KININOGENS Meaning and
Definition
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Kininogens are a class of proteins that are involved in the formation of bioactive peptides known as kinins. These proteins serve as precursor molecules or substrates that are converted into active kinins by enzymatic cleavage. Kinins, in turn, have various physiological roles, particularly in inflammation, vascular regulation, and pain sensation.
The two major types of kininogens are high-molecular-weight kininogens (HMWK) and low-molecular-weight kininogens (LMWK). HMWK is a large glycoprotein that circulates in the blood plasma and serves as the main precursor for the formation of kinins. LMWK, on the other hand, is a smaller protein found at higher concentrations in tissues and bodily fluids such as saliva and urine.
The cleavage of kininogens is primarily mediated by enzymes called kallikreins, which are responsible for releasing active kinins from their precursors. Once kinins are formed, they exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, mainly the B1 and B2 receptors.
Kininogens, along with kinins, play crucial roles in inflammatory processes. They contribute to the dilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, leading to extravasation of immune cells and the influx of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, kinins can promote pain transmission by sensitizing nerves and stimulating the release of neurotransmitters.
Understanding kininogens and their relationship with kinins is essential in elucidating the complex mechanisms underlying inflammation and other physiological processes. Their dysregulation can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, making them potential targets for therapeutic interventions and drug development.
Common Misspellings for KININOGENS
- jininogens
- mininogens
- lininogens
- oininogens
- iininogens
- kuninogens
- kjninogens
- kkninogens
- koninogens
- k9ninogens
- k8ninogens
- kibinogens
- kiminogens
- kijinogens
- kihinogens
- kinunogens
- kinjnogens
- kinknogens
- kinonogens
- kin9nogens
Etymology of KININOGENS
The word "kininogens" is derived from the combination of two root words: "kinin" and "gen".
The term "kinin" originated from the German word "Kinin", which was first described by the German physician Albrecht Kossel in 1909. He used the term "Kinin" to refer to a group of biologically active substances that induce smooth muscle contraction and dilation of blood vessels. The word "kinin" is derived from the Greek word "kinein", meaning "to move".
The suffix "-gen" comes from the Greek word "genēs", which means "born" or "producing". In scientific terminology, the suffix "-gen" denotes the production or generation of something.
Therefore, "kininogens" can be understood as substances that produce or generate kinins.
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