Interleukins

Term: InterleukinsDefinition: Interleukins are a group of cytokines that are produced by various cells and play a crucial role in the immune system's response to infection and disease.Phonetic Pronunciation: (in-ter-LOO-kins)Origin: The term "interleukin" is derived from the Latin words "inter," meaning between, and "leukos," the Greek word for white, referring to the white blood cells that produce these molecules. The term was coined to describe the communication between different types of leukocytes.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos exposure, interleukins are significant because they are involved in the inflammatory response and the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Elevated levels of certain interleukins can serve as biomarkers for these conditions, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.Example Sentence: Research has shown that increased levels of interleukin-6 in the blood of asbestos-exposed workers can be an early indicator of the development of mesothelioma.Related Terms: Cytokines, Inflammation, Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, BiomarkersNotes: - Interleukins are not specific to asbestos-related diseases but are part of the broader immune response. - Different interleukins have different roles and can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.