MACROGLOBULIN Meaning and
Definition
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Macroglobulin refers to a large-sized globulin protein found in the blood plasma. It is a type of immunoglobulin or antibody molecule that participates in the body's immune response, specifically in identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Macroglobulins are characterized by their high molecular weight, typically ranging from 900,000 to 6,000,000 Daltons. They possess a unique structure consisting of heavy and light chains, which contribute to their diverse functions. These proteins are produced by plasma cells, a specialized type of white blood cell known as B lymphocytes, in response to antigen stimulation. They are mainly involved in the humoral immune response, which targets extracellular infections.
Macroglobulins play a crucial role in maintaining the body's defense mechanisms by binding to pathogens or foreign substances and facilitating their removal from the bloodstream. They are also involved in the activation of complement proteins, which subsequently trigger an immune response by attracting and destroying these pathogens. Additionally, macroglobulins can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by binding to specific cellular receptors and regulating immune cell activities.
Certain medical conditions can result in an abnormal increase in macroglobulins, leading to the development of conditions like macroglobulinemia or Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. These rare disorders are characterized by the excessive secretion of macroglobulins, which can lead to various symptoms, including anemia, fatigue, and an increased susceptibility to infections. Treatment for these conditions often involves chemotherapy and targeted therapies aimed at reducing the production of macroglobulins.
Common Misspellings for MACROGLOBULIN
- nacroglobulin
- kacroglobulin
- jacroglobulin
- mzcroglobulin
- mscroglobulin
- mwcroglobulin
- mqcroglobulin
- maxroglobulin
- mavroglobulin
- mafroglobulin
- madroglobulin
- maceoglobulin
- macdoglobulin
- macfoglobulin
- mactoglobulin
- mac5oglobulin
- mac4oglobulin
- macriglobulin
- macrkglobulin
- macrlglobulin
Etymology of MACROGLOBULIN
The word "macroglobulin" is derived from the combination of two terms: "macro" and "globulin".
1. "Macro" comes from the Greek word "makros", meaning "large" or "long". This prefix is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate something that is large or on a larger scale.
2. "Globulin" refers to a type of protein found in the blood serum. It comes from the word "globulus", a diminutive form of "globus", which means "sphere" or "globe" in Latin. It was used to refer to the shape of the protein molecules resembling globular structures.
So, when combined, "macroglobulin" refers to a larger or larger-sized globulin protein.
