AMYLOID BODIES Meaning and
Definition
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Amyloid bodies are abnormal protein aggregates that accumulate and form distinctive fibrous structures within tissues or organs in certain pathological conditions. Specifically, these bodies are composed primarily of insoluble amyloid proteins, which are misfolded and become aggregated in a way that disrupts their normal function.
Amyloid bodies often result from the abnormal processing and deposition of proteins, particularly in diseases collectively known as amyloidoses. These disorders involve the accumulation of amyloid fibrils, which are long, filamentous proteins that form twisted, non-branching structures. Examples of amyloidosis-associated diseases include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and systemic amyloidosis.
In affected tissues or organs, amyloid bodies can lead to functional impairments and organ damage. They are typically identified by specialized staining techniques, including Congo red staining combined with polarized light microscopy, which causes amyloid deposits to exhibit characteristic apple-green birefringence.
The precise mechanisms underlying amyloid body formation and their subsequent impact on cellular structures and functions are still being elucidated. Nevertheless, research efforts are focused on understanding the processes leading to amyloid accumulation and developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse amyloidosis-related diseases. Studying amyloid bodies is crucial for furthering our comprehension of the underlying molecular and cellular pathology associated with these diseases, and for the development of effective diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Common Misspellings for AMYLOID BODIES
- amyloid bodys
- amyoid bodies
- amyloide bodies
- amyliod bodies
- amiloid bodies
- aumyloid bodies
Etymology of AMYLOID BODIES
The term amyloid bodies has a Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word amylon, meaning starch or amylum, and the Greek ending -oid, which means resembling. The term was first used in histopathology to describe abnormal protein deposits seen in tissue samples. These deposits had a similar appearance to starch grains, hence the term amyloid bodies.
