PLASMA PROKALLIKREIN Meaning and
Definition
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Plasma Prokallikrein is a term primarily used in the field of biochemistry and medicine. It refers to a protein present in the blood plasma known as prekallikrein. Prekallikrein is an inactive precursor to an important enzyme called kallikrein.
Kallikrein is involved in several biological processes such as blood coagulation, inflammation, and the regulation of blood pressure. It plays a crucial role in the activation of blood clotting and the formation of fibrin, which is necessary for wound healing. Kallikrein is also involved in the kinin-kallikrein system, which regulates blood flow, blood pressure, and inflammation.
Plasma prokallikrein is synthesized in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream, primarily bound to a protein called high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK). When activated, it cleaves HMWK to release bradykinin, a potent vasodilator that promotes blood vessel dilation and vascular permeability, leading to increased blood flow and inflammation.
The measurement of plasma prokallikrein levels can be utilized as a biomarker for certain diseases and conditions. Elevated levels of plasma prokallikrein have been associated with various pathological conditions, including hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurring episodes of swollen tissues.
In summary, plasma prokallikrein is an inactive precursor protein present in the blood plasma, which is responsible for the synthesis of the enzyme kallikrein when activated. This enzyme plays crucial roles in blood clotting, inflammation, and blood pressure regulation, and abnormalities in its levels can be indicative of certain diseases and conditions.
Common Misspellings for PLASMA PROKALLIKREIN
- olasma prokallikrein
- llasma prokallikrein
- -lasma prokallikrein
- 0lasma prokallikrein
- pkasma prokallikrein
- ppasma prokallikrein
- poasma prokallikrein
- plzsma prokallikrein
- plssma prokallikrein
- plwsma prokallikrein
- plqsma prokallikrein
- plaama prokallikrein
- plazma prokallikrein
- plaxma prokallikrein
- pladma prokallikrein
- plaema prokallikrein
- plawma prokallikrein
- plasna prokallikrein
- plaska prokallikrein
- plasja prokallikrein
Etymology of PLASMA PROKALLIKREIN
The etymology of "Plasma Prokallikrein" can be broken down as follows:
1. Plasma: This term originated from the ancient Greek word "plasma" (πλάσμα), meaning "something molded or formed". In the context of biology, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood or other bodily fluids.
2. Prokallikrein: The word "kallikrein" comes from the combining forms "kalli-" and "-krein". "Kalli-" is derived from the Greek word "kallós" (καλλός), meaning "beautiful" or "fine". "-Krein" is derived from the Greek word "kreas" (κρέας), meaning "flesh" or "meat". In the context of biology, kallikrein refers to a group of enzymes involved in various physiological processes.
