KALLIKREIN I Meaning and
Definition
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Kallikrein I is a serine protease enzyme that is predominantly found in the kidneys. It is also known by its systematic name, tissue kallikrein or urinary kallikrein. The term "kallikrein" is derived from the Greek words "kalli," meaning beautiful or good, and "kreas," meaning flesh, reflecting its original isolation from the pancreas and its role in tissue maintenance.
Kallikrein I plays a crucial role in regulating multiple physiological processes in the body, primarily by processing and activating other bioactive molecules. It is widely recognized for its involvement in the kallikrein-kinin system, which is responsible for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, inflammation, and pain. By cleaving kininogen, kallikrein I releases kinins, such as bradykinin, which act as powerful vasodilators and induce intracellular signaling cascades.
In addition to its renal expression, kallikrein I is also secreted in various other tissues, such as the salivary glands, pancreas, and sweat glands. Substantial evidence suggests that its dysregulation or deficiency may contribute to the development of certain diseases, including hypertension, renal disorders, and even cancer.
Due to its significance in various physiological and pathological processes, kallikrein I has gained considerable attention in medical research. It serves as a potential target for therapeutic interventions, such as the development of drugs to modulate blood pressure or manage inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, its measurement in urine or plasma has been explored as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for various renal or cardiovascular diseases.
Common Misspellings for KALLIKREIN I
- kllikrein a
- jallikrein i
- mallikrein i
- lallikrein i
- oallikrein i
- iallikrein i
- kzllikrein i
- ksllikrein i
- kwllikrein i
- kqllikrein i
- kaklikrein i
- kaplikrein i
- kaolikrein i
- kalkikrein i
- kalpikrein i
- kaloikrein i
- kallukrein i
- kalljkrein i
- kallkkrein i
- kallokrein i
Etymology of KALLIKREIN I
The word "kallikrein" is derived from the Greek words "kalli-" meaning "beautiful" or "noble", and "krein" meaning "to separate" or "to segregate". It was named by the German physician, Ernst Wertheimer, who discovered this enzyme in the early 20th century. The use of the numeral "I" indicates that there are multiple forms or variants of the kallikrein enzyme.
