PROTEIN C Meaning and
Definition
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Protein C is a naturally occurring anticoagulant protein found in the blood. It is a vitamin K-dependent glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood clotting in the body. When activated, protein C inhibits blood clot formation and ultimately helps dissolve existing blood clots, thus preventing the excessive formation of clots and maintaining the fluidity of blood.
Protein C is synthesized in the liver and circulates in the blood in an inactive form. Once activated by the enzyme thrombin, protein C, together with its co-factor protein S, exerts its anticoagulant effects by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa, which are essential components for blood clot formation. This inhibitory action leads to the degradation of these factors, preventing further clotting process.
Insufficiency or dysfunction of protein C can lead to an increased risk of abnormal blood clot formation, as seen in individuals with a rare hereditary disorder known as protein C deficiency. This condition is associated with a higher susceptibility to venous thrombosis, which may lead to serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Protein C is often measured as part of diagnostic tests to assess a person's risk of developing blood clotting disorders. Treatment options for protein C deficiency may involve the administration of protein C concentrates or anticoagulant medications to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of blood clots. Gene therapy and anticoagulant drugs are being explored to develop potential treatments for those affected by this disorder.
Common Misspellings for PROTEIN C
- orotein c
- lrotein c
- -rotein c
- 0rotein c
- peotein c
- pdotein c
- pfotein c
- ptotein c
- p5otein c
- p4otein c
- pritein c
- prktein c
- prltein c
- prptein c
- pr0tein c
- pr9tein c
- prorein c
- profein c
- progein c
- proyein c
Etymology of PROTEIN C
The term "Protein C" has a straightforward etymology. The "protein" component refers to its classification as a type of biological molecule called a protein. Proteins are large, complex molecules composed of amino acids, which play vital roles in various biological processes.
The letter "C" in "Protein C" refers to the specific clotting factor this protein relates to. Protein C is part of the protein C anticoagulant system, which regulates blood clotting. The name "Protein C" was given to this particular clotting factor as it was the third in a series of related clotting factors named A, B, C.
In summary, the etymology of "Protein C" involves the general term "protein" and the specific "C" in reference to its role as a clotting factor.
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