Aurothiomalate, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is a complicated word to spell. The first part, "aurothio-" (aw-roh-THEE-oh), refers to the gold (Au) and sulfur (S) in the compound. The second part, "-malate" (MAL-ate), refers to the salt form of malic acid. Altogether, the word is spelled uh-ROH-thee-oh-mal-ate (IPA: əˌɹoʊθiəˈmæleɪt) and is often abbreviated as "AUROMA" or "GSM," which stands for gold sodium thiomalate.
Aurothiomalate is a compound that is used as a therapeutic agent primarily for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as gold sodium thiomalate, it is a gold-containing medication that is administered by injection.
Aurothiomalate works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the joints, which is a characteristic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. It is classified as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and is often used when other treatments have been ineffective or intolerable. By improving joint symptoms and slowing down disease progression, aurothiomalate can help enhance mobility and quality of life in individuals suffering from this chronic autoimmune disorder.
The compound is metabolized in the body to release gold ions, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Gold ions are thought to inhibit specific enzymes involved in inflammation and to modulate the immune response. The exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that aurothiomalate acts on multiple targets within the immune system to achieve its therapeutic benefits.
Although aurothiomalate can be an effective treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis, it is not without potential side effects. Common side effects include skin rash, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction. Regular monitoring of blood parameters is necessary to ensure safe administration of the drug.
In conclusion, aurothiomalate is a gold-containing medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the immune system and reducing joint inflammation. It is an important therapeutic option for individuals with this chronic autoimmune disorder, although careful monitoring and management of potential side effects are necessary.
The word "aurothiomalate" is a compound word consisting of three parts: "aur(o)-", "thio-", and "malate".
1. "Aur(o)-" is derived from the Latin word "aurum", meaning "gold". This prefix is used to denote the presence or connection to gold in chemical compounds.
2. "Thio-" is a prefix derived from the Ancient Greek word "theion", which means "sulfur". It is used to indicate the presence or connection to sulfur in chemical compounds.
3. "Malate" comes from the Latin word "malum", meaning "apple". It refers to a type of chemical compound called a salt or ester of malic acid, which was first isolated from apples.