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Glossary of terminology
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): This is
the primary fuel used by cells to generate the biochemical reactions
essential for life.
Adrenals: The glands located on the top
of the kidneys that are responsible for the production of stress-related
hormones, such as cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline.
Adrenocortiotrophic Hormone (ACTH): The
hormone released from the pituitary gland that interacts with receptors
on the adrenal gland to begin the process of cortisol and DHEA production.
ACTH uses the second messenger cyclic AMP to signal target cells in
the adrenal gland.
Advanced Glycosylation Endproduct: The
polymerized end products of protein cross-linked with glucose. AGE's
tend to adhere to capillaries and arteries increasing the risk of heart
disease, blindness, and kidney failure. AGE's are best estimated by
the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin in the bloodstream.
Aerobic Capacity: The body's ability to
process oxygen. It is a combination of lung capacity, the size of the
capillaries, the pumping action of the heart, and transfer of oxygen
from red blood cells to target tissues.
Aerobic Exercise: Exercise with a low
enough intensity to facilitate adequate oxygen transfer to the muscle
cells so that no buildup of lactic acid is observed. This type of exercise
is useful for reducing insulin levels and lowering blood glucose.
Aging: The general deterioration of the
body with increasing age.
Amino Acids: These are the building blocks
of protein. There are eight essential amino acids the body cannot make
and, therefore, must be included in the foods you eat.
Amygdala: The portion of the limbic system
in the brain that processes emotions.
Anaerobic Exercise: Exercise at an intensity
that exceeds the ability to supply oxygen to the muscle cells leading
to the buildup of lactic acid. Anaerobic exercise stimulates the synthesis
of both growth hormone and testosterone.
Anabolic Steroids: Synthetic analogs of
testosterone that maintain the anabolic (i.e. muscle-building effects)
while reducing the virilization effects of testosterone.
Anti-aging Zone Lifestyle Pyramid: The
combination of the Zone Diet, moderate exercise, and meditation that
interact to reduce the four pillars of aging (excess insulin, excess
blood glucose, excess free radicals, and excess cortisol). Of the three
components of the Anti-aging Zone Lifestyle Pyramid, the Zone Diet is
by far the most important.
Arachidonic Acid: An essential fatty acid
that is the immediate precursor to "bad" eicosanoids found
in fatty red meats, egg yolks, and organ meats.
Autocrine Hormones: Hormones that act
upon the secreting cell. They are used to sample the immediate environment
surrounding the cell. Eicosanoids are the best-known example of autocrine
hormones.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
The natural enlargement of normal prostate tissue as a man ages. As
the prostate enlarges, men usually have difficulty urinating
Binding Proteins: Proteins that bind to
water-soluble hormones, such as sex hormones, cortisol, and thyroid;
or certain water-soluble proteins, such as insulin-like growth factor
to maintain stable circulating levels of the hormone in the bloodstream.
Biological Marker of Aging: Any physiological
marker that appears to be universal in an aging population.
Biological Response Modifier: Any molecule
that can modify the biological response of cells to changes in its external
environment.
Blood Glucose: The primary source of energy
for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels cause diabetes and accelerate
aging.
Calcium Oxalate Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements
or rarely protein matrix. Calcium oxalate is the most common type of
stone. These stones are usually easy to see on x-ray and cannot be dissolved.
Calorie Restriction: The reduction of
calories that maintains adequate levels of protein and essential fats
while also supplying adequate amounts of micronutrients (vitamins and
minerals).
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH):
The hormone released from the hypothalamus that interacts with the pituitary
to produce ACTH. This hormone uses cyclic AMP for its second messenger.
Cortisol: The hormone released from the
adrenal glands in response to stress or low blood glucose. Its primary
mode of action in the times of stress is to shut down eicosanoid synthesis.
Its synthesis in the adrenal gland requires the second messenger, cyclic
AMP.
Cyclic AMP: A second messenger that begins
the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic AMP is derived
from ATP. Many endocrine hormones use cyclic AMP as their second messenger.
Cyclic GMP: A second messenger that begins
the biological response initiated by a hormone. Cyclic GMP is the second
messenger induced by nitric oxide.
Dehdroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A steroid
hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Its primary function is to inhibit
the binding of cortisol.
Diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose
is not well controlled. Type I diabetics make no insulin, whereas Type
II diabetics are characterized by the overproduction of insulin, but
the inability of the target cells to respond to the insulin.
Dopamine: A neurotransmitter that works
in an axis with serotonin.
Eicosanoid: A hormone derived from a 20-carbon
atom, polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are made by every cell in the
body. As autocrine hormones, they are constantly produced by the cell
to sample the external environment. "Good" eicosanoids generate
AMP.
Endocrine Hormones: Hormones that are
secreted from a discrete gland and then travel through the bloodstream
to target tissues.
Endocrinology: The study of hormones.
A more inclusive definition would be the study of biological communications.
Endocytosis: The process by which extracellular
molecules (including hormones) enter a cell.
Endothelial Cells: The cells that line
the vascular system. They act as a barrier between the bloodstream and
target cells that hormones must pass through in order to reach their
receptors and exert their biological action.
B-Endorphin: A hormone derived from the
pituitary that induces opiate-like responses to decrease pain. The release
of its precursor hormone (B-lipotropin) requires cyclic AMP.
Essential Fatty Acids: These are the fats
the body cannot make and therefore must be part of the diet. Essential
fatty acids are also the building blocks of eicosanoids. There are two
groups, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, each gives rise to a different
group of eicosanoids.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Male erectile dysfunction, (ED), or impotence is the inability for a
sexually active male to obtain and sustain an erection for sexual purposes.
Estrogens: A group of three steroid hormones
that convey female characteristics and control fertilization. The production
of estrogen is stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which
uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
Exocytosis: The process
by which intracellular chemicals (including hormones) are released.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
The hormone released from the pituitary that stimulates estrogen production
in females, and sperm production in males. FSH uses cyclic AMP as its
second messenger.
Free Radical: Any molecule
that contains an unpaired electron. Free radicals are unstable and will
extract electrons from other biological molecules, which generates more
free radicals.
Functionality: The ability
to live in an unassisted fashion.
Gland: A discrete organ
responsible for the secretion of hormones. There are nine separate glands
in the body. Three are in the brain (hypothalamus, pineal, and pituitary),
three are in the throat area (thyroid, thymus, and parathyroid), two
are in the midsection (pancreas and adrenals), and one is in the gonad
area (testes for males and ovaries for females).
Glucagon: The hormone
from the pancreas that causes the release of stored carbohydrate in
the liver to restore blood glucose levels. Glucagon uses the second
messenger cyclic AMP to exert its biological action.
Glucose: The only simple
carbohydrate that circulates in the bloodstream. Glucose is the primary
fuel used by the brain. It can also be stored in the liver and muscles
in a polymer form known as glycogen.
Glucose Tolerance: The
ability of muscle cells and the liver to remove glucose from the bloodstream.
As you age, glucose tolerance decreases.
Glycemic Index: A measure
of the rate at which a carbohydrate will enter the bloodstream as glucose.
Some simple sugars, like table sugar, will enter the bloodstream slower
than many complex carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, and potatoes.
The faster a carbohydrate enters the bloodstream, the higher its glycemic
index. The higher the glycemic index of a carbohydrate, the greater
the increase in insulin levels. Fruits and vegetables tend to have a
low glycemic index, whereas breads, pasta, grains, and starches tend
to have a high glycemic index.
Glycogen: The storage
form of glucose. Only glycogen from the liver can be used to restore
blood glucose levels.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin:
A measure of the long-term control of blood glucose determined by the
amount of carbohydrate-modified hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The
higher the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin, the worse the control
of blood glucose levels.
Growth Hormone: The hormone
released from the pituitary that interacts with fat cells to release
fatty acids and also the liver to produce insulin-like growth factors.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH):
The hormone released from the hypothalamus that causes the release of
growth hormone from the pituitary. GHRH uses cyclic AMP as its second
messenger.
Hematuria: This is the
presence of red blood cells in an urine specimen. It can be associated
with kidney disease, an urinary tract infection, kidney stone, trauma,
cancer of the urinary tract, and is sometimes normal. Special tests
are ordered to rule out any serious medical problems.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL):
The "good" cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol from
cells. If insulin levels go up, then HDL levels go down. The lower your
HDL level, the more likely you are to suffer cardiovascular complications.
Hippocampus: The portion
of the limbic system in the brain that integrates incoming nerve impulses
to the hypothalamus, and is also the memory center of the brain.
Hormones: Biological
compounds that communicate information at a distance. Hormones require
specific receptors to begin their biological action and use second messengers
to initiate the cellular process that uses that information.
Hormonal (PCa): Hormonal
therapy is based on the fact that prostate cancer cells frequently use
the male hormone, testosterone, as fertilizer, and the absence of testosterone
leads to the death or weakening, (apoptosis), of many, but not all,
prostate cancer cells.As a result, many patients with incurable prostate
cancer, (Stage D and late Stage C), can have their life extended and
quality of life improved by the use of hormonal therapy.
Hormone Releasing Factors:
Hormones released from the hypothalamus that directly affect the pituitary
and initiate the release of other hormones into the bloodstream. Many
hormone releasing factors use cyclic AMP as their secondary messengers.
Hyperinsulinemia: The
excess production of insulin. This is usually a consequence of insulin
resistance in which the cells do not respond to insulin to reduce blood
glucose levels.
Hypothalamus: The portion
of the brain's limbic system that integrates incoming information and
either increases or decreases the release of certain hormones that instruct
the pituitary gland to release hormones.
Incontinence: Incontinence
is the involuntary loss of urine. Babies are incontinent until their
nervous systems mature and they learn to control their urine flow. Incontinence
can occur to males and females, old and young. It can be mild or severe.
It usually can be treated
Insulin: The hormone
that drives incoming nutrients into cells for storage. Excess insulin
is the primary pillar of aging.
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF):
The hormone released from the liver in response to growth hormone. IGF-1
is the hormone responsible for building muscle.
Insulin Resistance: A
condition in which the cells no longer respond well to insulin. As a
result, the body secretes more insulin into the bloodstream in an effort
to reduce blood glucose levels.
Impotence: The condition
where a man can not achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual
relations. Impotence can be caused by stress or psychological factors;
however, it is more frequently associated with medical problems such
as diabetes, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, numerous
medications, and other causes.
Interstitial Space: The
space between the endothelial cells and target cells, such as the liver
or the smooth muscle cells that line the vascular bed.
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP):
A special x-ray test of the kidneys where an iodine dye is injected
into the veins. The dye is absorbed by the kidneys and excreted into
the bladder. This x-ray test can identify tumors of the kidney, ureter,
and bladder. Also, it may help identify a kidney stone.
Lean Body Mass: The total
body weight minus the fat mass. Lean body mass consists of water, bones,
collagen, and muscle.
Life Expectancy: The
average age at which 50 percent of newborn children survive.
Limbic System: The part
of the brain that is concerned with more primitive impulses and maintaining
biological homeostasis.
Longevity: The percentage
of the maximum life span that an organism will reach before it dies.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
The hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates the production
of testosterone in males and the production of progesterone in females.
This hormone uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
Kidney Stones:
Most urinary tract stones originate as crystals in the kidney, grow
within the kidney, and then migrate or pass through the urinary tract.
Stones can also start and/or grow within the bladder. Bladder stones
are often associated with chronic urinary blockage or infection, or
severe protein starvation sometimes seen in the third world. Prostate
stones grow within the prostate, probably as a result of infection.
Prostate stones do not migrate or pass.
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements
or rarely protein matrix. Calcium oxalate is the most common type of
stone. These stones are usually easy to see on x-ray and cannot be dissolved.
Macronutrient: Any food
that contains calories and, therefore, can generate hormonal responses.
Protein, carbohydrate, and fat are macronutrients.
Maximum Life Span: The
longest period of life that an animal can expect to reach.
Melatonin: The hormone
made in the pineal gland that controls circadian rhythms. It is also
a powerful antioxidant for hydroxyl free radicals.
Micronutrient: Vitamins
and minerals that have no caloric value and little direct impact on
hormonal response.
Mortality Doubling Time:
The amount of time required for the death rate to double after reaching
adulthood.
Nitric Oxide: A protohormone
that generates cyclic GMP. Nitric oxide is a free radical.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
A special type of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids found primarily
in cold-water fish and purified fish oils. This type of fat is exceptionally
beneficial to your cardiovascular system because of its effect on promoting
the formation of "good" eicosanoids.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids:
The type of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in protein and most seed
oils. This type of fat can generate both "good" and "bad"
eicosanoids.
Penile Prosthesis:This
is a semi-rigid implantable device inserted into the penile chambers
to treat and fix severe cases of impotence or Peyronie's Disease. The
procedure can be performed in an outpatient surgery center.
Percentage Body Fat:
This describes the percentage of your total weight that is composed
of fat. The higher your percentage of body fat, the greater the likelihood
of chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Peyronie's Disease:The
condition where there is scarring following injury to the tunica albuginea
(the wall of the penile chamber) or for unknown reasons. As the scar
tissue increases in size, it can squeeze and deform the penis where
there is bending or angulation of the penile chambers. The Peyronie's
scar can result in shortening of the penis and loss of erection.
Pineal: The gland located
within the brain that synthesizes melatonin.
Pituitary: The gland
from which a number of hormones are released into the bloodstream. These
hormones include growth hormone, ACTH, B-lipocortin (the precursor to
B-endorphorin), FSH, LH, and TSH.
Priapism: A prolonged
erection that will not subside naturally. Priapism is most often associated
with penile injection therapy where the erection will can last more
than 4 hours. It is also associated with Sickle Cell anemia and may
occur after taking Trazodone.
Progesterone: A hormone
produced in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) released from pituitary
gland. It is required to flush out the uterus if an egg is not fertilized.
It is also useful for stimulating the growth of new bone mass.
Progestins: Synthetic
analogs of progesterone that have some of the properties of natural
progesterone.
PSA Blood Test: PSA stands
for Prostatic Specific Antigen, a special blood test that can help detect
prostate cancer. PSA is frequently elevated in prostate cancer and can
be the first sign of this illness.
Prostate Gland: This
is a gland about the size of a walnut that sits at the base of the bladder.
The prostate gland makes nutrients that support the sperm. As a man
ages, the prostate gland can enlarge causing urinary difficulties (BPH)
or form prostate cancer.
Prostatitis: Prostatitis
is an inflamation of the prostate gland and is a common condition affecting
many, if not most, men at some time in their lives. Like sinusitis,
it can be acute, chronic, infectious, allergic, inflammatory or even
psychosomatic. While frequently disquieting and unpleasant it is rarely
serious or life threatening. There is no relationship between prostatitis
and prostate cancer! Contrary to folklore, prostatitis, no matter how
severe or long lasting, has not been shown to lead to prostate cancer.
There are three general types of prostatitis, bacterial prostatitis,
the most common type, generally associated with a bacterial infection
; non-bacterial or inflammatory prostatitis, when no infection is present;
and prostatosis , or chronic pain in the prostate a subset of non-bacterial
prostatitis.
Receptor: A molecule
that recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the
receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert its biological
action.
Second Messenger: Molecules
that are synthesized in response to hormones binding to their receptors.
Second messengers initiate the biological action of the hormone.
Semen Analysis: Evaluation
of the sperm and seminal fluid. The number and motility of the sperm
is evaluated, infection is ruled out, the volume and acidity of the
fluid is assessed.
Seminal Vesicles: There
are normally two seminal sacs or vesicles that lie behind the prostate
where they collect fluid made by the prostate. This fluid becomes the
seminal fluid that is ejaculated by a man when he is sexually active.
The fluid transports and nourishes the sperm.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter
important in filtering out information. If its levels are low, it can
be the underlying cause of depression and violence.
Struvite Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements
or rarely protein matrix. Struvite or infection stones are typically
associated with chronic urinary infection and should be looked for in
patients with urinary tract infection that is difficult to clear. Struvite
stones are usually visible on x-ray studies. Unfortunately, in the early
stages only bladder symptoms may occur and the stones may progress silently,
growing to fill the kidney, (staghorn calculus), and possibly destroy
it.
Telomer: A small segment
at the end of nuclear DNA that becomes shorter with every replication
of the DNA. DNA will no longer replicate beyond a certain point of telomere
reduction.
Testosterone: The hormone
that promotes the building of muscle mass in males and libido in both
sexes.
Thymus: The gland responsible
for the production of certain white cells known as T-lymphocytes that
are important for immune function. The thymus is very sensitive to excess
cortisol.
Thyroid: The gland in
the throat that synthesizes thyroid hormones that affect metabolism.
Thyroid-Releasing Hormone (TRH):
The hormone released from the hypothalamus that instructs the pituitary
to release TSH.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH):
The hormone released from the pituitary that causes the thyroid gland
to produce T4 hormone. TSH uses the second messenger cyclic AMP to initiate
the synthesis of T4.
Trans Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS):
TRUS is an examination where a finger-like probe is placed in the rectum,
and ultrasound pictures are made of the prostate. TRUS is an even more
fuzzy test than the Prostatic Specific Antigen. It is very helpful in
directing biopsies to areas of high suspicion, but TRUS is non-diagnostic
. It may give information about prostate size, shape, and significant
local spread of prostate cancer, but it cannot make or deny the diagnosis
of prostate cancer. TRUS should never be done as an isolated test, but
only when a biopsy is to be done.
Triglycerides (TG): The
form of fat found in various lipoproteins in the bloodstream. High levels
of triglycerides are usually indicative of high levels of insulin. The
ratio of TG/HDL is a powerful indicator of insulin levels and is strongly
predictive of future cardiovascular events.
Type 2 Diabetes: A diabetic
condition characterized by the overproduction of insulin (hyperinsulinemia),
increased AGE production, and decreased longevity.
T3: The active form of
T4 synthesized in the peripheral tissue.
T4: The thyroid hormone that is released
from the thyroid gland in response to TSH, which generates cyclic AMP.
Uric Acid Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements
or rarely protein matrix. Uric acid stones are common in people with
gout and in people who excrete large amounts of uric acid in the urine.
Uric acid stones can not be seen on x-ray, and require special tests,
such as an IVP, (x-rays with injected contrast), spiral CT scans or
sonography to be found. Uric acid stones can be due to family factors,
various medical conditions or diets very high in animal proteins. This
is the only stone that can be reliably dissolved with medical treatment.
Ventromedial Nucleus (VMN):
The part of the hypothalamus sensitive to excess glucose.
Varicocoele: Dilation
of the veins draining blood from the testicle back to the body. There
is increased blood and heat around the testicle thus causing injury
to the sperm. A varicocoele can be treated by surgery.
Vasectomy: The surgical
process of male birth control. The vas tubes which carry the sperm are
interrupted. Vasectomy can be performed as an out-patient with the "No-scalpel
Technique" which is less traumatic.
Vas Deferens: The tube
that carries the sperm from the epididymis and testicle to the penis.
The tube has thick muscles to move the sperm along the trac
Xanthine Kidney Stones:
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations of elements
or rarely protein matrix. Xanthine or Cysteine stones are rare. They
may be hereditary in origin or related to certain medical conditions
or medications. They are variable in visibility on x-ray, and require
specialized treatment to treat.
Zone Diet: A calorie-restricted
diet that provides adequate protein, moderate levels of carbohydrates
along with essential fats, and micronutrients spread throughout the
day into three meals and two snacks that approximately maintain the
protein-to-carbohydrate ratio throughout the day.
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