HEPATOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatolysin is a term used in biology and medicine to refer to a specific type of protein or enzyme that is capable of causing damage or lysis of liver cells (hepatocytes). It is derived from the combination of two words: "hepato," which refers to the liver, and "lysin," which denotes the ability to break down or destroy cells.
In biological terms, hepatolysin can be considered a hepatotoxin, meaning it has toxic properties specifically targeted towards liver cells. When hepatolysin is released or produced in excessive amounts, it can lead to hepatic injury or liver cell death, potentially resulting in liver dysfunction and various liver diseases.
Hepatolysin can be found in certain disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, where it plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver infections. It is often involved in the destruction of liver tissue during infection, contributing to the spread and severity of the disease.
The study of hepatolysin and its mechanisms of action is essential for understanding liver diseases, developing diagnostic tests, and designing therapeutic strategies. Researchers and medical professionals aim to explore how hepatolysin interacts with liver cells and identify potential targets for intervention to prevent or minimize liver damage caused by this protein. By studying hepatolysin, scientists hope to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of liver diseases and find ways to protect and restore liver function.
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A cytolysin specific for the cells of the liver.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEPATOLYSIN
- gepatolysin
- bepatolysin
- nepatolysin
- jepatolysin
- uepatolysin
- yepatolysin
- hwpatolysin
- hspatolysin
- hdpatolysin
- hrpatolysin
- h4patolysin
- h3patolysin
- heoatolysin
- helatolysin
- he-atolysin
- he0atolysin
- hepztolysin
- hepstolysin
- hepwtolysin
- hepqtolysin
Etymology of HEPATOLYSIN
The word "hepatolysin" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Hepato": This is derived from the Greek word "hepar" (ἧπαρ), meaning "liver". The root "hepato-" is commonly used in medical terminology relating to the liver.
2. "Lysin": This comes from the Greek word "lysis" (λύσις), which means "breaking down" or "dissolving". The suffix "-lysin" is frequently used in biology to describe substances or enzymes that cause the lysis or breaking down of cells.
Therefore, the term "hepatolysin" refers to a substance or enzyme that causes the lysis or breakdown of liver cells or tissues.
