STREPTOZOTOCIN Meaning and
Definition
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Streptozotocin is a noun that refers to a naturally occurring chemical compound with potent antineoplastic or anticancer properties. It is primarily used in medical and research settings as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of specific types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer.
Streptozotocin exhibits its antineoplastic effects by inducing damage and apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This is achieved through its ability to target and alkylate DNA molecules, interfering with their replication and disrupting the cancer cell's ability to divide and proliferate. As a result, Streptozotocin effectively inhibits tumor growth and progression.
In addition to its cancer-fighting capabilities, Streptozotocin also possesses diabetogenic properties, meaning it can induce diabetes mellitus by selectively destroying the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Due to this characteristic, it is widely used as a tool in medical research and laboratory studies relating to diabetes mellitus.
Streptozotocin is administered through various routes, including intravenous, intraperitoneal, or intratumoral injection, depending on the specific condition being treated. It may be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, depending on the type and stage of cancer being targeted.
It is important to note that Streptozotocin is a potent compound with potential side effects and toxicity, which may include nausea, vomiting, tissue injury, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, its administration is closely monitored and managed by healthcare professionals and researchers.
Common Misspellings for STREPTOZOTOCIN
- atreptozotocin
- ztreptozotocin
- xtreptozotocin
- dtreptozotocin
- etreptozotocin
- wtreptozotocin
- srreptozotocin
- sfreptozotocin
- sgreptozotocin
- syreptozotocin
- s6reptozotocin
- s5reptozotocin
- steeptozotocin
- stdeptozotocin
- stfeptozotocin
- stteptozotocin
- st5eptozotocin
- st4eptozotocin
- strwptozotocin
- strsptozotocin
Etymology of STREPTOZOTOCIN
The word "Streptozotocin" has a complex etymology.
The first part of the word, "Strepto", is derived from the term "Streptomyces". Streptomyces is a genus of bacteria that is known for producing various bioactive compounds, including antibiotics.
The second part of the word, "zotocin", originates from the combination of "zo-" and "-tocin". The prefix "zo-" is derived from the Greek word "zoe", meaning "life". The suffix "-tocin" comes from the Greek word "tokos", meaning "birth" or "offspring". In the context of Streptozotocin, the term "-tocin" refers to a toxic substance that affects the birth or life of cells.
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