Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Treatment that is given in addition to the primary (initial) treatment. Adjuvant treatment is an addition designed to help reach the ultimate goal. Adjuvant therapy for cancer usually refers to surgery followed by chemo- or radiotherapy to help decrease the risk of the cancer recurring (coming back). In Latin “adjuvans” means to help and, particularly, to help reach a goal.

Chemotherapy given after removal of a cancerous tumor to further help in treatment. Many chemotherapy drugs are most effective after the majority of the tumor has been removed.

A substance that helps and enhances the effect of a drug, treatment, or biologic system.

Lying nearby. Related terms include superjacent, subjacent, and circumjacent. From ad-, near + the Latin jacere, to lie = to lie near.

A condition of being severely overweight, or obese. The term “obesity” more frequently is used for this condition in the U.S. where obesity is usually defined by measuring a person’s body mass index (BMI). There also is a measurement of body fat used by some researchers known as the body adiposity index (BAI). Unlike the BMI, weight is not taken to…

Abbreviated APM1. The APM1 gene encodes the hormone adiponectin.

Fatty. Adipose refers to tissue made up of mainly fat cells such as the yellow layer of fat beneath the skin.

A protein hormone produced and secreted exclusively by adipocytes (fat cells) that regulates the metabolism of lipids and glucose. Adiponectin influences the body’s response to insulin. Adiponectin also has antiinflammatory effects on the cells lining the walls of blood vessels. High blood levels of adiponectin are associated with a reduced risk of heart attack. Low levels of adiponectin are…

A fat cell, a connective tissue cell that has differentiated and become specialized in the synthesis (manufacture) and storage of fat. The adipocyte is important to the body in maintaining proper energy balance, storing calories in the form of lipids, mobilizing energy sources in response to hormonal stimulation, and commanding changes by signal secretions. Under the…

Acceptable daily intake.