Cyclosporine A, often used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplant patients, is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /saɪˈkloʊspəraɪn/. The first syllable, "cyclo," is pronounced as /ˈsaɪkloʊ/, with a long "i" sound followed by a "klo" sound. The second syllable, "sporine," is pronounced as /ˈspɔraɪn/, with a "spor" sound and a long "i" sound. The "A" at the end is pronounced as a short "a" sound, /ə/. This spelling helps healthcare providers ensure accurate dosing and appropriate patient care.
Cyclosporine A is a potent immunosuppressive drug that is primarily used in organ transplant patients to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. It is a cyclic polypeptide composed of 11 amino acids and is derived from the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum.
Cyclosporine A works by inhibiting the function of T-cells, a type of white blood cell which plays a key role in the immune response. It specifically targets and blocks the production of the cytokine interleukin-2, which is essential for the activation and proliferation of T-cells. By suppressing the activity of T-cells, Cyclosporine A effectively suppresses the immune system, preventing it from attacking the transplanted organ.
Apart from its primary use in transplantation, Cyclosporine A also finds application in various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain forms of eye inflammation. In these conditions, the drug helps control the overactive immune response that contributes to the disease.
Cyclosporine A is typically administered orally or intravenously and is metabolized in the liver. It has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that its dosage must be carefully monitored to ensure effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects. Common side effects of Cyclosporine A include hypertension, nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), and increased susceptibility to infections. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and blood levels of the drug is essential during therapy.
The word "Cyclosporine A" has a compound etymology.
"Cyclosporine" is derived from the combination of two words: "cyclo" and "sporine".
- "Cyclo" is from the Greek word "kyklos" meaning "circle" or "ring". It refers to the cyclic structure present in the molecular compound of Cyclosporine A.
- "Sporine" is derived from "sporium", which refers to a fungal spore. This is because Cyclosporine A was isolated from a species of fungus called Tolypocladium inflatum.
The "A" in "Cyclosporine A" refers to the different variants or forms of Cyclosporine that have been discovered.