NEOPTERIN Meaning and
Definition
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Neopterin is a compound that functions as a biochemical marker and an important molecule in the immune system. It is a byproduct of the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine. This chemical substance is primarily generated by certain cells of the immune system, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, in response to the presence of an infection or inflammation in the body.
Neopterin is released into the bloodstream, and its levels can be measured to gauge the activity and strength of the immune system. Elevated neopterin levels are often found in individuals with various infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic inflammatory conditions. Therefore, it serves as a valuable biomarker for the evaluation and monitoring of immune system disorders.
Furthermore, neopterin production is stimulated by interferon-gamma, an immune system protein that plays a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and tumors. Increased levels of neopterin can indicate the activation of the cellular immune response, which aids in the identification and elimination of foreign invaders.
In clinical settings, neopterin measurements are commonly used to diagnose and monitor the progression of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and certain viral infections. Additionally, various organ transplantations, including kidney and heart, often rely on neopterin levels to assess the effectiveness of the immunosuppressive therapy given to patients after the procedure.
Overall, neopterin serves as a valuable biomarker for evaluating immune system activity and can aid in diagnosing and monitoring immune-related diseases and infections.
Common Misspellings for NEOPTERIN
- beopterin
- meopterin
- jeopterin
- heopterin
- nwopterin
- nsopterin
- ndopterin
- nropterin
- n4opterin
- n3opterin
- neipterin
- nekpterin
- nelpterin
- neppterin
- ne0pterin
- ne9pterin
- neooterin
- neolterin
- neo-terin
- neo0terin
Etymology of NEOPTERIN
The word "neopterin" has a Greek origin. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "neo" (νέος), meaning "new" or "recent", and "pterón" (πτερόν), meaning "wing".
The term "neopterin" was coined by the Swiss biochemist Heinz Schirmer in 1960 while he was studying the chemistry of insect pigments. He discovered a yellow-orange pigment in butterfly wings, which he named "neopterin" due to its resemblance to a new or recently formed compound.
Later research revealed that neopterin is not only found in insects but also in other organisms, including mammals. It is a pteridine compound that plays a role in the immune system, acting as a biomarker for certain diseases and disorders.
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