(e.g., interferon, histamine, tuftsin, transfer factor, interleukin-1).
Their mode of action is either non-specific, resulting in increased immune responsiveness
to a wide variety of antigens, or antigen-specific, i.e., affecting a restricted
type of immune response to a narrow group of antigens. The therapeutic efficacy
of many biological response modifiers is related to their antigen-specific immunoadjuvanticity
- Adjuvant Therapy
- Treatment
given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure. Adjuvant
therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or biological
therapy
- Administration or Route of Administration
- How
a drug or therapy is introduced into the body (i.e., intravenously, or orally)
- ADP
- Advanced Pancreatitis
2. Adenosine diphosphate - an energy storage molecule
- Adrenal Gland
- One of a pair
of glands located above the kidneys. The adrenal medulla produces hormones such
as adrenaline (epinephrine), while the adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids
and androgens
- Adverse Affect
- An unwanted
side effect of treatment
- Adverse Event
- Less than desireable
results of taking medication, also known as side effects
- Adverse Experience
- A toxic
reaction to a treatment under study. In the CPCRA all Grade 4, life-threatening
toxicities and deaths are adverse experiences, irrespective of whether or not
they are believed to be due to study drug, as are any toxicities that require
permanent discontinuation of study drug
- Adverse Reaction
- Unintended
and unwanted side effect of some sort of treatment, usually drug therapy
- A.E.
- Adverse Experience
- AEP
- Acute Edematous Pancreatitis
- A.E.R.
- Adverse experience
report: A document in a prespecified format used to collect information on all
reportable adverse experiences
- Aerosolized
- A form of administration
in which a drug, is turned into a fine spray or mist by a nebulizer, and inhaled
- AES
- Anterior Esophageal Sensor
- AFB
- See acid-fast
bacillus
- Afebrile
- Without a fever
- Affective Disorder
- Mental
disorder involving abnormal moods and emotions; affective disorders include
manic depressive disorder
- Afferent
- Conveying towards
a center
- Aflatoxin
- A harmful substance
made by certain types of mold (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus)
that is often found on poorly stored grains and nuts. Consumption of foods contaminated
with aflatoxin is a risk factor for primary liver
cancer
- AFLP
- Acute Fatty Liver of
Pregnancy
- AFP
- Alpha
fetoprotein. A test that measures the amount of alpha fetoprotein (AFP)
in serum (blood)
- AGA
- American Gastroenterolgical
Association
- Agammaglobulinaemia
- Immune
deficiency
- AGE
- Acute Gastroenteritis
- Agenesis
- Failure of development
- Age Spots
- Also called Liver
Spots and Lentigo Senilis. Fat spots evenly colored with darker pigment that
occur on the exposed skin particulalry in persons aged 50
- Agglutinate
- The process by
which cells are made to adhere to one another, usually through the actions of
an agglutinin, such as an antibody or a lectin. Certain viruses and bacteria
also are capable of agglutinating blood cells. Many agglutinins, particularly
the food lectins, are blood type specific. Certain foods clump only the cells
of one blood type, but do not react with the cells of another type
- Aggregate Cost
- Total of all
costs
- Aggregation
- A distribution
of parasites amongst hosts is said to be aggregated, or overdispersed, if parasites
are found to co-occur in particular hosts more often than if the parasites were
distributed at random amongst all hosts. A more precise test would be if the
distribution differed significantly from a Poisson distribution; a good heuristic
is whether the variance to mean ratio is bigger than unity (in appropriate units).
Macroparasites are typically aggregated in their host populations, so that the
majority of hosts harbor few or no parasites while a few hosts harbor large
parasite burdens. Aggregated distributions are often well described empirically
by the negative binomial distribution
- Aggressive
- A quickly growing
cancer
- Agonal
- A word used to describe
a major negative change in a patient's condition, usually preceding immediate
death, such as a complete cessation of breathing or a dire change in the patient's
EEG or EKG
- Agonist
- A drug that triggers
an action from a cell or another drug
- Agranulocyte
- A type of white
blood cell; monocytes
and lymphocytes are agranulocytes
- AGS
- Gastric Cancer Cell
- Ags
- Antigens
- AH
- Acute Hepatitis
- AHRQ
- Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality
- AIDS
- Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome
- AIH
- Autoimmune
Hepatitis
- Air Embolism
- Blockage of an
artery by air bubbles, which may have entered during surgery or after an injury
- Airways
- Passageways that air
moves through while traveling in and out of the lungs during breathing
- AJCC Staging System
- A system
developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer for describing the extent
of cancer in a patient's body. The descriptions include TNM: T describes the
size of the tumor and if it has invaded nearby tissue, N describes any lymph
nodes that are involved, and M describes metastasis (spread of cancer from one
body part to another)
- Alagille Syndrome
- Hypoplasia
of the hepatic ducts, congenital pulmonary artery stenosis, facial abnormalities,
and other congenital malformations, particularly skeletal. It is often presented
as jaundice during the neonatal period. It is an autosomal recessive disease
generally manifesting during childhood
- Alanine
- Nonessential amino
acid, alpha-aminopropanoic acid, occurring in proteins. High levels also occur
free in plasma. It is synthesized from pyruvate and is used as a dietary supplement.
An important source of energy for muscle tissue, the central nervous system
and brain. Strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies, helps in the
metabolism of sugars and organic acids
- Albumin
- Water-soluble
blood protein . Increased absolute serum albumin content is not seen as a natural
condition. Relative increase may occur in hemoconcentration. Absolute increase
may occur artificially by infusion of hyperoncotic albumin suspensions. Decreased
serum albumin is seen in states of decreased synthesis (malabsorption, malnutrition,
liver disease, and other chronic diseases), increased loss (many GI conditions,
nephrotic syndrome, thermal burns, etc.), and increased catabolism (cancer chemotherapy,
thyrotoxicosis, familial hypoproteinemia, Cushing's disease) Globulin is
increased disproportionately to albumin (decreasing the albumin/globulin ratio)
in states characterized by chronic inflammation and in B-lymphocyte neoplasms,
like myeloma and Waldenstrvm's macroglobulinemia. More relevant information
concerning increased globulin may be obtained by serum protein electrophoresis.
Decreased globulin may be seen in congenital or acquired hypogammaglobulinemic
states. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis may help to better define the
clinical problem
- Albuminoid Liver, Amyloid Liver
- A
liver which is the seat of an albuminoid or amyloid degeneration; called also
waxy liver
- Albumins
- Water-soluble proteins
found in egg whites, blood, lymph, and other tissues and fluids. They coagulate
upon heating
- Alcoholism
- Disorder characterized
by a pathological pattern of alcohol use that causes a serious impairment in
social or occupational functioning. Chronic, excessive, and compulsive drinking
- Alcohol Swab
- Sterile, pre-packaged
material treated with alcohol. Used to clean injection sites and injection/therapy
equipment
- ALF
- Acute Liver Failure, American
Liver Foundation
- Alfalfa
- Medicago Sativa. Alfalfa
can be taken as a capsule,
tablet, tea
or the dried
plant itself. Perennial member of the family Fabaceae and is one of
the most common, cultivated forage plants being fed to animals either as hay
or in a dehydrated form. Alfalfa grows on the side of the road and leaves a
peculiar green haze and pungent smell in the air. Alfalfa is promoted as a detoxifier,
said to cleanse the liver and bloodstream. Nutritious source of beta
carotene, calcium,
chlorophyll,
and the vitamins D,
E
and K.
Studies have noted a link between consumption of high doses of Alfalfa with
the onset, or aggravation of, existing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Those
diagnosed with Lupus should avoid alfalfa products entirely
- Alferon
- Brand name of human
leukocyte derived interferon-alpha-n3, produced by ISI Pharmaceuticals
- ALG
- Antilymphocyte globulin
- Algin
- Good protection from
many kinds of carcinogens, toxins and pollutants. Prevents living tissue from
absorbing radioactive materials. Encourages the action of dietary fiber, by
supplying nutrients, and by normalizing bowel functions
- Alimentary
- Digestion related,
pertaining to food or nutritive material or to the organs of digestion
- Alkaline
Phosphatase
- Increased serum alkaline phosphatase is seen
in states of increased osteoblastic activity (hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia,
primary and metastatic neoplasms), hepatobiliary diseases characterized by some
degree of intra- or extrahepatic cholestasis, and in sepsis, chronic inflammatory
bowel disease, and thyrotoxicosis. Isoenzyme determination may help determine
the organ/tissue responsible for an alkaline phosphatase elevation. Decreased
serum alkaline phosphatase may not be clinically significant. However, decreased
serum levels have been observed in hypothyroidism, scurvy, kwashiokor, achrondroplastic
dwarfism, deposition of radioactive materials in bone, and in the rare genetic
condition hypophosphatasia
- Alkaloid
- Any of a large class
of nitrogen-containing organic compounds found especially in seed plants
- Alkalosis
- Dangerously decreased
acidity of the blood, which can be caused by high altitudes, hyperventilation,
and excessive vomiting
- Alleles
- Any alternative form
of a gene that can occupy a certain chromosomal locus. In humans and other diploid
organisms there are two alleles, one on each chromosome of a homologous pair
- Allergen
- Allergy-causing;
irritant
- Allergic Reaction
- A sensitivity
to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin,
lungs, swallowing, or injection
- Allergy
- Abnormal immune response
to an antigen (allergen) that does not normally cause an adverse reaction (e.g.,
animal dander, pollen). Allergic reactions are caused by the release of histamine
by mast cells, a type of white blood cell. Allergic symptoms may include runny
nose (rhinitis), skin rash, asthma, and anaphylactic shock
- Allocation Ratio
- Treatment
allocation ratio. For example, 1:1 is equal allocation, 3:1 is 75% in one group,
and 25% in the other
- Allogeneic
- Taken from different
individuals of the same species. Also called allogenic
- Allopathy
- Western medicine;
the conventional medical practices used most often in the United States
- Almond
- Prunus Amygdalus--Excellent
emollient. May also help prevent heart disease. Shown to lower serum cholesterol
levels in people who consumed it in place of saturated fat
- ALOC
- Abbreviation for Acute
Loss Of Consciousness
- Alograft
- Allogenetic graft
or homograft)--A graft between two individuals who are of the same species
(eg. human) but have genetic differences
- Aloe
Vera
- Aloe Barbadensis. Herb often used to treat minor skin
conditions, aloe vera or aloe gel is obtained from the inner layer of the leaf
of the plant. (Try Aloe
Vera Toothpaste! Its great) Comes from the family Liliaceae, may be
taken in capsule form or applied to the skin as a gel. Aloe Vera gel, derived
from the mucilaginous cells contained inside the leaves, widely used in a variety
of forms such as cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions, and shampoos. Aloe powder,
is derived from the tough outer leaf of the plant, it is a strong cathartic
consumed internally as a cleanser, and often used as a treatment for many conditions
ranging from AIDS to liver disease
- Alopecia
- The lack or loss
of hair from areas of the body where hair is usually found. Alopecia can be
a side effect of some chemotherapy treatments
- Alpha Carotene
- Carotenoid
found in carrots and certain other vegetables. Its provitamin A activity is
weaker than that of beta carotene. Studies have shown that several carotenoids
other than beta carotene are potent antioxidants
that provide profound health benefits. The scientific community has recognized
the importance of natural mixed carotenoids including beta
carotene
- Alpha–Fetoprotein
- A fetal
blood protein present abnormally in adults with some forms of cancer, such as
liver
cancer
- Alpha Interferon
- See interferon
alpha
- (alpha) Level
- The probability
of a false positive result, or of rejecting the hypothesis of no treatment difference
when there is no real difference or of a false positive. Also referred to as
the probability of a type I error
- Alpha
Lipoic Acid-[Thioctic Acid]
- Compound that enhances the antioxidant
effect of vitamin C and vitamin E, and may help reduce liver inflammation and
protect liver cells from damage
- (alpha) Spending Function
- A
function or rule that governs how the total level or probability of a type I
error can be spread out over the interim analysis. Limits the chance of a false
positive result when trial data is looked at multiple times. Can be used to
set up guidelines for trial monitoring
- Alpha Tocopherol
- Form of Vitamin
E.
People who have liver disease should only take DRY Vitamin E as your liver has
a hard time processing the oil in the liquid form of vitamin E.
- ALS
- Antilymphocyte Serum
- ALT
- Formerly SGPT -- Alanine aminotransferase - a protein
which, when found in the blood in elevated quantities, generally indicates liver
damage. It is found mainly in liver cells and therefore has greater specificity
for liver disease, but it offers little other advantage. In most liver diseases,
the AST increase is less than that of ALT (AST/ALT ratio is less than 1), except
in alcohol-related liver injury where the ratio is usually more than 2.
Many exceptions limit the practicality of the ratio. However, a ratio of more
than 3 with an inordinate increase in GGT (more than 2 times the alkaline phosphatase)
is highly suggestive. Increase of serum alanine aminotransferase is seen in
any condition involving necrosis of hepatocytes, myocardial cells, erythrocytes,
or skeletal muscle cells
- Alterative
- Vague term for
an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the
body and tending to restore normal bodily function
- Alternative Medicine
- A broad
range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies, alternative medicine
is generally not taught in medical schools or used in hospitals. Also known
as complementary medicine
- Alternative Therapy
- Any type
of treatment that is not considered standard or conventional practice in a given
culture. In Western countries, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy,
and chiropractic are considered alternative therapies
- Alimentary Canal
- Gastrointestinal
(GI) tract, The digestive tract
- Alum
- A type of immune adjuvant
(a substance used to help boost the immune response to a vaccine). Also called
aluminum sulfate
- Alum Root
- Also known as Cranesbill
Root. Strong Astringent used for passive bleeding, that occurs in hematuria,
menorrhagia and hemotysis , has a potent healing effect on the entire gastrointestinal
tract. Found to be active against tuberculosis bacteria. Used to curb irritation
of hemorrhoidal tissue, reduce inflammation of mucous membranes, and to restore
venous health
- AMA
- Against Medical Advice.
American Medical Association. Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody
- Amantadine-[SYMMETREL]
- Drug
that is used to treat influenza and is also under study as a treatment for chronic
hepatitis C, (without much success to date)
- Amebiasis
- An acute or chronic
infection. Symptoms vary from mild diarrhea to frequent watery diarrhea and
loss of water and fluids in the body
- Amebic Abscess
- A collection
of pus in the liver caused by an intestinal parasite. An area of abscess formation
(liquefaction necrosis) in the liver due to infection of the organ with ameba.
Occurs mostly in the liver and brain. A specific purulent invasive lesion commonly
of the liver caused by parasitic amebas
- Amenorrhea
- Absence of menstrual
period
- American Desert Herb
- Used
as a bronchial dilator and decongestant, and contains Cobalt, Copper, Nickel,
Strontium and Vitamin B-12. Also used in the treatment of allergies, asthma,
bladder, bursitis, colds, fevers, headaches, and kidney problems. Stimulates
the nervous system and acts directly on the muscle cells
- Americans With Disabilities Act-[ADA]
- A
federal law that requires employers to offer certain protections and benefits
(including "reasonable accommodation") to persons with disabilities that substantially
limit major life activities
- Amikacin
- An antibiotic drug
used to treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called aminoglycoside
antibiotics
- Amine
- Organic compound containing
nitrogen
- Amino
Acid
- Building blocks from which proteins are made. Dietary
amino acids are classified as essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids
(histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
tryptophan and valine) cannot be manufactured by the body and must be supplied
in the diet or ill-health results. The non-essential amino acids are also essential
for health, but can be synthesized in the body from the essential amino acids.
Arginine, ornithine, cysteine, cystine, taurine and tyrosine are classified
as non-essential amino acids but may be essential for individuals with certain
diseases or nutritional concerns. A suboptimal intake of the essential amino
acids increases the body's need for the non-essential amino acids. When protein
is broken down by digestion, the result is 22 known amino acids, 8 are essential
amino acids, the rest are non-essential
- Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones
- Inhibitors
of serine proteinases and sulfhydryl group-containing enzymes. They act as alkylating
agents and are known to interfere in the translation process
- Amino Acids, Branched-Chain
- Amino
acids which have a branched carbon chain
- Amino Acids, Cyclic
- Class
of amino acids characterized by a closed ring structure
- Amino Acid Sequence
- The arrangement
of amino acids in a protein. Proteins can be made from 20 different kinds of
amino acids, and the structure and function of each type of protein are determined
by the kinds of amino acids used to make it and how they are arranged
- Aminobutyric Acids
- Aliphatic
four carbon acids substituted in any position(s) with amino group(s). Aminobutyric
Acids are found in most living things. Most well known is GABA
- Aminocaproic Acids
- Group of
compounds that are derivatives of aminohexanoic acids
- Aminotransferase [Transaminase]
- An
enzyme (e.g., ALT,
AST) produced by the liver that catalyzes the transfer of amino acids. Abnormally
high aminotransferase levels in the blood suggest liver damage
- Ammonia
- Volatile, colorless,
pungent alkaline gas, soluble in water, formed by the body as a product of protein
metabolism; converted to urea by the liver or excreted by the kidney
- Amoxicillin
- An antibiotic
drug used to treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called penicillins
or penicillin derivatives
- Amnesia
- Memory loss
- AMP
- Adenosine monophosphate
- an energy storage molecule
- Amphipathic
- Of a molecule,
having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. Can apply equally to small
molecules, such as macromolecules and phospholipids and proteins
- Amplicor/Cobalt Amplicor
- Brand
name of a PCR-based
viral load test for HCV and HIV
- Ampulla of Vater
- Location
at which the common bile duct and pancreatic duct drain into the duodenum
- Amylase
- An enzyme produced
in the pancreas and salivary glands. Elevation of the blood amylase is common
in conditions of pancreatitis
- Amyloid Liver, Albuminoid Liver
- A
liver which is the seat of an albuminoid or amyloid degeneration; called also
waxy liver
- ANA
- Anti-nuclear Antibody
- Anabolic Processes
- Conversion
of small molecules into large
- Anabolic Steroid
- Drug similar
to the male hormone testosterone that builds muscles and strengthens bones,
but has adverse side effects
- ANAbs
- Antinuclear Antibodies
- Analgesic
- Drug or therapy
that helps reduce pain
- Analog-Analogue
- A chemical
compound with a structure similar to that of another but differing from it in
respect to a certain component; it may have a similar or opposite action metabolically
- Analogous
- Similar
- Analysis By Intention To Treat
- A
method of data analysis in which the primary tabulations and companion summaries
of outcome data are by assigned treatment, regardless of treatment adherence
- Analysis By Treatment Administered
- A
method of data analysis in which the primary tabulations and companion summaries
of outcome data are by treatment administered, not be treatment assigned
- Anaphrodisiac
- Agent that lessens
sexual function and desire
- Anaphylactic Shock
- Life-threatening
allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing and low blood pressure
- Anaphylaxis
- An immediate,
transient but life-threatening type of allergic reaction, characterized by relaxation
of muscles not under voluntary control and by opening up of capillaries, the
smallest branches of blood vessels, and resulting in plummeting of blood-pressure
and generalized swelling of tissues
- Anastomosis
- Surgical formation
of a passageway between any two spaces or hollow organs in the body
- ANCA
- Aanti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic
Aantibody
- Ancillary Trial
- An investigation,
stimulated by the trial and intended to generate information of interest to
the trial, designed and carried out by investigators from one or more of the
centers in the trial and that utilizes resources of the trials (e.g., money,
study patients, staff time, etc.), but that is not a required part of the design
or data collection procedures of the main trial
- Androgen
- Any steroid hormone
that increases male characteristics
- Anecdotal
- Evidence based on
reports of specific individual cases rather than controlled clinical studies
- Anecdotal Evidence
- Evidence
based on a single observation, such as the result of a certain treatment on
a disease in one person. It is usually impossible to know if the given result
would occur again under similar circumstances, or was a chance event. For this
reason, anecdotal evidence should rarely form the basis of treatment recommendations
- Anemia
- Condition in which
the number of
red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, or the volume of packed red
blood cells are less than normal
- Anergic
- Refers to the state
of being so immunologically suppressed that one is unable to produce cutaneous
delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH). Such patients will usually not
test positive for TB on a PPD (mantoux) test
- Anesthesia
- Loss of sensation
in a certain part of the body or throughout the body
- Anesthetic
- Drugs or gases
given to cause a loss of feeling. A general anesthetic puts the patient to sleep.
A local anesthetic makes an area of the body numb
- Aneurysm
- Abnormal swelling
of the wall of an artery, caused by a weakening in the vessel wall
- Angelica
- Angelica Archangelica--Similar
to the Chinese herb Dong
Quai. Used for the treatment for flatulence and stomach pains. Also
used as a stimulant to invigorate circulation and warm the body. Promote menstrual
flow and help regulate irregular menstrual cycles. Angelica should
not be used by pregnant women or diabetics, has a tendency to elevate
blood sugar levels
- Angina Pectoris
- Chest pain
that occurs when the heart muscle receives inadequate oxygen
- Angiodysplasia
- Abnormal or
enlarged blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract
- Angiogenesis
- The process of
forming new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is essential for the growth of tumors
- Angiography
- Imaging of a system
of blood vessels after injection of a dye opaque to x-rays. X-ray that uses
dye to detect bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
- Angioplasty
- Reconstruction
of a blood vessel
- Angiosarcoma
- Rare malignant
tumor affecting particularly the liver, a cancer that arises from the cells
that line the blood vessels
- Angiotensinogen
- A serum globulin
formed by the liver that is cleaved by renin to produce angiotensin I
- Anhidrosis
- The abnormal absence
of sweat
- Anion
Gap
- Increased serum anion gap reflects the presence of unmeasured
anions, as in uremia (sulfate, phosphate), diabetic ketoacidosis (acetoacetate,
beta-hydroxybutyrate), shock, exercise-induced physiologic anaerobic glycolysis,
fructose and phenformin administration (lactate), and poisoning by methanol
(formate), ethylene glycol (oxalate), paraldehyde, and salicylates. Therapy
with diuretics, penicillin,
and carbenicillin may also elevate the anion gap. Decreased serum anion gap
is seen in dilutional states and hyperviscosity syndromes associated with paraproteinemias.
Because bromide is not distinguished from chloride in some methodologies, bromide
intoxication may appear to produce a decreased anion gap
- Anise
- Used
to ease intestinal colic and flatulence. also has an expectorant and anti-spasmodic
action, may be used in cases of bronchitis, and where there is a persistent
irritable cough. Has been used for whooping cough. Considered a carminative
and stimulant
- Anodyne
- Agent that relieves
or kills pain
- Anorexia
- Loss of appetite
for food
- Antacid
- Drug that neutralizes
stomach acids; used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux
- Antagonism
- The opposite of
synergy. One factor reduces or cancels the effect of another
- Antenatal
- Before the time
of birth
- Anterior
- In front, or towards
the front
- Antibiotic
- A medication that
is used to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. Available in topical, oral,
and injectable forms. Most oral antibiotics
work best if taken on an empty stomach. Although occasionally antibiotics can
irritate the stomach, mixing them with foods can impair absorption, thus effectiveness
- Antibody
- A protein secreted
by cells of our immune system in response to infection. The antibody binds to
an ‘enemy’ molecule, in this case, a specific part of the hepatitis
C virus. This is meant to prevent the virus from infecting other cells or destroy
it. As with other viral infections, the presence of antibodies does not necessarily
mean a virus will be eliminated from the body. 2. A protein produced in the
blood of vertebrates following exposure to an antigen. The antibody binds specifically
to the antigen and thus stimulates its inactivation by other parts of the immune
system. The major classes of antibody are immmunoglobulin A, or IgA, found predominantly
in bodily secretions like saliva; IgM and IgG which are typically produced sequentially
in response to microparasitic infections; and IgE which is often elevated in
the response to helminth infections. Only IgG is able to cross the placenta
to provide maternal immunity. The Good Guy
- Antibody, Blocking
- An antibody
that combines with an antigen without visible reaction but prevents another
antibody from later combining with or producing its usual effect on that antigen
- Antibody Dependent Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity
- ADCC--An
immune response in which antibodies bind to target cells, identifying them for
attack by the immune system
- Antibody Positive [Seropositive]
- The
presence in the blood of antibodies against a specific pathogen such as HCV
- Antibody Presenting Cell--APC
- A
white blood cell that devours foreign bodies, breaks them down, and carries
characteristic antigen peptides to it's surface. The foreign antigen, complexed
with MHC I or II is presented to CD4 or CD8 to initiate an immune response specific
to that peptide
- Antibody Test
- An assay that
detects the presence of antibodies in a blood sample; ELISA and RIBA tests are
used to detect HCV antibodies
- Anticholinergics
- Medicines
that calm muscle spasms in the intestine. A class of medicines affects the nerve
cells or nerve fibers. Includes drugs for anxiety, depression,
and nervousness
- Anticoagulant
- Drug that reduces
or delays blood coagulation or clotting
- Anticoagulation
- Therapeutic
interference ("blood-thinning") with the clotting mechanism of the blood to
prevent or treat thrombosis and embolism
- Anticonvulsant
- Drug that prevents
or reduces convulsions or seizures
- Antidepressant, Tricyclic
- A
particular class of medication which is prescribed for the medical treatment
of clinical depression and associated disorders, including chronic pain syndrome
- Antidiarrheal drug
- Drug that
helps to control diarrhea
- Antidote
- Drug that counteracts
the effects of a poison
- Antiemetic
- Drug that relieves
nausea and vomiting
- Antifibrotic
- Drug or other
agent than prevents or reduces the development of liver fibrosis
or cirrhosis
- Antigen
- Anything introduced
into the body that is seen as foreign. An antigen stimulates the immune system
into producing cells that attack it. The Bad Guy
- Antigenicity
- The ability of
an antigen to combine with antibodies and T-cell receptors to invoke a reaction
from the immune system
- Antigenemia
- The presence of
detectable amounts of an antigen in the blood
- Antigenic Drift
- Several viruses
mutate frequently in order to avoid destruction by the immune systems of their
hosts. The gradual evolution of viral strains that results from these mutations
is known as antigenic drift
- Antigens
- Substances which
are capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response
and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibodies
or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances,
such as toxins and particulates, or foreign proteins, such as tissue cells and
bacteria; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule
known as the antigenic determinant combines with antibody or a specific receptor
on a lymphocyte
- Anti-HAA
- Antibody to Hepatitis
Associated Antigen
- Anti-HAV
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
A Virus
- Anti-HBsAg
- Antibody to the
Hepatitis B Virus
- Anti-HBc
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
B Core Antigen. Test used to identify a past or present HBV infection. It is
produced during and after acute HBV infection. The core antigen is part of the
hepatitis B virus and the antibody to the core antigen is usually present in
chronic carriers. If it is present with a positive anti-HBs (protective antibodies),
then it is associated with recovery from an infection and this person is not
a carrier. The interpretation of this test depends on the first two test results
- Anti-HBe
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
B e Antigen
- Anti-HBs
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
B Surface Antigen. The presence of antibodies indicates that a person has been
exposed to HBV previously, but has successfully cleared the virus from their
body and is no longer contagious. Antibodies are also produced from the HBV
vaccine series
- Anti-HCV
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
C Virus
- Anti-HDV
- Antibody to the Hepatitis
D Virus
- Antigenicity
- The ability
of an antigen to combine with antibodies and T-cell receptors to invoke a reaction
from the immune system
- Antihistamines
-Drug that blocks
the action of histamine, a chemical messenger in the body. Antihistamines are
used to prevent or alleviate allergic reactions and to reduce stomach acid production
- Antihypertensives
- Antihypertensives
lower high blood pressure. Relaxes the blood vessels, which causes the blood
to flow more easily
- Anti-liver Cytosolic Protein 1
- Associated
with anti-liver/kidney microsomal 1 (anti-LKM1); considered a more specific
marker of type 2 autoimmune hepatitis than anti-LKM1
- Antioxidants
- Natural Biochemical
Substance that protect against cell damage by guarding the cell from oxygen
free radicals. Antioxidant nutrients include vitamins A, C, and E, L-glutathione,
Beta Carotene, Pycnogenol (grape seed extract), Selenium, Superoxide Dismutase,
Coenzyme Q-10, and Bioflavonoids. Plant antioxidants include Gingko Biloba and
Garlic
- Antipruritic
- Itch treatment
- Antipyretic
- Compound that
reduces fever
- Antiretroviral
- A substance,
drug, or process that destroys a retrovirus, or suppresses it's replication
- Antisense
- Complementary: an
antisense compound is the mirror image of the genetic sequence that it is suppose
to inactivate
- Antisense Oligonucleotide
- An
agent that blocks the synthesis of disease-causing proteins by binding with
and preventing translation of RNA (genetic material). HCV antisense oligodeoxynucleotides
are directed against a specific HCV genetic sequence and inhibit viral gene
expression
- Antisense Strand
- Most genetic
material, both RNA and DNA, appears as two strands or chains of nucleotides
wrapped together into a double helix - the common picture of DNA. Each nucleotide
- A, T, C and G - has an attractive opposite . C attracts G, A attracts T. As
a result, one strand, the "sense" strand, contains the information (for example,
ATG-AAA) and the other strand, the antisense strand contains the opposite of
this information (TAC-TTT - according to pairing rules). Antisense RNA is the
"antisense" half of a complete double RNA strand. RNA viruses consist of 2 types
- "sense" RNA viruses, whose genetic material consists of the "sense" half of
a complete strand, and "antisense" RNA viruses, which have the "antisense" half.
Sense RNA viruses can have their genetic material read out directly by the ribosomes
of their host cells - antisense RNA viruses must first copy themselves into
a "sense" strand of RNA
- Antiseptic
- Agent that inhibits
the growth of microorganisms on living tissue
- Antispasmodic
- Drug used to
ease or prevent muscular spasms or convulsions
- Antiviral
- Virus treatment.
A substance, drug, or process which destroys a virus or suppresses its replication.
Can apply to herpes or CMV
- Anthelmintic
- Drug used to
destroy or eliminate parasitic intestinal worms
- Antrectomy
- Surgical procedure
in which the portion of the stomach is removed that produces the hormones that
cause acid secretion
- Anus
- Lower opening of the
digestive tract through which feces (bowel movements) are discharged
- Anxiolytic
- Drug that helps
relieve mental anxiety
- AP
- Abdominoperineal, Adenomatous
Polyp, Appendectomy, Appendix
- A&P
- Abdominal & Perineal
- APC
- Adenomatous Polyposis
Coli, Antibody Presenting Cell, Antigen-Presenting Cells
- Aplasia
- Complete or partial
failure of any organ or tissue to grow
- Aplastic Anemia
- Severely reduced
amount of red
blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- Apnea
- Possibly life threatening
condition in which breathing stops, for either a short or long period of time
- Apoferritin
- Colorless crystalline
protein capable of storing iron in bodily cells especially of the liver by combining
with iron to form ferritin
- Apoplasmatic
- Pertaining to
substances that are produced by cells and form a constituent part of the tissues
of an organism, such as fibers of connective tissue or the matrix of bone and
cartilage
- Apoplectic
- Pertaining to,
caused by, or affected with apoplexy
- Apoplexy
- Sudden neurologic
impairment due to a cerebrovascular disorder, either an arterial occlusion or
an intracranial hemorrhage. Copious extravasation of blood within any organ
- Apoptosis
- Developmental or
programmed cell death characterized by membrane blobs, extensive chromatin condensation,
and DNA fragmentation. Plays a role in negative selection of developing T cells
and the killing of targets by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cell suicide
- Aposome
- An inclusion within
the cytoplasm that has been made by the activity of the cell itself
- Apostasis
- The end or crisis
of an attack of disease
- Apothecary
- Pharmacist
- APPY
- Appendectomy
- APR
- Abdominal-Perineal Resection
- Arbovirus
- A virus which uses
Arthropods as vectors and is transmitted in their saliva to the definitive host.
i.e., yellow fever. Large a diverse group ofviruses, taxonomically unrelated
which are classically transmitted by arthropod vectors, e.g. mosquitoes, ticks,
etc
- ARC
- AIDS Related Complex
- ARD
- Anorectal Dressing
- ARDS
- Adult Respiratory Distress
Syndrome
- Arginase
- Enzyme of the hydrolase
class that catalyzes the reaction L-arginine + H2O = L-ornithine + urea. The
enzyme also hydrolyzes canavanine. It is a Mn2+-bound protein, found principally
in the liver. The reaction is part of the urea cycle. A deficiency of the enzyme,
transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait, results in argininemia
- Arginase Deficiency
- An autosomal
recessive aminoacidopathy involving the biosynthesis of urea; arginine is elevated
in blood and urine and may cause secondary cystinuria; oroticaciduria is common,
but hyperammonemia is rare. Signs include psychomotor retardation, hepatomegaly,
and scalp discoloration. Also called Argininemia and Hyperargininemia
- Arginine
- Nonessential amino
acid but may be essential for individuals with certain diseases or nutritional
concerns. May promote the release of growth hormone. Involved in creatine synthesis,
a compound that stores energy in muscle. Promotes wound healing and regeneration
of the liver; and is considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue
repair. Helps to remove ammonia from the body as part of the urea cycle. Arginine
has improved immune responses to bacteria, viruses and tumor cells
- Argininemia
- Arginase Deficiency
- Argyria
- Also called Argyrosis.
A permanent ashen-gray discoloration of the skin, conjunctiva, and internal
organs that results from long-continued use of silver salts
- ARI
- Acute Respiratory Infection
- Arildone
- Chemical name: 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione;
an antiviral agent, C20H29ClO4
- Aristolochia
- A genus of shrubs
and herbs of many species, often actively medicinal. The plants contain aristolochic
acid, a phenanthrene-carboxylic acid derivative, the major aromatic bitter principle.
It is toxic to experimental animals in sufficient dosage, causing cardiac and
respiratory arrest
- Aristolochic Acid
- The major
bitter aromatic principle of herbs of the genus Aristolochia and related species,
called also aristolochine
- Aristolochine
- Aristolochic
Acid
- ARM
- Group of participants
in a clinical trial who receive the same treatment (or placebo)
- Armature
- A protective organ
or structure
- Arnica
- Arnica Montana--Also
known as Leopard's bane, Wolf's bane, and Mountain tobacco. Used primarily for
external use. Also as a diuretic, diaphoretic, emollient, expectorant, vulnerary
and stimulant. Used as a tincture or salve, it helps to promote the healing
of bruises, wounds, and general irritation. Only very dilute solutions of tincture
should be used, the tincture can cause inflammation and blistering when applied.
The dilute tincture can be helpful in inflammation of the mouth and throat,
some doctors have used itas a cardiac agent and for internal bleeding
- Arogastralgia
- Excessive air
in the stomach
- Aromine
- A fragrant alkaloid
from urine containing benzene derivatives
- Arrheno
- A combining form meaning
male
- Arrhigosis
- Inability to perceive
cold, absence of the cold sense
- Arrhythmia
- Any variation from
the normal rhythm of the heartbeat; it may be an abnormality of either the rate,
regularity, or site of impulse origin or the sequence of activation
- Arteriogram
- An x-ray of the
arteries taken with the aid of a dye
- Arteriography
- Diagnostic procedure
to detect disease in solid organs or blood vessels to diagnose and treat severe
bleeding. A special dye injected into the blood vessels allows them to be seen
on x-ray
- Arteritis
- Inflammation of
the walls of an artery that causes the passageway to become narrower; can lead
to tissue damage because oxygen is not properly supplied
- Artery
- Large blood vessel
that carries oxygen in the blood from the heart to tissues and organs in the
body
- Arthralgia
- Pain in a joint,
pain not caused by inflammation but by other factors
- Arthritis
- Disease of the joints
characterized by inflammation, pain, stiffness, and redness.
- Artichoke
- Cynara
Scolymus--Used for jaundice,
dyspepsia, liver insufficiency, postoperative anemia and chronic albuminuria.
Stimulates bile production and secretion, sluggish livers and digestive irregularities.
Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Possesses some diuretic
activity, helping with kidney disease and protein in the urine
- Artificial Respiration/Ventilation
- Forcing
of air (either by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose) into the lungs of a person
who has stopped breathing
- AS
- Anal Sphincter
- ASA
- Abbreviation for acetylsalicylic
acid (aspirin)
- Ascites
- Accumulation
of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity, usually encountered wtih portal hypertension
or heart failure. Uncomfortable accumulation of fluid causing abdominal swelling.
This occurs when the blood flow through the liver is obstructed. Ascites often
occurs with cirrhosis
of the liver
- Ascorbic Acid
- Chemical term
for vitamin
C, water-soluble, white crystalline vitamin present in citrus fruits,
tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables. Essential for
the formation of collagen and fibrous tissue for normal intercellular matrices
in teeth, bone, cartilage, connective tissue and skin, and for the structural
integrity of capillary walls. Aids in fighting bacterial infections and interacts
with other nutrients. High dietary Ascorbic Acid intake appears to protect against
gastric cancer. This may be due to its action as a scavenger of reactive radical
species formed in the gastric mucosa, resulting in a reduced level of radical-mediated
DNA
damage
- Aseptic
- Without the presence
of disease causing microorganisms
- ASGE
- American Society for
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- ASLC
- Acute Self Limited Colitis
- Asparagus
- Asparagus Officianalis--Used
to promote fertility, reduce menstrual cramping, and increase milk production
in nursing mothers. Contains compounds called steroid glycosides that directly
affect hormone production. Excellent diuretic. High in folic acid, which is
essential for the production of new red blood cells. Also soothes pain and swelling
of joints due to rheumatism or arthritis. Do not use if your kidneys are inflamed,
it increases the rate of urinary production
- Aspartate Aminotransferase [AST, formerly
SGOT]
- An enzyme (also called aspartate transaminase) produced in
the liver. When liver cells are damaged, AST is released. Elevated levels may
indicate liver disease, but are also seen in people with muscle damage. A normal
level is below 42 IU/L
- Aspartic Acid
- Non-essential
amino acid. Aids in the expulsion of harmful ammonia from the body. When ammonia
enters the circulatory system, it acts as a highly toxic substance which can
be harmful to the central nervous system. Studies have shown that it may increase
endurance and increase resistance to fatigue
- ASPD
- Anterior Superior Pancreaticodudenal
Artery
- Asphyxia
- Medical term for suffocation,
which can be caused by choking on an object, by lack of oxygen in the air, or
by chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which reduce the amount of oxygen in the
blood
- Assay
- Analytical test
- Assembly
- The stage of replication
during which all the structural components come together at one site in the
cell and the basic structure of the virus particle is formed
- AST
- formerly SGOT -- Aspartate aminotransferase - a
protein which, when found in the blood in elevated quantities, generally indicates
liver damage. (although less specific for liver damage than ALT) present in
the kidney ,brain, skeletal muscle, & heart as well as the liver. AST levels
also increase in muscle injury, MI, CNS disease, heart failure, and other nonhepatic
disorders. Regardless of some nonspecificity, high levels indicate liver cell
damage. Values of more than 500 IU/L suggest toxic or acute viral hepatitis.
These high values also occur in heart failure (ischemic hepatitis) and with
common duct stones. The high value of the numbers has no prognostic value and
does not correlate with the degree of liver damage. AST is reliable and part
of routine screening for liver disease. Serial testing provides good monitoring:
A fall to normal indicates recovery unless associated with the end stages of
massive hepatic necrosis. Increase of aspartate aminotransferase is seen in
any condition involving necrosis of hepatocytes, myocardial cells, or skeletal
muscle cells. Decreased serum AST is of no known clinical significance
- Asthenia
- Weakness, debilitation
- Asthenic
- Having little tone
or strength, especially in regards the nervous system or the skeletal muscles
- Astragalus
Root
- Astragalus Membranaceous. Astragalus has no known toxicity
and is commonly known as Locoweed, Milk Vetch, Yellow Vetch, Chinese Astragalus
and Huang Ch'i. In the family of peas and is a mild restorative and preventive
plant. Astragalus
is one of the most important Oriental tonic and health-promoting medicinal plants
and is often used to increase resistance to disease and infections. Used as
a diuretic, a vasodilator and as a treatment for respiratory infections. Replenishes
vital energy, and may also reduce blood pressure by helping to rid the body
of excess water weight. Given routinely to patients undergoing chemotherapy
and radiation treatments. May also prevent the spread of malignant cancer cells
to healthy tissue. Astragalus also increases interferon production and enhances
NK and T cell function, increasing resistance to viral conditions such as hepatitis,
AIDS and cancer
- As Treated Analysis
- Method
of analyzing the results of a clinical trial that includes only participants
who successfully complete a course of the treatment, excluding those who drop
out early
- Astringent
- Substance that
causes contraction of tissues, checking the discharge of mucus and fluid from
the body
- Asymptomatic
- Having no symptoms,
no visible or recognizable symptoms. Many hepatitis patients will not exhibit
any recognizable symptoms
- Asymptomatic Infection
- An
infection or phase of infection, without symptoms
- Asystole
- A condition in which
the heart no longer beats and usually cannot be restarted
- AT
- Abdominal Tympany
- Ataxia
- Problems with coordination
or proper use of muscles
- ATF
- Abdominal Tumor Fluid
- ATG
- Antithymocyte Globulin
- Atherosclerosis
- Type of hardening
of the arteries in which fat, cholesterol, and other blood components build
up in the walls of the arteries. As atherosclerosis progresses, the arteries
to the heart may narrow so that nutrients and oxygen rich blood have a difficult
time reaching the heart muscle
- ATN
- Acute Tubular Necrosis
- Atonic
- Having diminished strength
or poor tone
- Atopic
- A type of inherited
allergic response involving elevated immunoglobulin E. Sometimes called a reagin
response, it means that you have hay fever, bronchial asthma, or skin problems
like urticaria or eczema. It can be acquired, sometimes after hepatitis or extended
contact with solvents or alcohol
- ATP
- Adenosine Triphosphate,
compound consisting of the nucleotide adenosine attached through its ribose
group to three phosphoric acid molecules. It serves to store energy in muscles
which is released when it is hydrolyzed to adenosine diphosphate
- Atresia
- Lack of a normal opening
from the anus, esophagus, or intestines
- Atrophic Gastritis
- Chronic
irritation of the stomach lining. Causes the stomach lining and glands to wither
away
- Atrophy
- Wasting, Shrinkage
or near disappearance of a tissue or organ
- Atropine
- An alkaloid derived
from Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) and related plants that blocks some cholinergic
or parasympathetic functions. Has been used to stop the cramps of diarrhea and
is still found in some OTC cold remedies, since it dries up secretions. The
main current medical use is in eye drops used to constrict the pupil
- Attachment
- The binding of
a virus particle to a specific receptor on the surface of a host cell
- Attenuated Virus
- A weakened
virus with reduced ability to infect or produce disease. Some vaccines are based
on attenuated viruses
- Atypical
- Unusual
- Aura
- A "warning" signal that
comes before a migraine headache or an epileptic seizure, which might include
emotions or sensations of movement or discomfort
- Auto
- (prefix) Self
- Autoantibody
- Antibody that
targets the body's own tissues
- Autoagglutinin
- An autologous
serum factor with the property of agglutinating the individual's own cellular
elements
- Autoimmune
- Caused by antibodies
or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing
them
- Autoimmune Disease
- A disease
process that involves the production of host antibodies to host tissue. Disease
caused when the immune system turns on itself because it fails to recognize
its own cells
- Autoimmune
Hepatitis
- Form of hepatitis in which cells from one's own
immune system attack the liver
- Autoimmune Response
- Condition
in which a person's immune system produces antibodies that attack the body's
own tissues. Several conditions associated with advanced hepatitis C (e.g.,
lichen planus, Sjögren's syndrome) appear to have an autoimmune aspect
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- An
inflammatory, autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid
gland
- Autoimmunity
- Condition in
which antibodies are produced against the body's own tissues.
- Autologous
- Pertaining to the
same organism or one of its parts; originating within an organism itself
- Autolysis
- Self-dissolution;
the post-mortem enzymatic degradation of cells
- Autopsy
- Examination of a body
following death, possibly to determine the cause of death or for research
- Autosplenectomy
- The almost
complete disappearance of the spleen through progressive fibrosis and shrinkage,
such as may occur in sickle cell anemia
- Autosomal
- A locus on any
chromosome but a sex chromosome. Not sex-linked
- Autosomal Dominant
- Term describing
a gene on any chromosome other than the sex chromosomes that produces its effect
whenever it is present; can also describe the effect of the gene itself
- Autosomal Recessive
- Term used
to describe gene on any chromosome other than the sex chromosomes that produces
its effect only when two copies of it are present; can also describe the effect
of the gene itself
- Autotherapy
- The spontaneous
cure of disease. Treatment of disease by filtrates from the patient's own secretions.
Self-cure
- Autothromboagglutinin
- A platelet
autoagglutinin
- Auxiliary-Liver Transplantation
- When
only part of the liver is replaced and the rest of the native liver is not removed
- AW
- Actual Weight
- Axilla
- Armpit
- Ayurveda or Ayurvedic Medicine
- A
5,000-year-old healing tradition from India that teaches how health is not only
the absence of disease, but a state of harmonious and dynamic balance on all
levels, mind, body, soul and environment. Ayurveda provides an integrated approach
to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle changes and natural therapies. Ayurvedic
theory states that all disease begins with an imbalance or stress in the individual’s
consciousness. Ayurvedic approach involves treating the whole person with diet,
yoga and meditation and a blending of body, mind and spirit
- Azotemia
- Kidney failure. The
abnormal presence of urinary waste products in the blood
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