Cytokine

Term: CytokineDefinition: Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial in cell signaling, particularly in immune responses and inflammation.Phonetic Pronunciation: (SIGH-toe-kine)Origin: The term 'cytokine' originates from the Greek words 'kytos,' meaning 'cell,' and 'kinos,' meaning 'movement.' It reflects the role of these molecules in mobilizing cellular activity, particularly in immune responses.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos exposure, cytokines play a significant role in the inflammatory processes that can lead to asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Elevated levels of certain cytokines have been observed in individuals exposed to asbestos, contributing to disease progression.Example Sentence: Research has shown that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to the development of lung diseases.Related Terms: Inflammation, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Immune Response, BiomarkerNotes: - Cytokines are not specific to asbestos exposure but are part of broader immune system functions. - Measuring cytokine levels can be part of assessing the health impact of asbestos exposure but is not a definitive diagnostic tool alone.