Category: An-An

The annexins are a family of proteins first described in 1990. All of the annexin proteins share the property of binding calcium and phospholipids. The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is due to a deficiency of annexin V. Annexin V normally forms a shield around certain phospholipid molecules that blocks their entry into coagulation (clotting) reactions. In…

A substance that normally forms a shield around certain phospholipid molecules in the blood, blocking their entry into coagulation (clotting) reactions. Annexin V is thought to be a cause of antiphospholipid syndrome.

One of the annexins, a family of proteins that share the property of binding calcium and phospholipids. The gene for annexin A1 (ANXA1) is upregulated in hairy cell leukemia. ANXA1 protein expression is specific to hairy cell leukemia. Detection of ANXA1 (by immunocytochemical means) reportedly provides a simple, highly sensitive and specific assay for the diagnosis of…

A medical journal especially concerned with information in the field of internal medicine (adult medicine). Designed to be read largely by internists, the Annals states it is “is the leading journal for studies in internal medicine.” (Such claims aside, the Annals is without question one of the leading journals in medicine today. It is widely…

Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.

The plural of anlage. 1. In biology, whatever precedes something else.  2. In embryology, a precursor or forerunner or a more mature structure. For example, the stomach anlage.  3. In psychoanalysis, a predisposition to a given trait or personality characteristic. Borrowed directly from the German for a plan or arrangement, derived from the verb anlegen meaning “to lay…

1. In biology, whatever precedes something else.  2. In embryology, a precursor or forerunner or a more mature structure. For example, the stomach anlage.  3. In psychoanalysis, a predisposition to a given trait or personality characteristic. Borrowed directly from the German for a plan or arrangement, derived from the verb anlegen meaning “to lay on” in the sense…

Known also as hereditary spherocytosis (HS), this is a genetic disorder of the red blood cell membrane clinically characterized by anemia, jaundice (yellowing) and splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), due to deficiency of ankyrin, a protein in the membrane of the red cell. In HS the red cells are smaller, rounder, and more fragile than normal. The red cells have a spherical rather than…

Stiffness or, more often, fusion of a joint. From the Greek ankylsis, meaning stiffening of a joint.

A form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process called ankylosis. Ankylosing spondylitis can sometimes be seen in patients with psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative and Crohn’s colitis).