Medical Glossary

This glossary contains:
19186
medical terms

Cox-1




Cox-1

Cyclooxygenase-1, a protein that acts as an enzyme to speed up the production of certain chemical messengers, called prostaglandins, within the stomach. The prostaglandins work within certain cells that are responsible for inflammation and other functions. For example, they promote the production of the natural mucus lining that protects the inner stomach. Cox-1 is normally present in a variety of areas of the body, including not only the stomach but any other site of inflammation.

RELATED TERMS
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Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.

Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.

Prostaglandins
Molecules produced by the breakdown of arachidonic acid (from cell membranes) by cyclo-oxygenase. Most are inflammatory but some suppress inflammation.

Stomach
The organ between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach is where digestion of protein begins.

Inflammation
A reaction to an injury to the body - by infection, chemicals or physical agents. The symptoms can be - depending on the location of the injury- redness, swelling, heat and pain. The purpose of the inflammation is to dilute and destroy the agent causing the inflammation. To do this, the immune system starts a cascade of actions that causes active cells to gather at the affected location. It is these cells and fluids that cause the redness, swelling, heat and pain.

Natural
Not human-induced or manmade.

Mucus
A substance secreted by various tissues in the body (the mucous membranes) made up of water, mucin (a glycoprotein), salts, and some cells. In the lungs, mucus serves to lubricate the insides of the airways and to trap inhaled foreign particles so that they can be coughed out. In asthma, however, an excess of mucus is produced and can actually block airways. Mucus also tends to be thicker and more viscous in asthmatics.

Cox-1
Cyclooxygenase-1, a protein that acts as an enzyme to speed up the production of certain chemical messengers, called prostaglandins, within the stomach. The prostaglandins work within certain cells that are responsible for inflammation and other functions. For example, they promote the production of the natural mucus lining that protects the inner stomach. Cox-1 is normally present in a variety of areas of the body, including not only the stomach but any other site of inflammation.



SIMILAR TERMS
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Cox-1 inhibitor
An agent that inhibits the action of the enzyme cox-1 (cyclooxygenase-1). The common anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen block the action of both cox-1 and cox-2. Cox-1 inhibitors can reduce inflammation, but they may also decrease the natural protective mucus lining of the stomach. Therefore, these medications can cause stomach upset, intestinal bleeding, and ulcers. In some cases, using a buffered form of a cox-1 inhibitor can eliminate or reduce these adverse effects.

COX-2
Cyclooxygenase-2.

Cox-2
Cyclooxygenase-2, a protein acts as an enzyme and specifically catalyzes (speeds) the production of certain chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Some of these messengers are responsible for promoting inflammation. When Cox-2 activity is blocked, inflammation is reduced. Unlike cox-1, cox-2 is active only at the site of inflammation, not in the stomach.

COX-2 inhibitor
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that specifically inhibits an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These drugs are used to treat pain and may be less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding than other NSAIDs.

Cox-2 inhibitor
A type of drug that selectively blocks the enzyme cox-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. Cox-2 inhibitors may not pose as great a risk of injuring the stomach or intestines as cox-1 inhibitors. Cox-2 inhibitors now on the market include celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex) and rofecoxib (brand name: Vioxx).



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Counselor, genetic
A health professional with a specialized graduate degree and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work.

Count, platelet
The calculated number of platelets in a volume of blood, usually expressed as platelets per cubic millimeter (cmm) of whole blood. Platelets are the smallest cell-like structures in the blood and are important for blood clotting and plugging damaged blood vessels. Platelet counts are usually done by laboratory machines that also count other blood elements such as the white and red cells. They can also be counted by use of a microscope. Normal platelet counts are in the range of 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter (or 150 - 400 x 109 per liter). These values many vary slightly between different laboratories.

Courier
In the drug trade, someone who internally conceals and transports an illicit drug. Also called a body packer.

Cow milk allergy
Casein and whey are the two major proteins of human milk and most milk-based formulas. Some (less than 8% of) infants have a true allergy to the cow proteins that are in milk-based formulas.

Cowpox
"A mild skin disease of milk cows, principally confined to the udder and teats, that may be contracted by people from milking an infected cow. People develop vesicles (blebs) which break and form ulcers on the fingers (sometimes called ""milkers nodules""). These usually heal without scarring. "

Cox-1

Cox-1 inhibitor
An agent that inhibits the action of the enzyme cox-1 (cyclooxygenase-1). The common anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen block the action of both cox-1 and cox-2. Cox-1 inhibitors can reduce inflammation, but they may also decrease the natural protective mucus lining of the stomach. Therefore, these medications can cause stomach upset, intestinal bleeding, and ulcers. In some cases, using a buffered form of a cox-1 inhibitor can eliminate or reduce these adverse effects.

Cox-2
Cyclooxygenase-2, a protein acts as an enzyme and specifically catalyzes (speeds) the production of certain chemical messengers called prostaglandins. Some of these messengers are responsible for promoting inflammation. When Cox-2 activity is blocked, inflammation is reduced. Unlike cox-1, cox-2 is active only at the site of inflammation, not in the stomach.

Cox-2 inhibitor
A type of drug that selectively blocks the enzyme cox-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of the chemical messengers called prostaglandins that cause the pain and swelling of arthritis inflammation. Cox-2 inhibitors may not pose as great a risk of injuring the stomach or intestines as cox-1 inhibitors. Cox-2 inhibitors now on the market include celecoxib (brand name: Celebrex) and rofecoxib (brand name: Vioxx).

CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

CPEO
Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Slowly progressive paralysis of certain eye muscles.

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This dictionary contains 19186 terms.







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