Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)

Term: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α)Definition: A cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and is one of the cytokines that make up the acute phase reaction.Phonetic Pronunciation: (TOO-mor ne-KROH-sis FAK-tor AL-fah)Origin: The term "Tumor Necrosis Factor" was coined due to its initial discovery as a substance capable of causing necrosis in tumors. "Tumor" comes from the Latin "tumor," meaning swelling. "Necrosis" derives from the Greek "nekrosis," meaning death. "Alpha" refers to it being the first of several similar proteins identified.Significance in Asbestos Context: TNF-α plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response to asbestos exposure. Elevated levels of TNF-α have been observed in patients with asbestos-related diseases, suggesting its involvement in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Understanding the role of TNF-α can aid in developing targeted therapies for asbestos-related illnesses.Example Sentence: Research has shown that asbestos exposure can lead to increased production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, exacerbating inflammation and contributing to the development of asbestos-related diseases.Related Terms: Cytokine, Inflammation, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, PathogenesisNotes: - TNF-α is not unique to asbestos exposure but is a general inflammatory mediator. - The role of TNF-α in asbestos-related diseases is still an area of active research. - TNF-α inhibitors are being explored as potential treatments for various inflammatory conditions, including those related to asbestos exposure.