CW Cumulative Glossary

2'deoxyadenosine: A nucleoside containing adenine, a purine base and 2' deoxyribose, a sugar. 2'deoxyadenosine is one of the four nucleosides present in DNA.

Acetylating enzyme: Enzyme that adds acetyl (CH3CO-) group to organic molecules

Actinic keratosis: A sharply outlined, red or skin-colored, flat or elevated keratotic growth that may become cancerous.

Active Process: An event in a cell that requires input of energy.

Active Radical: An unstable molecular component produced by breakage of a bond. These radicals are very active and known to start chain reactions.

Acute myeloid leukemia: Leukemia is a progressive malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, characterized by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes (white blood cells) and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow. Leukemia is classified clinically on the basis of (1) duration and characteristic of the disease - acute or chronic; and (2) the type of cells involved - myeloid, lymphoid or monocytic.

Adenocarcinoma: Carcinoma (malignant new growth of epithelial cells) derived from glandular tissue or the tumor cells may be arranged like a specific gland like ovary or may produce particular product of a gland.

Adenoma: A benign epithelial tumor in which the cells form recognizable glandular structures or in which the cells are clearly derived from the glandular epithelium.

Adenomatous: Pertaining to adenoma or to nodular hyperplasia of a gland.

Adenosine Deaminase: A hydrolytic enzyme that catalyzes the reaction between adenosine and water producing inosine and ammonia. Amino group is removed from adenosine to produce inosine. The reaction is a part of the purine salvage mechanism. A deficiency of this enzyme produced by genetic abnormality has been found in many individuals with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome.

Adoptive Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy in which natural cancer cell destroying activity is potentiated, for example in cellular mediated adoptive immunotherapy natural killer cells are stimulated by cytokine such as interleukin 2 (IL-2), administered to cancer patients to destroys tumor.

Adrenals: These are endocrine glands situated above both kidneys and produce several hormones including estrogen and progesterone.

Aerobic organisms: Organisms that require oxygen for survival.

Alkylating agent: Specific chemicals can very easily interact with DNA bases thus modifying them. This modified DNA cannot function properly.

Allele: Any alternative form of gene that can occupy a particular chromosomal locus. In humans and other diploid organisms there are two alleles, one on each chromosome of a homologous pair.

Allogenic: In transplantation biology , denoting individuals (or tissues) that are of the same species but antigenically distinct.

Allograft: Tissue graft between individual of the same species but of different genotype; also called homograft.

Alopecia: A disease in which hair falls out.

Alpha Particle: Helium atom stripped of its two electrons, that is helium atom with only two protons and two neutrons and has positive charge. When alpha particles are ejected from radioactive material they interact with all matter in their path and produce large number of ions before gaining two electrons and becoming neutral helium. Alpha particles are unable to penetrate outer layer of human skin but if taken internally it can cause massive damage of the surrounding tissue. For this reason alpha emitters are never used in nuclear medicine.

Alpha-amylase: A hydrolytic enzyme that breaks 1,4-a-glycosidic linkage in polysaccharides.

Alpha-fetoprotein: A plasma protein produced by the fetal liver and gastrointestinal tract; blood levels decline markedly by the age of one year but are again elevated in many cancerous condition and in some benign liver diseases such as cirrhosis and viral hepatitis.
Amino-glycoside: A cyclic chemical compound containing amino sugars. Amino-glycoside bacterial antibiotics inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.

Androgens: The masculinizing hormones such as androsterone and testosterone produced by testes.

Aneuploid cells: Cells with number of chromosomes that deviate from haploid number (one set of nonhomologous chromosome).

Angiofibroma: Tumors of blood or lymph vessels containing fibrous tissue.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels.

Angiogenic Factors: Factors that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels.

Angiography: Radiographic visualization of blood vessels after introduction of a contrast material; used as a diagnostic aid.

Ankylosing spondylitis: A chronic progressive form of arthritis accompanied by inflammation and eventual immobility and consolidation of a number of joints especially the spine.

Anti-idiotypic: Pertaining to an antibody directed against an idiotypic determinant of another antibody. Idiotypes that distinguish a clone of immunoglobulin-producing cells from other clones.

Antibodies: Specific proteins synthesized and secreted by B lymphocytes of immune system in response to antigen. These are also called immunoglobulin which has a specific amino acid sequence by virtue of which it interacts only with the antigen that induced its synthesis and destroys it.

Antigen: Any foreign agent that can elicit immune response, i.e., stimulates the production of specific proteins by specific cells of immune system. This proteins in turn destroy the foreign agent.

Antihormone: Any chemical that bind to the hormone receptor but does not have the activity of the hormone. Benign tumor: Tumors produced from one kind of cells or mixture of cells: they grow and become large within the tissue of origin and do not spread to other part of the body.

Antimetabolite: A substance bearing a close structural resemblance to one required for normal physiological functioning. It exerts its effect by interfering with the utilization of essential metabolite.

Antisense: In molecular genetics, reffering to the stand of a double-stranded DNA that is complimentary to the sense strand.

Antisera: Sera that contain antibodies; it may be obtained from an animal that has been immunized either by injection of an antigen into the body or by infection with microorganisms containing the antigen.

APC: Gene named adenomatous polyposis coli, located on the q21 region of chromosome 5. This gene is found to be mutated in a hereditary disease called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP); the mucous membrane of the colon is covered by adenomatous polyps with high malignant potential.

Apoptosis: Also known as programmed cell death or cell suicide is a normal physiological phenomenon which is an active process under genetic control. In this process, as opposed to necrosis, the cell shrinks and the DNA is digested by enzymes. The fragmented cellular particles are then eliminated by phagocytosis.

Aromatase: An enzyme complex that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol.

Ascites: Effusion and accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Ataxia-telangiectasia: A complex hereditary disorder that affects many systems such as nervous and immune system of an individual. There is an increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation caused by a defect in DNA repair. The affected person also show an increased risk of cancer.

ATP: Adenosinetriphosphate, where adenosine, a nucleoside is attached through its sugar (ribose) group to three phosphate groups.

Atrophic gastritis: Chronic gastritis with atrophy of the mucous membrane and glands causing reduced secretion of gastric juice.

Attenuated Virus: Virus whose virulence is reduced by some means.
Atypical: Irregular type.

Autoimmune disease: Disease caused by the production of antibodies (special proteins produced by immune cells in response to antigens) against self proteins. This antibodies destroy important proteins of the body and cause disease, e.g., Grave's disease when antibodies specific for thyroid stimulating hormone receptors are formed.

Autoimmune disorder: Abnormality of function due to autoimmunity, a condition characterized by a specific humoral or cell-mediated immune response against constituents of the body's own tissues (self antigens or autoantigens).

Autologous: Related to self; originating within an organism itself.

B lymphocytes: One of the major type of cells present in the immune system. They synthesize protein factors known as antibodies in response to antigens which are secreted outside the cells.

Bacterimia: Presence of bacteria inthe blood.

Barrett's syndrome: Peptic ulcer of the lower esophagus.

Basal Cells: Small proliferating layer of cells present in the lower part of the epidermis.
Basement membrane: The delicate layer of extracellular condensation of mucopolysaccharides and proteins underlying the epithelium of mucous membrane between two cells.

BCG: bacille Calmette-Guerin, a strain of Mycobacterium bovis, which was made avirulent by culturing for many years on a medium enriched in beef bile.

Beta-Lactamase: A hydrolytic enzymes that catalyzes the reaction between ß - Lactam, a cyclic amide, and water. A group of enzymes with this activity act on penicillins and cephalosporins to inactivate them.

Beta Particles: High speed electrons from decaying radioactive material and carry a negative charge. Like alpha particles, beta particles cause ionization by interacting with matter in their path and can penetrate anything 100 times better than the alpha particles, their ionizing power is also less making them more suitable for radiation therapy. Beta emitters such as iodine-131, cobalt-60, iron-59, phosphorus-32, strontium-87 are widely used in nuclear medicine.

Bilateral: pertaining to both sides.

Bile acids: Steroid derivatives with carboxyl-containing side chain. The principal bile acids are cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids. They form powerful detergent, the bile salts, by reacting with amino acid glycine and a strong organic acid taurine.

Biliary tract: Bile duct.

Binary: A system made up of two parts.

Biofeedback: The process of furnishing an individual information, usually in an auditory or visual mode, on the state of one or more physiological variables such as heart rate, blood pressure, or skin temperature; such a procedure often enables the individual to gain some voluntary control over the physiologic variables being sampled.

Biological Modifiers: Agents, either natural or synthesized that increase or restore normal immune system such as interferons, interlukins, monoclonal antibodies.

Biopsy: Removal of a piece of body tissue for the purpose of laboratory analysis to establish diagnosis.

Biotherapy: Therapy that uses biological agents such as antibodies and cytokines.

Bleomycins: A mixture of glycopeptide antibiotics produced by a strain of Streptomyces verticillus. They bind to DNA causing chain scission and removal of purine and pyrimidine bases, resulting in inhibition of DNA synthesis and also accumulation of cells in G 2 phase.

Bloom's syndrome: An autosomal recessive syndrome developing during infancy consisting of permanent dilatation of blood vessels on the face creating small focal red lesions, photosensitivity, and dwarfism. Abnormalities in chromosome structures and in immunoglobulins are present, and there is a high incidence of malignancy, especially leukemia.

Bolus: A conentrated mass of pharmaceutical preparation given intravenously, could also be referred to a rounded mass of food ready to swallow.

Bone marrow: The soft, spongy material in the center of bones that produce blood cells.

Brachytherapy: In radiotherapy, treatment with ionizing radiation whose souce is applied to the surface of the body or is located a short distance from the body area being treated.

Bromodeoxyuridine: A thymidine analog.

Burkitt's Lymphoma: A form of undifferentiated malignant lymphoma, usually found in central Africa, but also reported from other areas. The Epstein-Barr virus, a herpesvirus, has been isolated from this lymphoma, and has been implicated as a causative agent.

C-terminal: In proteins the amino acid building blocks are connected forming amide bond between the carboxyl (-COOH) group of the first amino acid and the amino (-NH2) group of the second. The progressing chain of this polypeptide is the C-terminal end.

CA-125 a tumor marker, blood level of which can be used to detect malignancy or its progression. This marker is frequently used to detect ovarian cancer, however, some benign condition can also elevate the level of CA-125. See also Vol 1, p. 118, Aug. 1992.

Cachexia: A profound state of constitutional disorder marked by general ill health and malnutrition. An emaciated state of cachexia is often seen in cancer patients.

Candidemia: Presence in the blood of the fungus Candida.

Carbohydrate: Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen containing biomolecules with a formula of (CH 2 O) n, that is carbon is hydrated, hence the name. Chemically, it is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of penta- and hexahydric alcohols. The most important carbohydrates are starches, sugars, cellulose, and gums.

Carboplatin: Platinum containing anticancer agent.

Carboxy-terminal: In proteins the amino acid building blocks are connected forming amide bond between the carboxyl (-COOH) group of the first amino acid and the amino (-NH2) group of the second. The progressing chain of this polypeptide is the carboxy-terminal end.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): Glycoprotein molecule secreted in the digestive tract, originally thought to be an antigen in fetal digestive tract and cancerous tumor of the colon. CEA is now known to be present in non-cancerous and a varieties of cancerous conditions, including cancers of colon, pancreas, stomach, lung and breast.
Carcinogen: Any agent that causes cancer.

Carcinogenesis: Development of cancer.

Carcinoma: A malignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissues and give rise to metastasis.

Castration: Removal of gonads or their destuction as by radiation.

CAT Scan: Computer Aided Tomography. A procedure where X-ray and computers are used to obtain a detailed image of the cross section of any part of the body.

Catabolic state: State of destructive metabolic process.

CD20: Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker protein present on cell surface.

CD34+: Cell expressing of Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker protein on their surface.

CD4: Cluster of differentiation (CD) marker protein expressed on cell surface.

cDNA: Complimentary DNA which is synthesized using a messenger RNA (mRNA) as template.

Cell Cycle Checkpoint: During the various phases of cell division (the cell cycle) the cell pauses at specific points to detect and evaluate any damage. These pausing points are called checkpoints. If any damage is detected the cell pauses long enough to correct the damage. Two types of delay have been identified: the delay to enter the S phase from G 1 , called G 1 arrest, and the delay between G2 and M, known as G2 arrest.

Cell cycle: The cycle of biological and morphological events occuring in a dividing cell population. It consists of the S phase, occuring toward the end of interphase, in which DNA is synthesized; the G2 phase, a relatively quiescent period; the M phase, consisting of the four phases of mitotis; and the G1 phase of interphase, which lasts until the S phase of the next cycle.

Centrosome: A specialized area of condensed cytoplasm that contains the centrioles the two cylnidrical organelles containing microtubules; centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell during cell division and and serve to organize the spindles. They are capable of indipendent replication.

Cervicitis: Inflammation of the uterine cervix.

Chelator: An agent that complexes with a metal.

Chemoluminescence: Luminescence produced by the direct transformation of chemical energy into light energy.

Chemotherapy: Treatment of disease by chemical agents that is transported to all parts of the body. The term is usually used in relation to cancer treatment by drugs that kill malignant cells.

Chorionic gonadotropin: A glycopeptide hormone produced by the fetal placental cells and thought to maintain some of the hormanal function during the first few weeks of mpregnancy. It can be detected by immunoassay in the maternal urine within days after fertilization and thus provide the basis of the most commonly used pregnancy test.

Chromaffin cells: Cells that stain strongly with chromium salts cytoplasmic granules of which gives a brownish color.

Chromatin: DNA in combination with protein, especially histones.

Chromosome: The DNA assembly in a cell which contains the hereditary information.

Cirrhosis: Liver disease characterized by destruction of normal architecture and formation of fibrous nodule. In advanced stages fluid may form in the abdomen and jaundice (increase in bile pigment) may develop.

Cis conformation:Denotes a chemical structure in which designated atoms reside on the same side of a chemical bond between two other atoms.

Cisplatin: A platinum coordinated compound Cl2H6N2Pt, used as an antineoplastic agent, primarily for treatment for testicular carcinoma, also for carcinomas of the bladder, ovary, head and neck, and prostate.
Clonal colony: Colony of cells developed from proliferation of a single cell.

Cloning DNA: The production of many identical copies of a specific DNA fragment usually carried out in an eukaryotic or bacterial host. The target DNA fragment is introduced in the host cell by recombinant technology.

Cockayne's syndrome: A hereditary syndrome consisting of dwarfism, with retinal atrophy and deafness associated with mental retardation and photosensitivity.

Codon: A set of three adjacent bases on a single strand of DNA or RNA. Of the 64 different codons, 61 direct the incorporation of a specific amino acid into a poly peptide chain and three signal chain termination.

Coenzyme Q: A quinone derivative with a tail made up of ten isoprene units (also known Q 10 ). It participates in the respiratory chain during energy production in the mitochondria.

Cohort: In epidemiology, a group of individuals who share a common characteristic, for example, all of the individuals born in one year, a birth cohort.

Colectomy: Excision of a part of the colon.

Collagen: The protein substance of the white fibers (collagenous fibers) of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage, and all other connective tissue.

Collagenase: An enzyme that breaks down peptide bonds (bonds connecting two aminoacids) in collagen, a special type of protein present in connective tissues such as skin, bone, and cartilage.

Colloidal solution: A solution where the particles of the dispersed phase are larger than the ordinary crystalloid molecules, but are not large enough to settle and they resist diffusion. They range in size from 1 to 100 nm or up to 500 or 1000 nm.

Colon: The major portion of the large intestine which receives the undigested part of the food containing water. Water is absorbed here and the rest of the material is transferred to the rectum for elimination.

Colonoscopy: The technique to observe the entire length of the colon through a flexible instrument. A fiber-optic instrument called colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and during observation tissue specimen can be collected.

Colostomy: The surgical procedure when an opening is made from the colon to the surface of the body for the purpose of excretion and a plastic pouch is attached for drainage.

Complement: Distinct serum proteins participating in immune cytolysis.

Conformation: Spatial orientation of molecules.

Conformational change: Change in the spatial geometry of molecules.

Cori cycle: The conversion of glucose to lactate in muscle followed by partial resynthesis of glucose from lactate in the liver and its return to the muscles. For details see CW vol. 1, p 170-171, 1993.

Coronary Heart Disease: Disease of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles.

CT Scan: Also known as CAT scan, computer aided tomography. This technique uses computers and X-ray to obtain detailed image of a part of the body.

Cyanobacteria: A group of photosynthetic bacteria also known as blue-green algae, produce oxygen in presence of light and fix both carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Cytochrome P450: Cytochrome denotes of any iron containing protein that participates in the oxidation-reduction system involved in electron transfer. P450 is a trivial name for enzymes present in microsomes involved in the detoxification of many drugs.

Cytokine: A general term for nonantibody proteins synthesized by cells of immune system other than B cells in response to antigen, for example, proteins synthesized by monocytes are called monokines and that by T lymphocytes are called lymphokines.

Cytolytic T lymphocytes: T cells invoved in cell-mediated im mune response by launching direct attack on the target cells and destroyng them.

Cytosol: The liquid medium of the cytoplasm, that is, cytoplasm minus organelles and nonmembranous insoluble compounds.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL): Killer T cells, differentiated T lymphocytes that can recognize and lyse target cells bearing specific antigens recognized by their antigen receptors.

Cytotoxic: Poisonous to cells.

dAMP: Deoxyadenosine monophosphate, a nucleotide containing adenine, a 2-deoxyribose sugar and phosphate, required for DNA synthesis.

dCMP: Deoxycytosine monophosphate, a nucleotide containing cytidine, a 2-deoxy sugar, and phosphate, required for DNA synthesis.

Dementia: An organic mental disorder characterized by a general loss of intellectual abilities involving impairment of memory.

Deoxyribonucleoside Triphosphate: A nucleotide containing any of the four purine or pyrimidine bases such as adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine, a 2-deoxy sugar, and three phosphates.

Depot: A body area in which a substance, for example, a drug can be accumulated, deposited, or stored and from which it can be distributed.

Dermis: The layer of the skin deep to the epidermis, consisting of a dense bed of vascular connective tissue.

dGMP: Deoxycytosine monophosphate, a nucleotide containing guanosine, a 2-deoxy sugar, and phosphate, required for DNA synthesis.

Diabetic retinopathy: retinopathy associated with diabetes mellitus.

Dialysis: The process of separating crystalloids and colloids in solution by the difference in their rate of diffusion through a semepermeable membrane: creystalloids pass through rapidly, colloids very slowly or not at all.

Dienoic: Denoting an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing two double bonds.

Differentiation therapy: Therapy to induce specialization of cells from parental ones.

Differentiation: Process of formation of specialized cells from the parental cell.

Dihydrotestosterone: A powerful androgenic hormone formed in the peripheral tissue by the action on testosterone of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase; it is thought to be the essential androgen responsible for many biological actions.

DNA ploidy: Status of the chromosome set denoting the condition in regard to the degree of multiplication of chromosome sets such as diploidy (having two full sets of homologous chromosome), haploidy (having one set of nonhomologous chromosome), aneuploidy (any deviation from an exact multiple of the haploid number of chromosomes).

DNA polymerase I: The enzyme that adds deoxyribonucleotides to the 3'hydroxyl end of a preexisting DNA chain. In other words, a primer chain with a free 3'-hydroxyl end is required by this enzyme.

DNA virus: Viruses with DNAas genome.

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical name for the stretches of bases that are present in the chromosome. See also Vol. 1 p. 5, Jan. 1992.

Dosimetry: Determination by scientific methods of the amount, rate and distribution of radiation emmited from a source of ionizing radiation.

Down's syndrome: Inherited chromosomal disorder with one extra chromsome number 21. The victim displays abnormal physical features and moderate to severe mental retardation.

Duke's C Colon Cancer: In Duke's staging system correlated with T (Primary tumor), N (Regional lymph nodes), and M (Distant metastasis), C denote T(any)N1or2M0. Primary tumors are classified from TX to T4 according to progression, local nodes from N0 to N3 and distant metastasis M0 and M1.

Duodenum: The first portion of the small intestine; so called because it is about 12 fingerbreadths in length.

Dyspareuia: Painful coitus.

Dysphagia: Difficulty in swallowing.

Dysplasia: Abnormality in development of cells. In pathology this is identified as alteration in size, shape and organization of adult cells.

Dysplastic cells: Cells marked by dysplasia, that is, abnormality of development; in pathology, alteration in size, shape, and organization of adult cells.

Dyspnea: Difficulty of breathing.

Electrophoresis: A technique that separates mixtures of charged particles by differences in their rate of migration in an applied electric field.

Embryogenesis: The development of a new individual by means of sexual reproduction, that is from a fertilized ovum; the process of embryo formation.

Empirical: Based on experience.

Endocervix: The region of the opening of the uterine cervix into the uterine cavity.

Endocrinologists: An individual specializing in the disorders of endocrine glands the glands of internal secretion.

Endometrium: The inner mucous membrane of the uterus.

Endonuclease: An enzyme that breaks the internal backbone in a DNA molecule.

Endoscopic: Visual inspection of any cavity of the body by means of an instrument, the endoscope.

Endothelial cells: Cells that line the cavities of the heart and of the blood and lymph vessels and cavities of the body.

Enteral route: Within, by way of, or pertaining to the small intestine.

Enzyme: Protein molecule that catalyzes biochemical reaction.

Epidemiology: The science involving the study of the factors that determine and influence the frequency and distribution of disease, and other health related events. The purpose is to find the causes of disease development in a defined human population so that programs to prevent and their development can be established.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF): A cytokine, peptide factor produced by many cells that can stimulate cell proliferation. When discovered it was found to stimulate replication of the basal cells of skin, hence the name epidermal. It exerts effect by interacting with specific cell surface receptor.

Epidermis: The surface layer of the skin.

Epithelial cells: Cells that cover the surface of the body and line its cavities.

Epithelium: The covering of internal and external surfaces of the body including the lining and other small cavities.

Epoxide hydrolase: Epoxide is an organic compound containing a reactive group resulting from the union of an oxygen atom with two other atoms, usually carbon, e.g., 7,8 epoxide of benzo(a)pyrene which is catalysed by epoxide hdrolase to undergo hydration forming a diol. This diol can be eliminated by conjugation with other agents.

Epstein-Barr transformed cells: A herpes-like DNA virus that can insert its DNA to a host cell and transform to an abnormal cell. This virus causes infectious mononucleosis and is known to be associated with Burkitt's lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus: A herpes-like virus that causes infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

ER-positive: Cells expressing estrogen receptors.

Erythema: A name applied to redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries, which may result from a variety of causes.

Erythropoietin: A glycoprotein hormone secreted chiefly by the kidney in the adult and by the liver in the fetus, which acts on the stem cells of bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production (erythropoiesis).

Estrogens: A group of chemically related compounds naturally produced in the female ovaries and in the adrenal glands of both sexes. These are also called female sex hormones because they maintain the growth and function of female reproductive organs.

Eukaryotic Organisms: Higher organisms such as plants, animals, fungi, protozoa and most algae, the cells of which have true nuclei, that is, the genetic material DNA is enclosed in a membranous structure.

Exon: The coding sequence of a gene. In almost all eukaryotic genes the exons are separated from each other by several introns.

Extracellular Matrix: The basic molecular fabric present in between the cell space. The extracellular matrix of each type of tissue is different and contains various biomolecules such as collagen, laminin, fibronectin etc.

Familial: Occurring in or affecting more members of a family than would be expected by chance.

Fatty Acid: Any straight-chain monocarboxylic acid, especially those naturally occuring in fats; generally classified as saturated fatty acids, those with no double bonds and unsaturated one with one or more double bonds.

Febrile: Characterized by fever.

Female tubal sterilization: Surgical removal of the uterine tube which makes a woman incapable of reproduction.

Fibroblast: A connective tissue cell that differentiates into all kinds of supporting and binding tissues, for example, collagen producing and bone producing cells of fibrous tissue in the body.

Fibronectin: An adhesive glycoprotein: one form circulates in plasma, another is a cell surface protein which mediates cellular adhesive interaction. Fibronectins are important for connective tissue, where they cross-link to collagen, and they are also involved in aggregation of platelets.

Fibrosis: The formation of fibrous tissue.

Fibrous connective tissue: The connective tissue that binds together and is the support of the various structure of the body. It cosists of cells and protein fibers like collagen and other elastic fibrils.

Flow cytometry: A procedure to count cells.

Fluorescein Angiography: Angiography is a technique of x-ray visualization of blood vessels following introduction of contrast material. Fluorescein is the simplest form of fluorane dyes. It is used as contrast material in angiography.

Fluoroscopy: Examination by means of a device used for examining deep structures by means of X-rays. Shadows of X-rays fall on a special screen as they pass through the body placed between the screen and the source of irradiation.

Follicle stimulating hormone: One of the gonadotropic hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary, which stimulates the growth and maturation of graafian folicles in the ovary. it stimulates sperm formation in men.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): One of the gonadotropins (sex organ stimulating hromone) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
Forensic DNA typing: Comparison of DNA molecules for legal purposes.

Fragile X syndrome: An X-linked syndrome associated with fragile site on the long arm of the X chromosome at q27-28. This disorder is characterized by mental retardation, enlarged testes and some physical malformation.

Francois syndrome: Also known as oculomandibulofacial sndrome characterized by several physical abnorality and congenita cataracts.

Free radical trap: Any agent that interacts with free radicals and inactivates them.

Free Radical: Unstable molecular fragments produced by bond breakage.

Fundus Photography: Photography of the base of the eye.

Fungemia: Presence of fungi in the blood stream.

Galactose: Obtained from milk sugar by enzymatic action or boiling with a mineral acid. It is less sweet than table sugar.

Gallstone: A solid mass. usually of cholesterol, formed in the gallbladder or bile duct.

Gametogenesis: Formation of gamets (ova and sperm). This process is called meiosis when a germ cell containing full complement of chromosomes divide to produce mature sex cells containing half the number of chromosomes.

Gamma-interferon: The major interferon produced by immunologicaly stimulated lymphocytes primarily the T lymphocytes.

Ganglioside: A general designation for a member of a class of galactose containing lipid found in the tissue of the central nervous system.

Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.

Gene product: Macromolecules produced from a gene such as RNA and eventually proteins.

Gene: A stretch of bases in a chromosome that codes for a functional product, RNA or protein.

Genetic code: The dictionary of triplet sequences in mRNA (triplet codons) which defines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
Genetic Engineering: Tecnique to manipulate genetic material.

Genome: The total genetic material present in an organism.

Germ cells: Cells that produce sperm and ovum. These cells transmit genetic information from one generation to another.

Germ line: Cells which differentiate very early in the formation of the embryo and later exclusively undergo a special kind of reduction cell division to produce the sex cells ova and sperm. Mature sex cells have half the number of chromosome as the somatic cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme: An astrocytoma of grade III or IV; it is a rapidly growing tumor consisting of a mixture of cells.

Glioblastoma: A general term for malignant tumor of some type of nerve cell.

Glioma: A tumor composed of tissue which represents supporting structure of nervous tissue (neuroglia). The term is sometimes extended to include all the primary intrinsic malignancy of the brain and spinal cord.

Globulin: A class of proteins which are not soluble in water but render soluble in salt solution.

Glucagon: A polypeptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in pancreas in response to low blood sugar or to stimulation by growth hormone.

Gluconeogenesis: The formation of glucose from molecules that are not themselves carbohydrates, as from amino acids, lactate, and the glycerol portion of fats. For details see CW vol. 1, p 148-149, 1993.

Glutathione S-transferase: Enzyme involved in the detoxification of many compounds, has high affinity for glutathione, a sulfur containing tripeptide.

Glutathione: A tripeptide composed of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It is widely distributed in animal and plant tissues and functions in various reactions in the destruction of peroxides and free radicals.

Glycerol: A sugar alcohol, being the alcoholic componet of the fats. It is soluble in water and alcohol. Glycerol is an intermediate in the metabolism of fatty acids and serves as phosphate acceptor.

Glycogen: A long-chain polymer of glucose, formed in and largely stored in liver and acts as carbohydrate storage in animals. It can be depolymerized by enzyme and liberated as glucose when needed.

Glycolipid: A lipid containing carbohydrate groups.

Glycoprotein: Proteins where sugar molecules are attached.

Glycosylase: Enzyme that breaks the linkage containing glycosyl (carbohydrate) group.

Glycosylated protein: Protein that are linked to carbohydrate moiety.

Glycosylation: Formation of linkages with glycosyl, a radical derived from carbohydrate, group.

GM-CSF: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor can be produced by a broad range of normal cells such as macrophages, bone marrow cells, and T cells under mitogenic, antigenic or other kinds of stimulating signals. The GM-CSF thus produced stimulates the formation of granulocytes and macrophages.

Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland, causing swelling of the front part of the neck. This hypertrophy of the gland is due to an effort by pituitary gland to compensate for a deficiency of thyroid hromone production for example by inadequate iodine in diet. Goiter patients rarely show clinical hypothyroidism. There are various types of goiter such as nodular, follicular, vascular.

Gonadotropin: Any hormone having a stimulating effect on gonads (ovary or testis). Two such hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary: follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Grading: Histological evaluation of the microscopic structure of tissues to determine the extent of disease, usually used in connection to malignant growth.

Graft-versus-host disease: Disease caused by immune response of histoincompatible, immunocompetent donor cells against the tissues of immunoincompetent host.

Gram-negative Bacteria: Bacteria that lose stain or decolorize by alcohol after staining with Gram's method due to presence of thin cell layer.

Gram-positive Bacteria: Bacteria that retain stain or resist decolorization by alcohol I Gram's method of staining.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF): This factor can be produced by a broad range of normal cells such as macrophages, bone marrow cells, T cells under mitogenic, antigenic or other kinds of stimulating signals. The GM-CSF thus produced stimulates the formation of granulocytes and macrophages.

Granulocytes: Any cell containing granules, especially a leukocyte containing neutrophil (stain with neutral dyes), basophil (stain with basic dyes), or eosinophil (stain with the dye eosin) granules in its cytoplasm.

Granulocytopenia: A symptom complex characterized by marked decrease in the number of granulocytes (white blood cells containing granules such as neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils).

Growth Factor: Protein factors that participate in stimulation of cell division and growth.

Gynecologic: Pertaining to female reproductive tract.

Hairy-cell leukemia: Leukemia marked by an abundance of large, mononuclear abnormal cells with numerous irregular cytoplasmic projections that give them a hairy appearence in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and peripheral blood.

Half-life: Length of time required for the decay of one half of a radioactive material. During decay different radioactive material emits various kinds of particles such as alpha, beta, and gamma before becoming neutral that can vary from fractions of a second to billions of years.

Helper virus: Replication-competent virus that may be produced during the procedure of gene transfer technique in the packaging cells.

Hemangioma: An extremely common benign tumor of blood vessels.

Hematocrit: A test used to determine the volume of packed red cells in a blood specimen. Low hematocrit value inducates less red blood cell that is anemia.

Hematopoietic growth factor: Protein factor that stimulate the production and growth of certain types of blood cells.

Hematuria: Blood in the urine.

Hemoccult II: Trade name for a modification of the guaic test for occult blood in which guaic-impregnated filter paper is used; the test is positive if the specimen turns blue.

Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying pigment of erythrocytes (the red blood cells). It is a conjugated protein containing four heme groups and globin.

Hemopoietic Progenitor Cells: Parent blood forming cells.

Hemopoietic Stem Cells: Blood cell progenitor having the capacity for both replication and differentiation, and giving rise to various morphologically recognizable precursors of different blood cell lines.

Heterocyclic compounds: Chemical agents containing more than one type of ring structures in their molecule such as six- and five-membered rings.

Heterooligomer: In a macromolecule containing two or more subunits when the subunits are different.

Heterozygous: Presence of different alleles in a chromosome for a given character.

Histocompatibility Antigen: Specific proteins present on the cell surface taking part in transplantation immunity. If a foreign histocompatibility antigen is introduced as a graft from a genetically distinct individual it will be rejected by a cell-mediated immune reaction.

Histology: The study of microscopic structure and arrangement of tissues in organ.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A form of malignant lymphoma characterized by painless, progressive enlargement of the lympnodes, spleen, and general lymphoid tissues.

Homologous chromosome: Chromosomes which have genes controlling the same characteristics, one is obtained from the male and the other from the female parent.

Hormones: Chemical compounds produced in specific glands (the endocrine glands) and is carried through blood to a distal part of the body for action.
Humoral Immunity: Immune reaction produced by the circulating antibody synthesized by the B lymphocytes.

Huntington's disease: Relatively common autosomal dominant disease characterized by chronic progressive chorea (the ceaseless occurence of a wide variety of rapid, highly complex, well coordinated jerky movements that are involuntary) and mental deterioration terminating in dementia; the age of onset is variable but usually occurs in the fourtg decade of life.

Hydrolase: Enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of a chemical bond with with the addition of water, for example gycosidase, phosphatase, nucleotidase, peptidase.

Hydrophobic: Not soluble in water, lacks polar groups.

Hypercholesterolemia: Excess of cholesterol in the blood.

Hyperplasia: The abnormal multiplication or increase in the number of normal cells in a tissue.

Hyperplastic disorder: Disorder that is characterized by abnormal multiplication or in crease in the number of normal cells in a normal tissue.

Hyponatremia: Deficiency of sodium in the blood.

Hypoxia: Reduction of oxygen supply to tissue below physiological levels despite adequate perfusion of the tissue by blood.

ICAM1: Intracellular adhesion molecule, functions in adhesion of cells, found to be increased in some cancer cells.

IgA: Immunoglobulin A, one of the five structurally related glycoprotein antibody secreted by B cells in response to antigen stimulation.

IGF-1: Insulin-like growth factor which structurally resemble insulin, the pancreatic hormone, but is secreted by many mammalian cells with cell proliferatin effect.

IgM: An antibody, immunoglobulin type Gis produced by antigen stimulated immune system cells.

Immune system: An elaborate defense system present in higher animals and plants. It consists of specialized cells known as lymphocytes, B and T lymphocytes with specific functions.

Immunodiffusion: Any technique involving diffusion of antigen or antibody through a semisolid medium, usually agar or agarose gel, resulting in a precipitin reaction. Precipitin lines or bands form where the concentration of an antigen and antibody are serologically equivalent.

Immunogen: A substance that can produce immune response; in most contexts it is synonymous with antigen.
Immunoglobulin E: One of the five classes of antibodies secreted by B lymphocytes.

Immunoglobulin: Protein molecules synthesized by B lymphocytes when stimulated by antigen. They are also called antibodies.

Immunohistochemical staining: Technique applied specifically to stain antigen-antibody complex.

Immunohistochemical technique: Technique applied specifically to stain antigen-antibody complex.

Immunotherapy: Treatment that increases natural immunity of the patient to resist a particular disease or condition. A general term for active and passive immunization, treatment with immunopotentiators, immunosuppressants, and bone marrow transplantation.

In situ: In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighboring tissues.

In vitro: Outside the living system such as in a test tube.

In vivo: In an intact living system.

Incontinence: Unable to control excretory functions.

Inguinal: Pertaining to the groin.

Initiation(cancer): Mutation of DNA in a chromosome that is essential for cancerous growth.

Insulin: A protein hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islet. This hormone is secreted in response to elevated blood level of glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and promotes efficient utilization and storage of these fuel.

Interferon: A family of glycoproteins with antiviral activity. interferons(IFN) also have immunoregulatory functions (enhancement of T cell activity and stimulation of NK cell cytotoxic activity). There are three types of IFN - alpha, beta, and gamma depending upon the producer cells and functions, but all animal cell can synthesize IFN.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2): Interleukin is a genericterm for a group of protein produced by macrophages and T cells in response to antigenic stimulation and affecting primarily T cells. Also see Vol. 1, p. 37, 1992.

Interlukins: A general term for a group of protein factors produced by macrophages and T cells in response to antigenic response. To date about 11 interlukins are identified with different functions.

Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the in the interspaces of a tissue.

Intron: A noncoding intervening sequence in a gene. Almost all eukaryotic genes contain several introns separating the exons.

Invasion: The spread of cancer cells to the adjacent tissues.

Ionizing radiation: Electromagnetic radiation capable of producing ionization (process by which a neutral atom gains or loses electrons) directly or indirectly in its passage through matter.

Kaposis's sarcoma: A rare type of skin cancer sometimes found in elderly people or people with weak immune systems. Patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) most often develops this skin cancer.

kDa: Kilo dalton, a measure of molecular mass of protein.

Keratosis: Any horny growth, such as a wart or callosity.

Kidney glomeruli: The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron. Each kidney is composed of about one million nephron. The nephron begins at blind end containing a cluster of blood capillaries known as glomerulus.

Kinase: A class of enzymes that catalyzes the transfer of high-energy phosphate group fom a donor compound such as ATP or GTP to an acceptor compound such as alcohol, carboxyl, nitrogenous group or another phosphate group.

Klinefelter's syndrome: A genetic disease of male with more than one X chromosome characterized by small testes. Some of the clinical features of this syndrome are mental retardation, increased frequency of diabetes mellitus, variable degrees of masculinization, infertility, and rare skeletal deformities. They are found to have poor DNA repair system.

Kreb's cycle: Also known as tricarboxylic acid cycle; pathways by which organic materials are broken down by enzymatic reaction to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Lactic dehydrogenase: An enzyme participating in lactic acid metabolism.

Langerhan's cell: Special types of cells mainly found in the epidermis. They are believed to be antigen- presenting cells, this means that these cells process specific antigens and then presents them on their surface for further reaction.

Laparotomy: Surgical incision through abdominal section to gain access to the peritoneal cavity.

Leukemia: Cancer of white blood cell. Immature white blood cells (leukocytes) divide without control.

Leukopenia: Reduction in the number of leukocytes, the white blood cells, the count being 5000 per cu. mm. or less.

Leukoplakia: A white plaque on a mucous membrane that will not rub off.

Li-Fraumeni Cancer Syndrome: A syndrome associated with germ-line mutation of p53 gene. Individual who carries one defective copy of this tumor suppressor gene seems to be prone to develop primary cancer in bone and soft tissues and tumor in other organs due to inactivation of the remaining functional allele.

Linoleic acid: A straight chain, unsaturated, 18 carbon fatty acid, occuring in many vegetable oils. It is an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by animal tissue and must be obtained in the diet.

Linolenic acid: It is a straight chain, unsaturated (single double bond), 18 carbon fatty acid. It is an essential fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by animal tissues and must be obtained in the diet.

Lipid: Heterogeneous group of fats and fat-like substances characterized by being water-insoluble. Lipids which are easily stored in the body , serve as a source of fuel, are an important constituent of cell structure, and serve other biological functions.

Liposomal: Pertaining to liposome, a spherical particle in an aqueous medium, formed by a lipid bilayer enclosing an aqueous compartment.

Liposomes: Spherical particles in aqueous medium, formed by a lipid bilayer enclosing an aqueous compartment.

Low-density Lipoprotein: Increase in density corresponds to increase in protein to lipid ratio in lipoproteins. One of the functions of low density lipoprotein is to carry cholesterol and deposit at various tissues.

Luteinizing hormone: A glycoprotein gonadotropic hormone of the anterior pituitary which acts with the follicle-stimulating hormone to cause ovulation and secretion of estrogen. In the male, it stimulates the development and functional activity of some testicular cells.

Lymph Node: Lymphoid tissue organized as an organ and is situated along the course of lymphatic vesseles and serves as defense mechanism by removing virus, bacteria and toxins.

Lymph:The clear, watery, sometimes yellowish fluid containing special white blood cells of immune systems. It travels through the lymphatic system and removes unwanted foreign material from the body. Lymph also supplies lymphocytes to blood and transports fat from intestine.

Lymphoblast: The immaturate precursor of the mature lymphocyte.

Lymphocytes: Cells of immune system. There are two main types of lymphocytes, B and T with specific functions.

Lymphocytic Leukemia: Leukemia associated with the lymphoid cells.

Lymphoid Cells: Cells of the immune system that react specifically with antigen and produce specific cell products.

Lymphoid: Pertaining to lymph or tissue of the lymphatic system.

Lymphokines: General terms for soluble madiators of immune responses that are not antibodies and are synthesized by stimulation with antigen.

Lymphoma: Any tumor of the lymphoid tissue; the term lymphoma is often used alone to denote malignant lymphoma. Also see Vol. 1, p. 185, 1992.

Lypolytic: Agent that destroys fat.

Lysosomes: Special membranous structures containing hydrolytic enzymes to digest proteins, DNA, RNA etc.

Lytic agent: Agents that cause breakdown of cells or any structure.

Macroglobulin: A plasma globulin with high molecular weight such as IgM secreted in excess in small cell lymphoma.

Macrophages: Many forms of mononuclear phagocytes found in tissues. They perform many functions including killing of ingested microorganisms, digestion and presentation of antigens to T and B lymphocytes and secretion of a large number of diverse products.

Magnetic resonance imaging: Powerful magnets and computers are used to produce a three dimensional immage of internal tissues. This is a noninvasive technique.

Malignant tumor: Cancerous cells that break away from the tissue of origin and eventually produce secondary tumor in other parts of the body.

Mammogram: Low radiation X-ray to visualize the inner structure of mammary gland. X-ray cannot pass through the solid tumor so it produces white image on the film.

Mast cell: Connective tissue cell whose specific physiologic function remains unknown; capable of producing cytoplsmic granules that contain histamine, heparin.

Melanocytes: Cells that produce a pigment called melanin. Melanocytes are normally present in the skin. They are also present in the eye and the nervous system. Amount of melanin present in the melanocytes give the varying degrees of skin coloration.

Menarche: The beginning of the menstrual cycle.

Mendelian's rule: The law of inheritance of single-gene traits that form the basis of the science of genetics, first described by Gregor Mendel in 1865. From experimental crosses of pea plants differing in one or more characteristics determined by single genes, and counting the types of progeny in successive generations, Mendel derived two laws now usually expressed as the law of segregation (the members of a pair of allelic genes segregate from one another and pass to different gametes) and the law of independent assortment ( genes that are not allele are distributed to the gametes independently of one another).

Meningiomas: Hard, slow growing, usually vascular tumors that grow mainly along the meningeal (membranes that envelop the brain and the spinal cord) vessels invading the brain and skull.

Mesenchymal cell: Cells of the mesenchyma, the meshwork of embryonic connective tissue in the mesoderm from which are formed the connective tissues of the body, and also the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.

Metastasis: Spread of malignant cells from a primary site to a distant part of the body.
Metazoa: Multicelluar animals whose cells become differentiated to form tissues.

Methotrexate: A folic acid antagonist; used as anticancer agent in the treatment of acute leukemia, cancer of the breast, testis and many other cancers.

MHC Antigen: Major Histocompatibility protein present on cell surface. There are two types of MHC proteins, class I, present almost on all cell surfaces, and class II, present on the cells of the immune system and macrophages.

Microsomal Enzymes: Enzymes present in the membranous structure called microsomes in higher organisms. They are mainly involved with the metabolism of detoxification. In such a process some compounds are converted into carcinogens.

Microsome: Irregular membranous structures in the cytoplasm containing various enzymes. In these structures some noncarcinogenic compounds are converted to carcinogens with the help of specific enzymes. These structures are also involved in the detoxification of drugs and other unwanted materials.

Microtubules: Slender, tubular structures composed mainly of a specific protein called tubulin, present in the cytoplasm of nearly all cells. They are involved in the maintenance of cell shape and in the formation of spindle fibers of mitosis.

Millirad: - It is 1/1000th of a rad. Rad stands for radiation absorbed dose and is defined as the dosage of radiation that deposits 1X10-2 J of energy per kilogram of tissue. However, in biological systems the effect of radiation depends on the type of radiation, e.g., alpha, beta or gamma radiation.

Mitochondria: Small spherical to rod-shaped components found in the cytoplasm of cells enclosed in a double membrane. They are the principal site for the generation of energy from the oxidation of foodstuff, and they contain the enzymes for carbohydrate and fatty acid cycle. Mitochondria also contain DNA and RNA, by means of which they can independently replicate and synthesize some of their proteins.

Monoclonal Antibody: Chemically and immunologically homogeneous antibodies produced by hybridomas which are formed by fusion of normal lymphocytes and tumor cells.
Mononucleosis: The presence of an abnormally large number of mononuclear leukocytes (monocytes) on the blood.

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Powerful magnets and computers are used to produce a three dimensional image of internal tissues. This is a noninvasive technique.

Mucin: A mucopolysaccharide or glycoprotein, the chief constituent of mucus.

Mucositis: Inflammation of mucous membrane.

Multiple Myeloma: Disseminated malignancy of B cells of immune system characterized by multiple bone marrow tumors associated with bone pain, pathologic fracture, excess calcium, and anemia. Depression of immunoglobulin level results in susceptibility to infection.

Murine Mab's: Mouse monoclonal antibodies.

Mutagen: Physical or chemical agents that cause mutation. Mutagens can cause cancer but all mutagens are not carcinogens.

Mutagenesis: Production of change in the gene.

Mutation: Changes in base composition of DNA. Mutation in sex cells can be inherited.

Mycobacterium: A class of gram-positive, aerobic, slow-growing bacterium. It has many species; one of them causes tuberculosis.

Myelocyte: Precursor of a specific white blood cell type (granulocyte) and in the stage of development when differentiation into cytoplasmic granules has begun.

Myelocytic Leukemia: Leukemia in which predominating cells affected are monocytes.

Myelogenous Leukemia: Leukemia produced in the bone marrow.

Myeloid Cells: Cells derived from or resembling bone marrow.

Myeloma: Cancer of the cells of immune system.

Myelomonocytic Leukemia: A type of monocytic leukemia in which predominating cells are of the myeloid series.

Myelosuppressive: Inhibiting bone marrow activity, resulting in decreased production of blood cells and platelets.

Myometrial: Pertaining to the myometrium, the smooth muscle coat of the uterus which forms the main mass of the organ.

Myotonic dystrophy: A rare slowly progressive, hereditary disease transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait characterized by myotonia (tonic spasm of muscle) followed by atrophy of the muscle, cataracts, hypogonadism, cardiac abnormalities.

Narcolepsy: Recurrent, uncontrolable, brief episodes of sleep.

Neoplasia: Formation of abnormal growth, specifically a new growth of tissue that is uncontrolled. Neoplasia could be both benign and malignant.

Nerve Fascicle: A small bundle or cluster of nerve fiber.

Neural Crest: A specific cellular band present during very early development that gives origin to nerve cells and many other structures.

Neuroblastoma: Tumors of nervous system origin affecting mostly infants and children.

Neuron: Any of the conducting cells of the nervous system. A typical neuron consists of a cell body, containing te nucleus and cytoplasm, several short radiating processes known nas dendrites, and one long process, the axon.

Neutropenia: Decrease in the number of neutrophilic ( stainable by neutral dyes ) white blood cells.

Nevi: A circumscribed stable malformation of the skin and occasionally of the oral mucosa.

Nitroso compound: Indicating presence of the group -N:O (Nitrogen:Oxygen).

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A heterogeneous group of lymphomas arising from the limphoid components of the immune system. The clinical picture is broadly smilar to that of Hodgkin's disease. Reed-Sternberg cells common in Hodgkin's disease is absent in these lymphomas.

Nosocomial: Pertaining to or originating in the hospital.

Nucleoprotein: A substance composed of a simple basic protein, usually a histone or protamine, combined with a nucleic acid.

Nucleosome: Complexes of histone, protein and DNA in higer organisms (eukaryotes). Under the electron microscope the nucleosomes are visible as beadlike bodies on a string of DNA.

Nucleotide: A compound formed by covalent binding of a purine or pyrimidine base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate.

Oncogene: Gene, expression (production of protein) of which cause cancer. These genes were originally found in cancer causing viruses where their presence is critical for producing cancer.

Oncologists: Physicians specially trained to treat cancer patients. They may specialize in various branches of the treatment, e.g., chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy.Signal transduction - The process by which information from one cell is transferred to another.

Oncoprotein: Protein product of oncogene.

Osmotically balanced: Flow of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration is generated, when the two solutions are separated by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of the solute molecules but is permeable to the solvent. This flow can cause swelling and subsequent rupture of the cells. If the total nonpermeable solutes are the same on both sides of the membrane it is osmotically balanced and rupture is prevented.

Ovaries: Reproductive organs in female containing ova, situated in the lower abdomen on each side of the uterus. Ovaries produce hormones including estrogen and progesterone.

Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase in the positive charges in an atom or loss of negative charges. Most biological oxidation are accompanied by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction (acquisition of hydrogen atom) of an acceptor molecule.

Oxidative damage: Damage produced by the process of oxidation usually due to the formation of active radicals.

Oxygen radical: A species of Oxygen extremely reactive and having a very short life.

P-glycoprotein: A membrane glycoprotein in volved in the membrane transport system. It is found to take part in active removal of drugs from inside of a cell, thus causing multiple drug resistance in cancer patients.

Packaging cells: Cells that contain all the genes necessary for retroviral protein synthesis. The viral vector contains only those sequences needed for transmission. The vector (the defective virus) containing the gene to be transferred is introduced in the packaging cells and cultured. This produces large quantities of vectors that could be administered to patients.

PAP Smear: Pap t., Papanicolaou test, a cytological test for the detection and diagnosis of various conditions particularly premalignant and malignant conditions of female genital tract (vagina, cervix, and endometrium). Cells are removed by scraping the surface layer and a smear is prepared on a glass slide which is then fixed and stained to visualize under the microscope for evidence of pathological changes in the cells.

Parenteral: Not through the alimentary canal (intestine) but rather by injection through some other route, as subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous.

Pathologists: Parsons dealing with the branch of medicine called pathology, the structural and functional manifestation of disease.

Pathology: Study of characteristics of cells obtained from tissues of patients.

PCR: Polymerase chain reaction, a sophisticated technique to amplify a small amount of DNA (CW, Vol. 2, p, 36).

Peptidase: Enzyme of the hydrolase ckass that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds - the bond between amino acids in protein.

Peptide: Low molecular weight compounds containing two or more amino acids. Peptides form the constituent parts of proteins.

Percutaneous: Performed through the skin.

Pericardial effusion: Escaped fluid into the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart.

Perineal: Pertaining to the perineum. Perineum is the region between the thigh, bounded in the male by the scrotum and anus and in the female by the vulva and anus.

Peritoneal cavity: The potential space between parietal (pertaining to the walls of the cavity) and visceral (pertaining to the interior organs) peritoneum, the serous membrane.

Peritoneal membrane: The serous membrane lining the abdominopelvic wallsand investing the viscera.

Peroxidase: Enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of organic substrates by hydrogen peroxide, which is reduced to water. These enzymes are heme proteins, found in plants and animals.

pg/ml: Picogram/milliliter. Picogram is 1/1000,000,000,000 of a gram.

Phage: Bacterial virus is known as phage.

Phagocytes: Any cell that can ingest particulate matter. The term is usually refer to specific types of white blood cells that ingest microorganisms and other antigens coated with antibody.

Phagocytic activity: Activity of cells engulfing particles such as infectious agents.

Phagocytosis: Activity of cells engulfing particles such as infectious agents.

Pharmacokinetics:The action of drugs in the body over aperiod of time, including the process of absorption, distribution, localization in tissue, biotransformation, and excretion.

Phase I enzymes: Microsomal enzymes required for oxidation or reduction of chemicals. This process is called functionalization and helps in detoxification of compounds by the phase II enzymes. However, some of the phase I enzymes can convert some of the harmless chemicals to potent carcinogens (see CW Vol. 1, May p.68).

Phase II enzymes: Enzymes that takes part in the conjugation of two molecules for excretion. Unwanted chemicals are first oxidized or reduced in the cells usually with the help of specific enzymes (phase I enzymes) and are then conjugated with molecules like glutathione, glucuronic acid, and sulfate which make them more soluble for excretion.

Philadelphia chromosome (Ph): An abnormality of chromosome 22 characterized by shortening of its long arms (the missing portion usually translocated to chromosome 9) and present in marrow cells of most patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia.

Phlebitis: Inflammation of a vein.

Phospholipids: Lipids that contain phosphate. Phospholipids are the major form of lipid in al cell membrane.

Phosphorylation: The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

Photosynthesis: Synthesis in a cell that takes place in the presence of light. In plant and blue-green algae chlorophyll carbohydrate is synthesized from carbon dioxide and water with the evolution of oxygen.

Phytate: An anionic form of phytic acid occurring in the leaves of plants.

Pituitary: This is an endocrine gland located in the base of the brain. It secretes hormone that influence the growth and activity of other endocrine glands.

Plasmid: An extrachromosomal circular double-stranded DNA molecule found in bacterial cells. Plasmid DNA contains gene essential for cell growth. These structures are self-replicating and can be transferred from one cell to another.

Plasmin: An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds at the carbonyl end of lysine or arginine residues. The enzyme occurs in plasma as plasminogen, which is an inactive form and is activated by plasma or tissue activator such as urokinase.

Platelets: Small disc-shaped structure present in blood and chiefly known for its role in blood coagulation; platelets, which are formed in megakaryocyte and released from its cytoplasm in clusters, lack a nucleus and DNA but contain active enzymes and mitochondria.

Polarizable: Can be converted into. charged species

Polyp: Growth from mucous membrane (e.g., colorectal, nasal polyp), most often benign but can be cancerous.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid: Any straight-chain monocarboxylic acid with multiple double bonds, especially those naturally occurring in fats.

Preeclampsia: A toximia of late pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and protein uria; when convulsions and coma are associated, it is called eclampsia.

Primordial Soup: The simplest and most undeveloped liquid environment present in the beginning of earth.

Pro-cathepsin-D positivity: Cathepsin-D is one of a number of enzymes that breaks down peptide bond and hydrolyses protein. This enzyme is a marker of breast cancer.

Procollagenase: The precursor enzyme of collagenase.

Proctocolectomy: Surgical removal of the rectum and colon.

Progenitor cell: A parent cell.

Progesterone: Another sex hormone produced by ovaries, adrenal glands and placenta.

Progression: Stages after irreversible changes have taken place for cancerous growth.

Promotion: Stages following initiation of mutation on chromosome; can be caused or accelerated by other noncarcinogenic chemicals. Promotion could be reversible if DNA is not extensively damaged.

Prophylactic surgery: Surgery to ward off disease.

Prospective studies: When data are collected from ongoing observation.

Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate.

Protein kinace C: Enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of high-energy phosphate group from ATP to an acceptor protein. This phosphorylation converts an inactive protein (enzyme) to the active form.

Proteolytic: Agent that causes breakdown of protein.

Proto-oncogene: A normal gene that with mutation or other mechanisms becomes an oncogene.

PSA: Prostate Specific Antigen: Specific antigenic protein found to be elevated both in benign and malignant prostate tumor. PSA level in blood is used as a marker for prostate disease.

Psychoneurosis: Freud's term for neuroses such as hysteria, obsessions, and phobias originating in childhood experiences.

Quaternary: A system containing four parts.

Radiodermatitis: A skin inflammatory reaction occuring as a result of exposure to biologically effective level ofs of ionizing radiation.

Radiolabeling: Attachment of radionuclides to biomolecules such as proteins.

Radionuclides: A radioactive nuclide; one that disintegrates with the emission of electromagnetic radiation.

Radiosensitizer: A chemotherapeutic agent used to enhance the effect of radiation therapy.

Radiotherapists: Physicians specially trained to use radiation to treat patients.

Receptor antagonist: Agent that tends to nullify the action of another, as a drug that bind to the cell receptor without eliciting a biological response.

Receptor: Specific molecules located on the surface (or inside the cell) that recognize other specific molecule and interact with it.

Recessive: The gene that exerts its effect when present in both homologous chromosomes. If present in one chromosome is masked by the dominant effect of the gene present in the other chromosome.

Recombinant virus: A virus formed by the introduction of foreign gene into its genome by genetic engineering technique.

Reflux: A backward or return flow, for example reflux of the stomach or duodenal content.
Refractory: Not readily yielding to treatment.

Retinopathy: Inflamatory or noninflammatory conditions of the retina, the innermost layer of the eyeball.

Retro-: A prefix backward, or locate behind.

Retrospective data: When data are collected from past experience.

Retroviral vector: Attenuated retrovirus that is used to introduce DNA material (gene) into cell.

Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory lesions primarily of the joints.

RNA virus: Viruses with RNA as genome.

RNase A: One group of hydrolytic enzymes that catalyzes the hydroliysis of phosphate ester linkages in ribonucleic acids.

S-phase: The synthetic phase in the cell cycle when synthesis of various molecules, especially of DNA takes place.

Sarcoma: Tumors of bones and connective tissue cells.

Schwann cell: Large nucleated cell whose cell membrane covers the axons (the process of a nerve cell by which impulses travel away from the cell body) of special nerve cells (myelinated) and produce myelin, substance containing protein and lipid.

SCID: Severe combined immunodeficiency.

Scleroderma: Chronic hardening and thickening of the skin, which may be a finding in several different diseases, occuring in a localized or focal form and as a systemic disease.

Secretin: A strongly basic polypeptide hormone secreted by the duodenum and upper jejunum when acid chyme enters the intestine. It stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate and water thus changing the pH from acid to alkaline required for the digestive enzymes.

Sepsis: The condition produced by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in blood or other tissues.

Signal transduction: The process by which information from one cell is transferred to another.

Somatostatin: A cyclic tetradecapeptide primarily produced by the hypothalamus and by the pancreatic islet cells. It inhibits the secretion of several hormones including secretin.

Spleen: A large ductless gland like organ situated in the upper left of the abdominal cavity. It is a part of the lymphoid system, produces lymphocytes and has other functions such as reservoir of red blood cells.

Sporadic: Neither endemic nor epidemic; occuring occassionally in a random or isolated manner.

Sputum: Matter ejected from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea, through the mouth.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) antigen: Protein expressed in cancereous squamous cell (flat, scalelike epithelial cell).

Squamous Cell: Long flat cells that make up most part of the epidermis.

Staging: Careful evaluation to determine the extent of disease.

Stem cell: Immature progenitor cells, having the capacity for both replication and differentiation, and giving rise to various precursors of blood cell lines.

Stenosis: Narrowing of duct or canal.

Stricture: Decrease in the caliber of a canal, duct or other passage, as a result of contraction or deposition of abnormal tissue.

Stroma: The supporting tissue or matrix of an organ, as distinguished from its functional elements.

Stromal layer: Supporting layer of cells or matrix of an organ , as distinguished from its functional elements.

Substrate: A substance upon which an enzyme acts.

Suppressor T cells: Differentiated T lymphocytes that suppress antibody synthesis or cell-mediated immunity. They may be activated in response to antigen.

Systemic: Pertaining the body as a whole.

T lymphocyte: A specific type of cells in the immune system that are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, produces lymphokines. there are several kinds of T cells such as helper T cells, suppressor T cells, cytotoxic T cells with specific functions.

Tamoxifen: A nonsteroidal anti-estrogen, used in the palliative treatment of breast cancer and to stimulate ovulation in infertility.

Template: A Strand of DNA or RNA that specifies the base sequence of a newly synthesized strand, the two strands are being complementary.

Terminal differentiation: Induction of proliferating immature cells into nonproliferating specialized mature cells.

Thrombocytopenia: Decrease in the number of blood platelets.

Thrombosis: Presence of thrombus, an aggregation of blood factors, primarily platelets and fibrin with entrapment of cellular elements, frequently causing blood vessel obstraction at the point of its formation.

Thymidine kinase: The enzyme catalyzing the transfer of phophate from ATP to thymidine forming thymidilic acid.

Thymocytes: Cells of the thymus which is a lymphoid gland (structures containing lymph, a part of defense system) in the upper chest.
Thymus: A lymphoid organ which is the site of T lymphocytes.

Tissue: A group of cells similar in structure and function arranged in a particular form.
Trans conformation: Denotes a chemical structure in which designated atoms reside on the opposite sides of a chemical bond between two other atoms.

Transaminase: A group of enzymes that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from a donor (generally an amino acid) to an acceptor (generally a keto acid).

Transcription: The process by which a single-stranded RNA complementary to a DNA strand is synthesized.

Transfected cells: Artificially infected cells; in biotechnology it means transfer of foreign DNA into a cell.

Transgenic mouse: Mouse produced by the introduction of a foreign into the fertilized cell at one cell stage.

Transversion mutation: When mutation involve changing a purine (adenine or guanine) to a pyrimidine (cytosine or thymine) or vise versa.

Triglyceride: A compound consisting of three molecules of fatty acids esterified to glycerol; it is a neutral fat synthesized from carbohydrates for storage in animal fatty tissue.

Trophoblast: A layer of extraembryonic tissue that attaches ovum to the uterine wall and supply nutrition to the embryo.

Trypsin: A hydrolytic enzyme that catalyze the cleavage of linkages in proteins involving the carboxyl group of either arginine or lysine.

TSH: Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and has a strong influence on the growth and function of thyroid gland.

Tumor Infiltrating Leukocytes: White blood cells that are present near tumors.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF): Substance produced by some cells in the immune system that destroys tumor cells. TNF is also known to cause cancer cachexia.

Tumor suppressor gene: Gene, the protein product of which is necessary for normal growth of cell. and prevents abnormal uncontrolled growth.

Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes that are attracted to solid tumor sites.
Tumorocidal Agents: Agents that destroy or kill tumors.

Turner's syndrome: Disorder of gonadal differentiation , marked by short stature, and other abnormalities that may include cardiac defect. Phenotype is female, gonadotropins are high, estrogens are low, karyotype (full chromosome set of the nucleus) is 45XO. Pregnancy is not possible.

Tyrosine kinase: Kinases are a group of enzymes that catalyzes phosphorylation (addition of phosphate (P) to a molecule) of proteins. Tyrosine kinase adds P specifically to amino acid tyrosine present in proteins.

Ultrasonography: A technique that uses high frequency sound waves to find position, structure and function of anatomical structures. The sound waves bounce off tissues and produce echo. The echo is then converted to picture and viewed on a video screen. This is a non invasive technique that can distinguish between a solid tumors and a cyst containing fluid.

Ultrasound: High frequency sound waves are used that bounce off tissues and produce echo. The echoes are then converted to pictures and viewed on a vedio screen. This is a noninvasive technique that can distinguish between solid tumor and cyst containing fluid.

Urinary incontinence: Constant or frequent involuntary passage of urine.

Urokinase: An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyze the conversion of inactive plasminogen to active plasmin by preferential cleavage of a peptide bond (arginine-valine bond). Also known as plasminogen activator.

Urothelial cancer: Cancer of the epithelium of the urinary bladder.

Uveal melanoma: Melanoma in the vascular middle coat (uvea) of the eye, comprising the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

Vector: A plasmid or viral chromosome into whose genome a fragment of foreign DNA is inserted, and is used to carry the foreign DNA into a host cell.

Viral Vector: A virus that carries the gene to be introduced into a living cell by gene transfer technique. Most of the time the virus used as vectors are retroviruses. Before using them as vectors all the genes from most of the proteins are removed or altered except those necessary for transmission. The viral vectors are defective viruses and cannot multiply when they enter a cell.

Wild type: The form commonly found in nature.

X-chromosome: The female sex chromosome, being the differential sex chromosome carried by half the male gametes and all the female gametes in man and many other species.

Xenograft: A graft of tissue transplanted animal of different species.
Xeroderma pigmentosa: A rare hereditary disease in which there is extreme skin photosensitivity to ultraviolet light as a result of deficient DNA repair enzyme. It begins in childhood.

Zygote: Cells formed by the union of two mature sex cells, ovum and the sperm. A human zygote has 23 pairs of chromosome.

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