Microsatellite Instability (MSI-H)

Term: Microsatellite Instability (MSI-H)Definition: Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) refers to a condition where the length of short, repetitive sequences of DNA (microsatellites) changes, which can be indicative of certain cancers, including those potentially linked to asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (my-kroh-SAT-uh-lite in-STAB-il-ih-tee HIGH)Origin: The term "microsatellite" derives from the Greek words "mikros" meaning small, and "satelles" meaning attendant or satellite, reflecting the small, repetitive sequences of DNA. "Instability" comes from the Latin "instabilitas," meaning lack of stability, which in this context refers to the genetic changes observed.Significance in Asbestos Context: MSI-H is significant in asbestos-related cases because it can be a marker for certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, that have been linked to asbestos exposure. Understanding MSI-H can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of asbestos-related cancers, which is crucial for legal cases seeking compensation for asbestos-related injuries.Example Sentence: The presence of Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) in the patient's tumor was a critical piece of evidence in the lawsuit, as it supported the claim that the cancer was likely caused by long-term asbestos exposure at the workplace.Related Terms: DNA Mismatch Repair, Colorectal Cancer, Tumor Mutational Burden, Lynch Syndrome, Asbestos-Related Cancer.Notes: - MSI-H is not a direct result of asbestos exposure but can be a secondary effect in asbestos-related cancers. - It is important to differentiate MSI-H from other genetic markers that may be present in asbestos-related diseases. - MSI-H testing is typically done on tumor tissue to assess the genetic profile of the cancer.