Fibulin-3

Term: Fibulin-3Definition: Fibulin-3 is a protein biomarker used to detect malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. Elevated levels of Fibulin-3 in the blood or pleural effusion can indicate the presence of this disease.Phonetic Pronunciation: (FIB-yoo-lin-THREE)Origin: The term "Fibulin" is derived from the Latin word "fibula," meaning "clasp" or "buckle," reflecting the protein's role in stabilizing extracellular matrix structures. The "-3" denotes it as the third identified member of the fibulin family of proteins.Significance in Asbestos Context: Fibulin-3 is significant in asbestos-related cases because it serves as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Its use can help in early diagnosis, which is crucial for managing the disease and pursuing legal claims related to asbestos exposure.Example Sentence: "The elevated levels of Fibulin-3 in the patient's blood were a key factor in diagnosing his asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma."Related Terms: Biomarker, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Pleural Effusion, Asbestos Exposure, Diagnostic Tool.Notes: - Fibulin-3 is not a definitive diagnostic tool but is used in conjunction with other tests. - It can also be elevated in other conditions, so context is important for accurate diagnosis. - Research on Fibulin-3 as a biomarker is ongoing, and its use may evolve with new findings.