Category: A

Diabetes mellitus due to autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. The prevalence of type 1 diabetes appears to be approximately 0.12% of the U.S. population. This prevalence is a far smaller number than that for type 2. In autoimmune disease, the insulin- producing pancreatic islet cell is destroyed because the immune system has…

A variation of the paracrine system where the hormone secreting cell and the target of the hormone are located in the same cell.  

An effect parameter, indicating the proportion of diseased persons (cases) which can be attributed to exposure. This proportion (AP^.) is obtained by dividing the rate difference by the rate among the exposed: APc= (I1 – I0)/I1. This is also a parameter for the proportion of cases in the total population which can be attributed to…

A member of the statin group of drugs that lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in the pathway for cholesterol synthesis. Used to lower blood cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients.  

Substances that elicit a sweet taste but which have little or no energy value. Low-calorie or no-calorie substitutes for sugar. Candy, chewing gum, jams, jellies, baked goods, and frozen desserts may all contain artificial sweeteners. There are two types of artificial sweeteners: nutritive and nonnutritive. A chemical compound (e.g., saccharin or aspartame) that tastes sweet…

Proliferation of the intima of an artery resulting in complete blockage of that artery. A gradual narrowing of the arteries with thrombosis and degeneration of the intima. Arteriosclerosis in which the lumen of the artery is completely occluded.  

blood gas analysis are tests that provide information on pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaC02), partial pressure of oxygen (Pa02), oxygen saturation (Sa02), bicarbonate (HCO3), and base excess.  

Amino acids that have a ring structure. Included are phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan.  

A rare genetic disease where a mutation in the gene for arginase has occurred and is characterized by high blood levels of arginine.    

An enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of arginine to urea and ornithine. A liver enzyme that converts arginine into urea and ornithine.