The spelling of the word "amyloid" can be confusing when trying to pronounce it correctly. The word is pronounced /ˈæmɪlɔɪd/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" is pronounced as the "a" in "cat", the "m" as in "mother", the "y" as in "myth", the "l" as in "love", the "o" as in "olive" and the "i" as in "ink". Finally, the "d" is pronounced softly, almost as if it were an "l". Remembering this phonetic transcription can help ensure accurate spelling and pronunciation of the word.
Amyloid is a term used to describe an abnormally folded protein that forms insoluble fibrillar deposits in various tissues and organs of the body. These protein aggregates are typically rigid and highly organized, forming characteristic beta-sheet structures that contribute to their stability. Amyloidosis is the process characterized by the accumulation of amyloid deposits in organs, impairing their normal function.
Amyloid can be derived from various proteins, including beta-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease, transthyretin in familial amyloid polyneuropathy, or immunoglobulin light chains in systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. It is often associated with several chronic degenerative diseases and systemic disorders. Amyloid can deposit in organs such as the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, and blood vessels.
The formation of amyloid fibrils is believed to be a consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation. These aberrant aggregates can accumulate over time, leading to organ dysfunction and, in severe cases, organ failure. The specific mechanisms by which amyloidosis occurs and its impact on cellular processes are still not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and aging-related factors.
Due to their insoluble nature, amyloid deposits are resistant to degradation and clearance by the body's normal mechanisms. This contributes to their persistence and accumulation, ultimately leading to tissue damage and disease progression. Understanding the mechanisms of amyloid formation and finding ways to prevent or eliminate amyloid deposits is an active area of research with potential therapeutic implications.
A glycoprotein occurring as a pathological infiltration in the kidneys, liver, and other organs and as a granular deposit in serous membranes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
resembling starch
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "amyloid" originates from the Greek word "amylon", which means "starch". The term was first used in the mid-19th century by the pathologist Rudolf Virchow to describe the appearance of abnormal protein deposits found in certain tissues during autopsies. These deposits had a waxy or starch-like appearance, and thus, Virchow named them "amyloid". The prefix "amylo-" refers to starch, and the suffix "-oid" means "resembling or similar to". Consequently, "amyloid" signifies a substance that is similar to starch.