THIOPURINE Meaning and
Definition
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Thiopurine is a noun that refers to a class of drugs used primarily in the treatment of certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disorders. These drugs contain the thiophene ring structure as a central component, which is a five-membered ring composed of four carbon atoms and one sulfur atom.
Thiopurines work by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in DNA replication and cell division, thus preventing the growth and proliferation of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells or inflammatory cells. They act as immunosuppressants, suppressing the body's natural immune response to mitigate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Common thiopurine drugs include azathioprine and mercaptopurine. These drugs are mainly administered orally and are metabolized by the liver to form active compounds that exert their therapeutic effects. Thiopurines are often used in combination with other medications to enhance their efficacy and minimize potential side effects.
Despite their beneficial effects, thiopurines can have several adverse reactions, including bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal disturbances, pancreatitis, and hepatotoxicity. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts and liver function is necessary during the course of treatment to ensure safe and effective use.
In conclusion, thiopurines are a group of drugs commonly employed in the management of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disorders. They function by hindering DNA replication and cell division, leading to the suppression of abnormal cell growth and immune responses. However, caution is necessary due to potential side effects, and close monitoring is essential when using these medications.
Common Misspellings for THIOPURINE
- rhiopurine
- fhiopurine
- ghiopurine
- yhiopurine
- 6hiopurine
- 5hiopurine
- tgiopurine
- tbiopurine
- tniopurine
- tjiopurine
- tuiopurine
- tyiopurine
- thuopurine
- thjopurine
- thkopurine
- thoopurine
- th9opurine
- th8opurine
- thiipurine
- thikpurine
Etymology of THIOPURINE
The word "thiopurine" is derived from the combination of two components: "thio-" and "-purine".
1. "Thio-" is a prefix that comes from the Greek word "theíon", which means sulfur. It is often used to denote the presence of a sulfur atom in an organic compound.
2. "-Purine" refers to a specific organic compound known as purine, which is a nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA molecules. The term "purine" is derived from the Latin word "purum" meaning "pure".
When these two components are combined, "thiopurine" refers to a class of organic compounds that contain a sulfur atom in their purine structure.
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