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Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase An enzyme necessary to pyrimidine synthesis and therefore essential to the production of DNA and RNA. The drug leflunomide (Arava), an immunomodulatory agent, acts by specifically inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.
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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.
Pyrimidine
A nitrogen-containing, double-ring, basic compound that occurs in nucleic acids. The pyrimidines in DNA are cytosine and thymine; in RNA, cytosine and uracil.
Essential
1. Something that cannot be done without. 2. Required in the diet, because the body cannot make it. As in an essential amino acid or an essential fatty acid. 3. Idiopathic. As in essential hypertension.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid. A long-chain, usually single-stranded. The primary function of RNA is protein synthesis within a cell. However, RNA is involved in various ways in the processes of expression and repression of hereditary information. The three main functionally distinct varieties of RNA molecules are: (1) messenger RNA (mRNA) which is involved in the transmission of DNA information, (2) ribosomal RNa (rRNA) which makes up the physical machinery of the synthetic process, and (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) which also constitutes another functional part of the machinery of protein synthesis.
Leflunomide
Leflunomide is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): leflunomide.
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Dihydergot
A medicine based in dihydroergotamine and used in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension and migraine with or without aura.
Dihydroergotamine mesylate
Dihydroergotamine mesylate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): dihydroergotamine mesylate.
Dihydrotestosterone
A powerful androgenic hormone formed from testosterone in peripheral target cells by the action of the enzyme, 5-reductase.
Dihydroxyacetone
Also known as DHA, the active ingredient in most sunless tanning lotions.
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Diffuse mastocytosis
A form of mastocytosis in which the entire skin is thickened and leathery with generalized reddening and intense pruritus (itching) due to widespread infiltration of the skin with mast cells.
Diffuse toxic goiter
Graves disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland), with generalized diffuse overactivity ("toxicity") of the entire thyroid gland which becomes enlarged into a goiter.
DiGeorge syndrome
A genetic disorder characterized by hypocalcemia, immunodeficiency, and congenital heart disease: Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood) due to hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the parathyroid glands that are needed to control calcium; Immunodeficiency due to hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the thymus (an organ behind the breastbone needed for the maturation of lymphocytes into T cells); and Congenital heart disease with defects of the outflow tracts (the pulmonary artery and aorta) from the heart. Next to Down syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome is the most common genetic cause of congenital heart disease.
Digit, supernumerary
An extra finger or toe.
Digital rectal exam
An exam to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal.
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase
Dihydroxyacetone
Also known as DHA, the active ingredient in most sunless tanning lotions.
Dilatation and curettage
A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilatation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a curet (or curette), an instrument shaped like a spoon. This procedure also is called D and C.
Dilate
To stretch or enlarge. It comes from the Latin verb "dilatare" meaning "to enlarge or expand."
Dilating
The widening and opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions.
Dilation, pupil
This examination enables your eye care professional to see more of your retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye. Dilating (widening) the pupil permits your eye to be examined for signs of disease. To do this, drops are placed into the eye to dilate (widen) the pupil. After the examination, your vision may (or may not) remain blurred for several hours.
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