Category: L
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Leukotriene
A group of hormones that cause the inflammatory symptoms of hay-fever and asthma. A group of potent biologic mediators of inflammation consisting of 20 carboxylic acids with at least two oxygen substitutes and three double bonds; derived from arachidonic acid by the lipoxygenase pathway; mediator of inflammatory reactions. Chemicals released by certain cells (T cells)…
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Leukomyelopathy
Any diseases involving the white matter of the spinal cord.
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Leukocytopenia
Abnormal decrease in the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood.
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Leukemia, leukaemia
A cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes).
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Leucorrhoea
Commonly known as whites, refers to a whitish discharge from the female genitals. A gynecologic disorder resulting in abnormal, thick, whitish, non-bloody discharge from the genital tract (uterus of vagina). An excessive discharge of white mucus from the vagina. Discharge of mucus from the vagina. This may be whitish or yellowish and is normal in…
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Leucoderma
A skin abnormality characterized by white spots, bands and patches on the skin; they can also be caused by fungus and tinea. Partial or total loss of skin pigmentation, often occurring in patches. Also called vitiligo. Leucoderma, or leucodermia, is a condition of the skin in which areas of it become white, as a result…
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Leucocyte
White blood corpuscles, colourless, without haemoglobin that help to combat infection. All the white cells of the blood and their precursors (myeloid cell series, lymphoid cell series) but commonly used to indicate granulocytes exclusive of lymphocytes. White blood cells responsible for fighting disease. A white blood cell which contains a nucleus but has no haemoglobin.…
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Lequesne algofunctional index
Is a widespread international instrument (10 questions survey) and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for outcome measurement in hip and knee diseases such as osteoarthritis.
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Leptin
Is a 16 kDa protein hormone with important effects in regulating body weight, metabolism and reproductive function. Hormone secreted by adipose tissue that acts to regulate long-term appetite and energy expenditure by signalling the state of body fat reserves. A protein hormone that is produced by fat cells (adipose tissue) in the body. When leptin…
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Leprosy
A chronic bacterial disease of the skin and nerves in the hands and feet and, in some cases, the lining of the nose. It is caused by the Mycobacterium leprae. Also called Hansen’s disease. A chronic mycobacterial disease caused Mycobacterium leprae, characterised by skin lesions and necrosis. A chronic disease of the skin and nerves…