DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL Meaning and
Definition
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Diethylstilboestrol, commonly referred to as DES, is a synthetic estrogen that was commonly prescribed to pregnant women in the mid-20th century. It was primarily used to prevent miscarriages and complications during pregnancy.
DES belongs to the stilboestrol class of hormones and shares similarities with naturally occurring estrogens, such as estradiol. However, diethylstilboestrol is synthetically derived and has a more potent estrogenic effect.
In terms of its chemical structure, diethylstilboestrol consists of two ethyl groups attached to the stilbene backbone. This configuration allows the compound to bind to estrogen receptors in the body, triggering hormonal responses. By mimicking the effects of natural estrogens, DES can influence cell growth, sexual development, and the functioning of various organs.
However, extensive research conducted in the 1970s revealed that DES had serious side effects, some of which were transmitted to the daughters and even granddaughters of women who had taken the drug during pregnancy. DES exposure has been linked to an increased risk of vaginal and cervical cancer, reproductive tract abnormalities, fertility issues, and other health problems.
As a result of these findings, the use of diethylstilboestrol during pregnancy was discontinued in many countries. Today, it is primarily used in research laboratories to understand the effects of synthetic estrogens on the body and to study the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to DES.
Common Misspellings for DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL
- siethylstilboestrol
- xiethylstilboestrol
- ciethylstilboestrol
- fiethylstilboestrol
- riethylstilboestrol
- eiethylstilboestrol
- duethylstilboestrol
- djethylstilboestrol
- dkethylstilboestrol
- doethylstilboestrol
- d9ethylstilboestrol
- d8ethylstilboestrol
- diwthylstilboestrol
- disthylstilboestrol
- didthylstilboestrol
- dirthylstilboestrol
- di4thylstilboestrol
- di3thylstilboestrol
- dierhylstilboestrol
Etymology of DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL
The word "diethylstilboestrol" has its origin in two parts: "diethyl" and "stilboestrol".
1. "Diethyl" is derived from the chemical term "di-", which means two, and "ethyl", which is a prefix indicating the presence of two ethyl groups (-C₂H₅). This indicates the presence of two ethyl groups in the compound.
2. "Stilboestrol" is a term used to describe synthetic hormones with estrogenic activity. It is derived from the combination of "stilbene" and "estrol".
- "Stilbene" refers to a type of hydrocarbon compound with a specific arrangement of atoms, which includes two phenyl rings connected by a double bond. This arrangement is present in the structure of diethylstilboestrol.
Similar spelling words for DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL
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