THIOGUANINE Meaning and
Definition
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Thioguanine is a term used in pharmacology and biochemistry to refer to a medication and chemical compound, respectively. It is an analog of the purine base guanine, which is one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Specifically, thioguanine is a thiopurine antimetabolite drug that is frequently used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
In terms of its chemical structure, thioguanine is derived from guanine by replacing its oxygen atom with sulfur. This modification in its structure allows thioguanine to act as a potent inhibitor of purine synthesis, disrupting the normal process of DNA replication and preventing cancer cells from growing and dividing properly.
When used as a medication, thioguanine is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. It is metabolized by the body into active compounds that directly interfere with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, thus exerting its anticancer effects.
While effective in the treatment of certain cancers, thioguanine also presents potential side effects, including bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal disturbances, and an increased risk of infection. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts and liver function is typically recommended during treatment with thioguanine to ensure patient safety.
In summary, thioguanine is a medication belonging to the class of thiopurine antimetabolite drugs, which inhibit the synthesis of purine and are commonly used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Common Misspellings for THIOGUANINE
- rhioguanine
- fhioguanine
- ghioguanine
- yhioguanine
- 6hioguanine
- 5hioguanine
- tgioguanine
- tbioguanine
- tnioguanine
- tjioguanine
- tuioguanine
- tyioguanine
- thuoguanine
- thjoguanine
- thkoguanine
- thooguanine
- th9oguanine
- th8oguanine
- thiiguanine
Etymology of THIOGUANINE
The word "thioguanine" is derived from the combination of two components: "thio" and "guanine".
1. "Thio": The prefix "thio" comes from the Greek word "thion", which means "sulfur". In chemistry, the term "thio-" indicates that an oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom in a compound. It is commonly used to describe sulfur-containing compounds.
2. "Guanine": Guanine is one of the four nucleobases that form the building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is denoted by the letter "G". The term "guanine" originates from the combination of "guano" (a kind of dung where guanine was first isolated) and "-ine" (a suffix used to denote a substance or a compound).
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