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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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- M
- Molar
- m
- Meter
- M1
- Early stage of distant spread of a malignant
tumor
- Maceration
- Soaking, Softening of tissues
after death from sterile autodigestion by enzymes
- Macro
- Combining form meaning large or abnormal
size or length
- Macroparasites
- Typically, the parasitic helminths
and arthropods. In general, parasites which do not multiply within their definitive
hosts but instead produce transmission stages (eggs and larvae) which pass into
the external environment. Immune responses elicited against macroparasites generally
depend on the number of parasites present in a given host and tends to be of a
relatively transient nature. The key epidemiological measurement is generally
the number of parasites per host. Such parasites are often found in a highly aggregated
distribution
- Macrophage
- Immune system cell that scavenges
bacterial and other foreign material in the blood and tissues, A type of white
blood cell which engulfs particulate foreign-material, including living or dead
bacteria
- Macula
- Stain, spot, or thickening
- Macular Degeneration
- Pigmentary disturbance
in the macula lutea lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina in the
eye, which brings the loss of central visual acuity
- Macule
- Small, flat spot
- Maculopapular
- Small spot-related
- Magnesium
- Essential mineral. Chief function
of magnesium is to activate certain enzymes, especially those related to carbohydrate
metabolism. Also to maintain the electrical potential across nerve and muscle
membranes. Essential for proper heartbeat and nerve transmission. Magnesium controls
many cellular functions. Involved in protein formation, DNA production and function
and in the storage and release of energy in ATP. Magnesium is closely related
to calcium and phosphorus in body function. The average adult body contains approximately
one ounce of magnesium. It is the fifth mineral in abundance within the body--behind
calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Although about 70 % of the body's magnesium
is contained in the teeth and bones, its most important functions are carried
out by the remainder which is present in the cells of the soft tissues and in
the fluid surrounding those cells
- Magnesium Sulfates
- Classified as minerals.
Minerals are grouped into 2 types: macrominerals are found in fairly large amounts
in the body; microminerals are found in smaller amounts (less than .005 percent
of our body weight). Along with three microminerals (cobalt, molybdenum, and selenium),
macrominerals of specific importance are calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus,
potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Magnesium occurs in both animal and plant tissue.
It is essential as an enzyme activator, and is involved in the formation and maintenance
of body protein
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- See MRI Scan
- Ma Huang
- Also called Ephedra. Directs the
flow of blood to the muscles, increases the oxygen and nutrient supply resulting
in greater energy and endurance. Slight stimulatory action on the central nervous
system. This produces alertness, enhances mood, and reduces fatigue. Mobilizes
white fat stores into the bloodstream where they are carried to the brown fat
to be burned up and dissipated as heat. Dries up the sinuses and has a bronchial
dilating effect, this helps to treat allergies, asthma and hay fever
- Maitake Mushroom
- Grifron--Called King of
Mushrooms. Has the ability to lower blood pressure, which is beneficial to diabetics
& obesity patients. Researchers believe that Maitake has anti-tumor effects
against syngeneic tumors, helping to prevent the destruction of T-helper cells
by HIV
- Malabsorption
- Poor digestion. Condition in
which the intestine has a less than normal ability to digest or absorb foodstuffs,
which reduces the nutrients a person receives. Unabsorbed food may cause gas and
diarrhea
- Malacia
- Abnormal softening of a organ or
structure (tissue)
- Malaise
- Vague illness, A generalized feeling
of discomfort, uneasiness, illness, or lack of well-being that is often associated
with a disease state
- Malignant
- Cancerous; can spread to other
parts of the body
- Malignant Fever
- Fever causing severe deterioration
or death
- Manganese
- Essential mineral found in trace
amounts in tissues of the body. Adults normally contain an average of 10 to 20
milligrams of manganese in their bodies, most of which is contained in bone, the
liver and the kidneys. Essential to several critical enzymes necessary for bone
and blood formation, nerve function and protein metabolism. It is involved in
the metabolism of fats and glucose and in the production of cholesterol. Also
involved in the building and degrading of proteins and nucleic acid, biogenic
amine metabolism, which involves the transmitting of nerve impulses and Manganese
is also necessary for RNA chain initiation. An antioxidant nutrient which is important
in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. Necessary
for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E. A deficiency of manganese may
result in ataxia, convulsions, digestive problems, dizziness, hearing loss, paralysis,
and blindness & deafness in infants
- Manifest
- Visible
- Manifestation
- Sign
- MAO
- Maximum Acid Output
- Marshmallow
- Quiets a cough and soothes sore
throats, cuts, Boosts the immune system
- Mass Action Transmission
- Transmission of
infection which occurs at a rate directly proportional to the number or density
of both susceptibles and infecteds present
- Massive
- Solid
- Mastocyte
- Connective tissue cell
- Mastocytosis
- Group of rare diseases characterized
by infiltrates of mast cells in the tissues and sometimes other organs
- Mastodynia
- Breast pain
- Match
- The compatibility between donor and
recipient. In general, the more closely the recipient and donor match, the greater
the potential for a successful transplant
- Maternal Immunity
- Immunity for a neonate provided by IgG antibody generated
by a mother and passed across the placenta to the unborn offspring. This provides
short lived protection (with a typical half life of 3-6 months) to the neonate.
Also known as immunity
- Matrix
- Intracellular substance of a tissue
or the tissue from which a structure develops
- Matrix Protein
- A structural protein of a
virus particle which underlies the envelope and links it to the core
- Maturation
- Process of reaching full development
or growth. The stage of viral replication at which a virus particle becomes infectious
- MB
- Microbiological Assay, Methylene Blue
- McBurney's Point
- An anatomical landmark
in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen over the usual site of the appendix
- MCFA
- Medium Chain Fatty Acid
- MCG
- Microgram- a metric unit of measurement,
l/1,000,000 of a gram
- MCH
- Mean Cell Hemoglobin
- MCHC
- Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration
- mCi
- Millicurie
- MCT
- Medium Chain Triglyceride
- MCV
- Mean Corpuscular Volume, average volume
of erythrocytes. Mean Cell Volume (see below)
- Meadowsweet
- Lowers body temperature. Analgesic
(pain-relieving) effect. Remedy for gastritis, heartburn, peptic ulcers and urinary
tract infections. Relieve headaches. The Food and Drug Administration lists meadowsweet
as an herb of undefined safety. European studies suggest the herb may stimulate
uterine contractions. In addition, salicin has been associated with an increased
risk of birth defects. Children under the age of 16 suffering from colds,
chicken pox, or flu should not take Meadowsweet because of aspirin's association
with Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition. Although Meadowsweet
itself has never been linked to Reye's syndrome, it's main healing ingredient
is the same as aspirin's, so the possibility for an increased risk exists
- Mean Cell Volume
- A standard part of the complete
blood count, the mean cell volume (MCV) is the average volume of a red blood cell.
This is a calculated value derived from the hematocrit and the red cell count
(The hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of red cells to the volume of whole
blood while the red cell count is the number of red blood cells in a volume of
blood). The normal range for the mean cell volume is 86 - 98 femtoliters
- Medial
- Towards the midline of the body
- Median
- Average
- Mediate
- Indirect
- Medical Evaluation
- A medical assessment of
a patient’s condition
- Medicine
- Art and science of preventing, diagnosing,
and treating disease, and the maintenance of health
- Medicinal
- Substance used for treating disease
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- One of the most
concentrated sources of energy that the body uses. Because it is such a great
energy source, Medium Chain Triglycerides can be used in place of carbohydrates
in the diets of those who wish to restrict their intake of carbohydrates
- Meds
- Short for medications, or drugs
- Medullary
- Marrow-related
- Megacolon
- Colon enlargement
- Megaloblastic
- Large abnormal red blood cell
- Megavitamin
- Vitamin dosage that exceeds the
amount needed for normal maintenance of life. Megavitamin dosages may be toxic
and/or dangerous
- Melanosis
- Conditioned characterized by dark
pigment deposits on the skin. Disorder of pigment metabolism
- Melatonin
- The only hormone secreted into
the bloodstream by the Pineal gland. The hormone appears to inhibit numerous endocrine
functions, including the gonadotropic hormones. Research exists on the efficacy
of melatonin in treating jet lag and certain sleep disorders. Dosages greater
than l milligram have been associated with drowsiness, headaches, disturbances
in sleep/wake cycles and is contraindicated in those who are on antidepressive
medication. It also negatively influences insulin utilization. Scientific studies
indicate that Melatonin slows the aging process by fighting free-radical damage
and rejuvenating the immune system. Melatonin also shows great promise as a treatment
for many other diseases and conditions, such as: AIDS, Arthritis, Alzheimer's
Disease, High Cholesterol, and Hypertension
- Melena
- Dark, blood-stained stools or vomit.
When a person is bleeding from an ulcer, consisting of black tarry stools indicative
of upper GI bleeds
- Memory Cells
- Produced from B cell lymphocytes,
they recognize previously encountered antigens, long term
- Menkes' Disease
- A disorder of copper metabolism
that is inherited as a recessive X-linked trait and is characterized by a deficiency
of copper in the liver and of copper-containing proteins (as ceruloplasmin) which
results in mental retardation, brittle kinky hair, and a fatal outcome early in
life
- Menorrhagia
- Excessive uterine bleeding occurring
at the regular intervals of menstruation, the period of flow being of greater
than usual duration
- Menses
- Periodic discharge of blood, tissue
fluid, mucous and epithelial cells, that usually lasts for 5 days; caused by the
sudden reduction in hormone levels Also called menstrual cycle
- Meperedine
- Chemical name for the narcotic
painkiller Demerol
- mEq
- Milliequivalent
- MES
- Mucosal Electrosensitivty
- Mesenteric
- Involving the skin attaching various
organs to the body
- Metabolic Acidosis
- A metabolic derangement
of acid-base balance where the blood pH is abnormally low. Causes include cardiogenic
shock, hemorrhagic shock, sepsis, severe dehydration, toxic ingestion (e.g. isopropyl
alcohol, methanol), alcoholic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, and
diabetic ketoacidosis. Respiratory acidosis will occur if the lungs are not ventilating
properly
- Metabolism
- Sum of all the chemical and physical
changes that take place within the body and enable its continued growth and functioning.
Chemical process taking place in living tissues, necessary for the maintenance
of the living organism, the sum of the processes in the buildup and destruction
of protoplasm; the chemical changes in living cells by which energy is provided
for vital processes and activities and new material is assimilated
- Metabolism, Basal
- Turnover of energy in a
fasting and resting organism using energy solely to maintain vital cellular activity,
respiration, and circulation as measured by the basal metabolic rate
- Metabolite
- Substance produced by metabolism.
Products of chemical reactions within body cells
- Metabolization
- Processing
- Metamyelocyte
- An intermediate stage in the
development of a mature white blood cell
- Metaplasia
- Abnormal tissue change
- Metastasis
- Disease site transfer, The spread
of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells in the metastatic (second)
tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor
- Metastatic
- Spread from a primary site of
disease to distant parts of the body
- Meteorism
- Abdominal gas
- Methionine
- Essential amino acid. Dietary
source of sulfur and methyl groups. Important for growth, healthy nails and skin
and the synthesis of taurine, cysteine, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), bile,
carnitine and endorphins. Antioxidant nutrient and lipotropic agent which promotes
the physiological utilization of fat. Methionine is a principle supplier of sulfur
which prevents disorders of the hair, skin and nails; helps lower cholesterol
levels by increasing the liver's production of lecithin; reduces liver fat and
protects the kidneys; is a natural chelating agent for heavy metals; regulates
the formation of ammonia and creates ammonia-free urine which reduces bladder
irritation, influences hair follicles & promotes hair growth
- Metrorrhagia
- Breakthrough bleeding
- mg
- Milligram. A metric unit of measurement,
l/1000 of a gram
- Mg
- Magnesium
- MI
- Myocardial Infarction
- MIC
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
- Micro
- Combining form meaning small or minute
- Microcirculation
- Blood flow in fine vessels
- Microemulsion
- A suspension or mixture of
tiny droplets of one liquid in a second liquid, such as the smooth mixture that
is formed when Neoral® (cyclosporine capsules and oral solution
for microemulsion) combines with fluids in the digestive system
- Microgram
- Millionth of a gram
- Micrography
- Microscope examination
- Micron
- Unit of length in the metric system
equal to one-thousandth of a millimeter
- Microparasites
- Typically, viruses, bacteria,
fungi and protozoa. More generally, parasites which multiply within their definitive
hosts. Microparasites are characterized by small size, short generation times,
and a tendency to induce immunity to reinfection in those hosts that survive.
The duration of infection is usually short in relation to the lifespan of the
host, but there are important exceptions, such as the slow viruses
- Microsomes, Liver
- In the hepatocyte, any
of the vesicular fragments of endoplasmic reticulum formed after disruption and
centrifugation of cells
- Microvillus
- Bump on a cell
- Micturition
- Urination
- Milk Thistle
- Silybum Marianum. Also called
Marian, St. Mary's, and Our Lady's Thistle. Named Silybum for its large purple
thistle-like flower heads. Both the plant structures and seeds have been used
to positively influence liver function and as a general tonic. Numerous studies
have proven that this plant with its active Silymarin constituent has tremendous
therapeutic application. Silymarin and component silybin function as antioxidants,
protecting cell membranes from free-radical-mediated oxidative damage. This type
of damage is known as lipid peroxidation. Most liver toxins produce their damaging
effects by free radical mechanisms. Both silymarin and silybin protect red blood
cell membranes against lipid peroxidation and hemolysis (breaking down of the
red blood cells) caused by certain red blood cell poisons
- Milligrams--Mg
- There are 1,000 milligrams
in 1 gram. Mg is the abbreviation
- Milliliter-mL
- One thousandths of a liter.
Same liquid volume as a cubic centimeter (cc)
- min
- Minute
- Mineral(s)
- Plays a vital role in regulating
many body functions. Minerals are constituents of the bones, teeth, soft tissue,
muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are vital to overall mental and physical
well-being. Regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen
skeletal structures. Vitamins cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals
- Mint
- Common species of mint include American
Mint, Bergamot Mint, Corn Mint, Curled Mint, Horsemint, Mint, Peppermint, Round-Leaved
Horsemint, Spearmint, Wild Mint, and Wild Water Mint
- Miscible
- Mixable
- Mitochondria
- Compartmentalized, double membrane,
self-reproducing organelles present in the cytoplasm of almost all living cells
- Mitochondria, Liver
- Mitochondria in hepatocytes.
In all mitochondria, there is an outer membrane and an inner membrane, creating
two separate mitochondrial compartments: the internal matrix space and a much
narrower intermembrane space. In the liver mitochondrion, an estimated 67% of
the total mitochondrial proteins is located in the matrix
- Mitochondrion
- (pl. mitochondria) Structure
inside a cell that is the location of the cell's energy production machinery
- Mitosis
- Nuclear division, when cells divide
- mIU
- Milli-International Unit
- Mg
- Milligrams. There are 1,000 milligrams
in a gram
- mL
- Milliliter
- mm
- Millimeter
- MM
- Mucous Membranes, Muscularis Mucosa
- mmol
- Millimole
- mo
- Month
- MO
- Mineral Oil
- Moiety
- A half, A part, portion, or share
- Molecular Epidemiology
- The use of nucleotide
sequence information to study the diversity and distribution of virus populations
- Molecule
- Smallest fundamental unit of a substance
which can exist in a free state and still retain the chemical properties of the
substance. A molecule consists of a combination of atoms
- mol wt
- Molecular Weight
- Molybdenum
- Essential mineral. Key component
of at least three enzymes: xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase.
These enzymes are involved with carbohydrate metabolism, fat oxidation and urine
metabolism. The average adult has about nine milligrams of molybdenum concentrated
mostly in the liver, kidney, adrenal glands, bones and skin. Molybdenum deficiencies
are associated with esophageal cancer, sexual impotency and tooth decay
- Monocyte
- Large mononuclear leukocyte
- Monocytes
- Monocytosis is seen in the recovery
phase of many acute infections. It is also seen in diseases characterized by chronic
granulomatous inflammation (TB, syphilis, brucellosis, Crohn's disease, and sarcoidosis),
ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa,
and many hematologic neoplasms. Poisoning by carbon disulfide, phosphorus, and
tetrachloroethane, as well as administration of griseofulvin, haloperidol, and
methsuximide, may cause monocytosis. Monocytopenia is generally not a clinical
problem
- Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1
- A chemokine
that is a chemoattractant for human monocytes and may also cause cellular activation
of specific functions related to host defense. It is produced by leukocytes of
both monocyte and lymphocyte lineage and by fibroblasts during tissue injury
- Monogamous
- Having one, long-term sexual partner
- Monotherapy
- One drug therapy & Therapy with
one drug or agent
- Monovalent
- Specific for one antigen
- Montmorillonite Clay
- Often included in herbal
formulations that deal with respiratory support. Highly adsorbent (not absorbent).
By quickly neutralizing allergens before these foreign invaders can attach themselves
to blood cells, adsorptive surfaces prevent allergic reactions
- MOPP
- Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Procarbazine,
Prednisone
- Morbidity
- Diseased state, State of ill-health
produced by a disease
- Mormon Tea
- Ephedra Trifurca--Decongestant
for hayfever sufferers. Decreases appetite, Elevates mood, Helps body dispose
of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced, Increases blood pressure,
Increases heart rate, Stimulates central nervous system, Stimulates energy, Treats
fatigue. Don't take if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or
plan pregnancy in the near future or if you are breastfeeding or have diabetes
mellitus
- Morphew
- Gelatinous substance that swells
in water without dissolving and forms a slimy mass; used as an adhesive or demulcent
- Morphology of Blood Cells
- Microscopic characteristics
- Mortality Rate
- The per capita death rate
in a population. The mortality rate is the reciprocal of the population life expectancy
- mOsm
- Milliosmole
- Moss Spores
- Also called American Ground
Pine--Has properties much like that of the European Ground Pine. A powerful
diuretic, promoting urine and removing obstructions of the spleen and liver.
A valuable remedy in jaundice, rheumatism and most of chronic diseases. A decoction
of this plant, combined with Dandelion and Agrimony, is highly recommended for
liver complaints and obstructions
- Mother of Thyme
- Used for respiratory
problems, helps to clear mucous congestion from the respiratory passages and
lungs . A good tonic for the stomach and nerves, used for gastrointestinal problems
such as mild gastritis, enteritis, painful menstruation and stomach cramps.
Antispasmodic, Carminative, Expectorant, Rubefacient, Tonic. As bath additive
made from the decoction it stimulates the flow of blood toward the surface of
the body and relieves nervous exhaustion. An infusion of leaves is said to relieve
the headache of a hangover. Said to be useful in breaking the alcoholic habit
by causing diarrhea, hunger, sweating, thirst, and vomiting, along with a revulsion
for alcohol. Also recommended for anemia, chlorosis, and insomnia. Used externally,
alcoholic extracts are helpful for bruises, rheumatism stab wounds, and tumors
- Motherwort
- Cardiac tonic, been shown
to be hypotensive, sedative, and antispasmodic. Calms palpitations and normalizes
heart function in general
- Motility
- Ability to move; all movements
of the intestines
- Motor
- Pertaining to movement
- MRC
- Medical Research Council (units)
- MRI Scan
- Test that uses a magnet linked
to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body. Also called magnetic
resonance imaging
- mRNA-messenger RNA
- All cells store their
permanent genetic information in DNA, due to the inherent stability of the DNA
molecule. RNA is used to transmit this information to the rest of the cell .
DNA information is copied into RNA, which can be read out by the cell's ribsomes.
This RNA is then dissoved into its component molecules and reused in the creation
of new RNA. These temporary RNA copies of DNA information are known as messenger
RNA (mRNA). Messenger RNA, translated on ribosomes to produce proteins
- Mucilages
- Kind of dietary fiber. Similar
to plant gums, mucilages are water soluble, sticky substances that are found
in plants, especially seeds
- Mucilaginous
- Resembling a mucilage; slimy,
sticky
- Mucopolysaccharide
- Carbohydrates that
act as support structures in connective tissue in the body
- Mucosa
- Membrane consisting of mucus-producing
cells, typically found lining the body orifices, stomach and bowel
- Mucous Membrane
- The membrane lining those
cavities and canals communicating with the air. It is kept moist by the secretions
of various types of glands
- Muirapauma Root -- Ptychopetalum Olacoides
- Helps with gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders. Has anti-rheumatic properties
and can be used for treating stress and trauma. Regarded as one of the best
herbs to use for erectile dysfunction
- Mullein
- Effective as a cough suppressant,
sore throat soother, hemorrhoidal pain and wound healer. Anyone with a history
of cancer should not take Mullein internally
- Multicelluar
- Composed of numerous cells
- Multiple Infection
- An infection in which
an individual is infected by parasites of more than one species
- Muscle Wasting
- Loss of muscle bulk because
of disuse or pathological process
- Musculature
- Muscles
- Mustard Seed
- Sinapis Alba. Enhances the
stimulation process, supports weight loss
- Mutual Support/Help Group
- Group of people
having the same problem(s) who meet on a regular basis to share information,
fears, experiences, tips on coping, provide each other with emotional support
- Mutagenic
- Causing genetic mutation, Causing
alterations in genetic material
- Mutate
- When cells divide or viruses multiply,
their genetic material must be copied. Sometimes mistakes are made when this
happens and the resulting new cell or virus is different in some way. This is
important for viruses because mutation can fool the immune system into not recognizing
the virus
- Mutation
- Process in which a gene undergoes
a permanent, heritable structural change. A relatively permanent change in hereditary
material involving either a physical change in chromosome relations or a biochemical
change in the codons that make up genes; also : the process of producing a mutation.
An individual, trait or strain, resulting from mutation
- Mutation, Gene
- Point Mutation
- Mutation, Point
- Also called Gene Mutation,
mutation due to reorganization within a gene (as by addition, deletion or substitution,
of a nucleotide)
- Mutation, Somatic
- Mutation occurring
in a somatic cell
- Myalgia
- Muscle pain
- Myasthenia
- Muscle weakness
- Mycobacterium
- Bacteria
- Myrrh Gum
- Normalizes mucous membrane
activity. Used for digestion, infection, and vaginitis. Good mouthwash and gargle
for sores in the mouth & throat, asthma, coughs, sore teeth & gums,
and other chest problems. Can be taken internally for bad breath, loose teeth,
and weak gums
- Myelin
- Substance made of protein and
lipid (fat) that protects the nerves, especially in the brain
- Myelofibrosis
- An anemic condition in
which bone marrow becomes fibrotic and the liver and spleen usually exhibit
a development of blood cell precursors
- Myelosuppression
- Stopping bone marrow activity
- Myelotoxic
- Destructive to bone marrow
- Myoma
- Benign tumor made up of muscular
elements
- Myositis
- Muscle inflammation
- Myxedema
- Condition characterized by dry,
waxy swelling of the skin with abnormal deposits of glycosaminoglycans in the
skin (mucinosis) and other tissues, and associated with primary hypothyroidism
- Myxoma
- Benign tumor composed of primitive
connective tissue cells and stroma
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