Glossary
of terminology
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP):
This is the primary fuel used by cells to generate the biochemical
reactions essential for life.
Adrenals: The glands located
on the top of the kidneys that are responsible for the production
of stress-related hormones, such as cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline.
Adrenocortiotrophic Hormone
(ACTH): The hormone released from the pituitary gland that
interacts with receptors on the adrenal gland to begin the process
of cortisol and DHEA production. ACTH uses the second messenger
cyclic AMP to signal target cells in the adrenal gland.
Advanced Glycosylation Endproduct:
The polymerized end products of protein cross-linked with glucose.
AGE's tend to adhere to capillaries and arteries increasing
the risk of heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. AGE's
are best estimated by the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin
in the bloodstream.
Aerobic Capacity: The body's
ability to process oxygen. It is a combination of lung capacity,
the size of the capillaries, the pumping action of the heart,
and transfer of oxygen from red blood cells to target tissues.
Aerobic Exercise: Exercise
with a low enough intensity to facilitate adequate oxygen transfer
to the muscle cells so that no buildup of lactic acid is observed.
This type of exercise is useful for reducing insulin levels
and lowering blood glucose.
Aging: The general deterioration
of the body with increasing age.
Amino Acids: These are the
building blocks of protein. There are eight essential amino
acids the body cannot make and, therefore, must be included
in the foods you eat.
Amygdala: The portion of
the limbic system in the brain that processes emotions.
Anaerobic Exercise: Exercise
at an intensity that exceeds the ability to supply oxygen to
the muscle cells leading to the buildup of lactic acid. Anaerobic
exercise stimulates the synthesis of both growth hormone and
testosterone.
Anabolic Steroids: Synthetic
analogs of testosterone that maintain the anabolic (i.e. muscle-building
effects) while reducing the virilization effects of testosterone.
Anti-aging Zone Lifestyle Pyramid:
The combination of the Zone Diet, moderate exercise, and meditation
that interact to reduce the four pillars of aging (excess insulin,
excess blood glucose, excess free radicals, and excess cortisol).
Of the three components of the Anti-aging Zone Lifestyle Pyramid,
the Zone Diet is by far the most important.
Arachidonic Acid: An essential
fatty acid that is the immediate precursor to "bad"
eicosanoids found in fatty red meats, egg yolks, and organ meats.
Autocrine Hormones: Hormones
that act upon the secreting cell. They are used to sample the
immediate environment surrounding the cell. Eicosanoids are
the best-known example of autocrine hormones.
Benign
Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
The natural enlargement of normal prostate tissue as a man ages.
As the prostate enlarges, men usually have difficulty urinating
Binding Proteins: Proteins
that bind to water-soluble hormones, such as sex hormones, cortisol,
and thyroid; or certain water-soluble proteins, such as insulin-like
growth factor to maintain stable circulating levels of the hormone
in the bloodstream.
Biological Marker of Aging:
Any physiological marker that appears to be universal in an
aging population.
Biological Response Modifier:
Any molecule that can modify the biological response of cells
to changes in its external environment.
Blood Glucose: The primary
source of energy for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels
cause diabetes and accelerate aging.
Calcium
Oxalate Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually
crystals of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations
of elements or rarely protein matrix. Calcium oxalate is the
most common type of stone. These stones are usually easy to
see on x-ray and cannot be dissolved.
Calorie Restriction: The
reduction of calories that maintains adequate levels of protein
and essential fats while also supplying adequate amounts of
micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
(CRH): The hormone released from the hypothalamus that interacts
with the pituitary to produce ACTH. This hormone uses cyclic
AMP for its second messenger.
Cortisol: The hormone released
from the adrenal glands in response to stress or low blood glucose.
Its primary mode of action in the times of stress is to shut
down eicosanoid synthesis. Its synthesis in the adrenal gland
requires the second messenger, cyclic AMP.
Cyclic AMP: A second messenger
that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone.
Cyclic AMP is derived from ATP. Many endocrine hormones use
cyclic AMP as their second messenger.
Cyclic GMP: A second messenger
that begins the biological response initiated by a hormone.
Cyclic GMP is the second messenger induced by nitric oxide.
Dehdroepiandrosterone (DHEA):
A steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands. Its primary
function is to inhibit the binding of cortisol.
Diabetes: A condition in
which blood glucose is not well controlled. Type I diabetics
make no insulin, whereas Type II diabetics are characterized
by the overproduction of insulin, but the inability of the target
cells to respond to the insulin.
Dopamine: A neurotransmitter
that works in an axis with serotonin.
Eicosanoid: A hormone derived
from a 20-carbon atom, polyunsaturated fat. Eicosanoids are
made by every cell in the body. As autocrine hormones, they
are constantly produced by the cell to sample the external environment.
"Good" eicosanoids generate AMP.
Endocrine Hormones: Hormones that
are secreted from a discrete gland and then travel through the
bloodstream to target tissues.
Endocrinology: The study
of hormones. A more inclusive definition would be the study
of biological communications.
Endocytosis: The process
by which extracellular molecules (including hormones) enter
a cell.
Endothelial Cells: The cells
that line the vascular system. They act as a barrier between
the bloodstream and target cells that hormones must pass through
in order to reach their receptors and exert their biological
action.
B-Endorphin: A hormone derived
from the pituitary that induces opiate-like responses to decrease
pain. The release of its precursor hormone (B-lipotropin) requires
cyclic AMP.
Essential Fatty Acids: These
are the fats the body cannot make and therefore must be part
of the diet. Essential fatty acids are also the building blocks
of eicosanoids. There are two groups, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty
acids, each gives rise to a different group of eicosanoids.
Erectile
Dysfunction (ED)
Male erectile dysfunction, (ED), or impotence is the inability
for a sexually active male to obtain and sustain an erection
for sexual purposes.
Estrogens: A group of three
steroid hormones that convey female characteristics and control
fertilization. The production of estrogen is stimulated by follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), which uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
Exocytosis: The process
by which intracellular chemicals (including hormones) are released.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
(FSH) The hormone released from the pituitary that stimulates
estrogen production in females, and sperm production in males.
FSH uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
Free Radical: Any molecule
that contains an unpaired electron. Free radicals are unstable
and will extract electrons from other biological molecules,
which generates more free radicals.
Functionality: The ability
to live in an unassisted fashion.
Gland: A discrete organ
responsible for the secretion of hormones. There are nine separate
glands in the body. Three are in the brain (hypothalamus, pineal,
and pituitary), three are in the throat area (thyroid, thymus,
and parathyroid), two are in the midsection (pancreas and adrenals),
and one is in the gonad area (testes for males and ovaries for
females).
Glucagon: The hormone from
the pancreas that causes the release of stored carbohydrate
in the liver to restore blood glucose levels. Glucagon uses
the second messenger cyclic AMP to exert its biological action.
Glucose: The only simple
carbohydrate that circulates in the bloodstream. Glucose is
the primary fuel used by the brain. It can also be stored in
the liver and muscles in a polymer form known as glycogen.
Glucose Tolerance: The ability
of muscle cells and the liver to remove glucose from the bloodstream.
As you age, glucose tolerance decreases.
Glycemic Index: A measure
of the rate at which a carbohydrate will enter the bloodstream
as glucose. Some simple sugars, like table sugar, will enter
the bloodstream slower than many complex carbohydrates, such
as bread, rice, and potatoes. The faster a carbohydrate enters
the bloodstream, the higher its glycemic index. The higher the
glycemic index of a carbohydrate, the greater the increase in
insulin levels. Fruits and vegetables tend to have a low glycemic
index, whereas breads, pasta, grains, and starches tend to have
a high glycemic index.
Glycogen: The storage form
of glucose. Only glycogen from the liver can be used to restore
blood glucose levels.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin:
A measure of the long-term control of blood glucose determined
by the amount of carbohydrate-modified hemoglobin in the red
blood cells. The higher the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin,
the worse the control of blood glucose levels.
Growth Hormone: The hormone
released from the pituitary that interacts with fat cells to
release fatty acids and also the liver to produce insulin-like
growth factors.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
(GHRH): The hormone released from the hypothalamus that
causes the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. GHRH
uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
Hematuria
This is the presence of red blood cells in an urine specimen.
It can be associated with kidney disease, an urinary tract infection,
kidney stone, trauma, cancer of the urinary tract, and is sometimes
normal. Special tests are ordered to rule out any serious medical
problems.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL):
The "good" cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol
from cells. If insulin levels go up, then HDL levels go down.
The lower your HDL level, the more likely you are to suffer
cardiovascular complications.
Hippocampus: The portion
of the limbic system in the brain that integrates incoming nerve
impulses to the hypothalamus, and is also the memory center
of the brain.
Hormones: Biological compounds
that communicate information at a distance. Hormones require
specific receptors to begin their biological action and use
second messengers to initiate the cellular process that uses
that information.
Hormonal
(PCa)
Hormonal therapy is based on the fact that prostate cancer cells
frequently use the male hormone, testosterone, as fertilizer,
and the absence of testosterone leads to the death or weakening,
(apoptosis), of many, but not all, prostate cancer cells.As
a result, many patients with incurable prostate cancer, (Stage
D and late Stage C), can have their life extended and quality
of life improved by the use of hormonal therapy.
Hormone Releasing Factors:
Hormones released from the hypothalamus that directly affect
the pituitary and initiate the release of other hormones into
the bloodstream. Many hormone releasing factors use cyclic AMP
as their secondary messengers.
Hyperinsulinemia: The excess
production of insulin. This is usually a consequence of insulin
resistance in which the cells do not respond to insulin to reduce
blood glucose levels.
Hypothalamus: The portion
of the brain's limbic system that integrates incoming information
and either increases or decreases the release of certain hormones
that instruct the pituitary gland to release hormones.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. Babies are incontinent
until their nervous systems mature and they learn to control
their urine flow. Incontinence can occur to males and females,
old and young. It can be mild or severe. It usually can be treated
Insulin: The hormone that
drives incoming nutrients into cells for storage. Excess insulin
is the primary pillar of aging.
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF):
The hormone released from the liver in response to growth hormone.
IGF-1 is the hormone responsible for building muscle.
Insulin Resistance: A condition
in which the cells no longer respond well to insulin. As a result,
the body secretes more insulin into the bloodstream in an effort
to reduce blood glucose levels.
Impotence
The condition where a man can not achieve or maintain an erection
suitable for sexual relations. Impotence can be caused by stress
or psychological factors; however, it is more frequently associated
with medical problems such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol,
hypertension, heart disease, numerous medications, and other
causes.
Interstitial Space: The
space between the endothelial cells and target cells, such as
the liver or the smooth muscle cells that line the vascular
bed.
Intravenous
Pyelogram (IVP)
A special x-ray test of the kidneys where an iodine dye is injected
into the veins. The dye is absorbed by the kidneys and excreted
into the bladder. This x-ray test can identify tumors of the
kidney, ureter, and bladder. Also, it may help identify a kidney
stone.
Lean Body Mass: The total
body weight minus the fat mass. Lean body mass consists of water,
bones, collagen, and muscle.
Life Expectancy: The average
age at which 50 percent of newborn children survive.
Limbic System: The part
of the brain that is concerned with more primitive impulses
and maintaining biological homeostasis.
Longevity: The percentage
of the maximum life span that an organism will reach before
it dies.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH):
The hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates
the production of testosterone in males and the production of
progesterone in females. This hormone uses cyclic AMP as its
second messenger.
Kidney
Stones
Most urinary tract stones originate as crystals in the kidney,
grow within the kidney, and then migrate or pass through the
urinary tract. Stones can also start and/or grow within the
bladder. Bladder stones are often associated with chronic urinary
blockage or infection, or severe protein starvation sometimes
seen in the third world. Prostate stones grow within the prostate,
probably as a result of infection. Prostate stones do not migrate
or pass.
Kidney stones
are formed from varied molecules. They are usually crystals
of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations
of elements or rarely protein matrix. Calcium oxalate is the
most common type of stone. These stones are usually easy to
see on x-ray and cannot be dissolved.
Macronutrient: Any food
that contains calories and, therefore, can generate hormonal
responses. Protein, carbohydrate, and fat are macronutrients.
Maximum Life Span: The longest
period of life that an animal can expect to reach.
Melatonin: The hormone made
in the pineal gland that controls circadian rhythms. It is also
a powerful antioxidant for hydroxyl free radicals.
Micronutrient: Vitamins
and minerals that have no caloric value and little direct impact
on hormonal response.
Mortality Doubling Time:
The amount of time required for the death rate to double after
reaching adulthood.
Nitric Oxide: A protohormone
that generates cyclic GMP. Nitric oxide is a free radical.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A special
type of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids found primarily
in cold-water fish and purified fish oils. This type of fat
is exceptionally beneficial to your cardiovascular system because
of its effect on promoting the formation of "good"
eicosanoids.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids: The
type of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in protein and most
seed oils. This type of fat can generate both "good"
and "bad" eicosanoids.
Penile
Prosthesis
This is a semi-rigid implantable device inserted into the penile
chambers to treat and fix severe cases of impotence or Peyronie's
Disease. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient surgery
center.
Percentage Body Fat: This
describes the percentage of your total weight that is composed
of fat. The higher your percentage of body fat, the greater
the likelihood of chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer,
or diabetes.
Peyronie's
Disease
The condition where there is scarring following injury to the
tunica albuginea (the wall of the penile chamber) or for unknown
reasons. As the scar tissue increases in size, it can squeeze
and deform the penis where there is bending or angulation of
the penile chambers. The Peyronie's scar can result in shortening
of the penis and loss of erection.
Pineal: The gland located
within the brain that synthesizes melatonin.
Pituitary: The gland from
which a number of hormones are released into the bloodstream.
These hormones include growth hormone, ACTH, B-lipocortin (the
precursor to B-endorphorin), FSH, LH, and TSH.
Priapism
A prolonged erection that will not subside naturally. Priapism
is most often associated with penile injection therapy where
the erection will can last more than 4 hours. It is also associated
with Sickle Cell anemia and may occur after taking Trazodone.
Progesterone: A hormone
produced in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) released from
pituitary gland. It is required to flush out the uterus if an
egg is not fertilized. It is also useful for stimulating the
growth of new bone mass.
Progestins: Synthetic analogs
of progesterone that have some of the properties of natural
progesterone.
PSA
Blood Test
PSA stands for Prostatic Specific Antigen, a special blood test
that can help detect prostate cancer. PSA is frequently elevated
in prostate cancer and can be the first sign of this illness.
Prostate
Gland
This is a gland about the size of a walnut that sits at the
base of the bladder. The prostate gland makes nutrients that
support the sperm. As a man ages, the prostate gland can enlarge
causing urinary difficulties (BPH) or form prostate cancer.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflamation of the prostate gland and is a
common condition affecting many, if not most, men at some time
in their lives. Like sinusitis, it can be acute, chronic, infectious,
allergic, inflammatory or even psychosomatic. While frequently
disquieting and unpleasant it is rarely serious or life threatening.
There is no relationship between prostatitis and prostate cancer!
Contrary to folklore, prostatitis, no matter how severe or long
lasting, has not been shown to lead to prostate cancer. There
are three general types of prostatitis, bacterial prostatitis,
the most common type, generally associated with a bacterial
infection ; non-bacterial or inflammatory prostatitis, when
no infection is present; and prostatosis , or chronic pain in
the prostate a subset of non-bacterial prostatitis.
Receptor: A molecule that
recognizes a unique hormone. Once that hormone is bound to the
receptor, the information carried by the hormone can now exert
its biological action.
Second Messenger: Molecules
that are synthesized in response to hormones binding to their
receptors. Second messengers initiate the biological action
of the hormone.
Semen
Analysis
Evaluation of the sperm and seminal fluid. The number and motility
of the sperm is evaluated, infection is ruled out, the volume
and acidity of the fluid is assessed.
Seminal
Vesicles
There are normally two seminal sacs or vesicles that lie behind
the prostate where they collect fluid made by the prostate.
This fluid becomes the seminal fluid that is ejaculated by a
man when he is sexually active. The fluid transports and nourishes
the sperm.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter
important in filtering out information. If its levels are low,
it can be the underlying cause of depression and violence.
Struvite
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually
crystals of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations
of elements or rarely protein matrix. Struvite or infection
stones are typically associated with chronic urinary infection
and should be looked for in patients with urinary tract infection
that is difficult to clear. Struvite stones are usually visible
on x-ray studies. Unfortunately, in the early stages only bladder
symptoms may occur and the stones may progress silently, growing
to fill the kidney, (staghorn calculus), and possibly destroy
it.
Telomer: A small segment
at the end of nuclear DNA that becomes shorter with every replication
of the DNA. DNA will no longer replicate beyond a certain point
of telomere reduction.
Testosterone: The hormone
that promotes the building of muscle mass in males and libido
in both sexes.
Thymus: The gland responsible
for the production of certain white cells known as T-lymphocytes
that are important for immune function. The thymus is very sensitive
to excess cortisol.
Thyroid: The gland in the
throat that synthesizes thyroid hormones that affect metabolism.
Thyroid-Releasing Hormone (TRH):
The hormone released from the hypothalamus that instructs the
pituitary to release TSH.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
(TSH): The hormone released from the pituitary that causes
the thyroid gland to produce T4 hormone. TSH uses the second
messenger cyclic AMP to initiate the synthesis of T4.
Trans
Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
TRUS is an examination where a finger-like probe is placed in
the rectum, and ultrasound pictures are made of the prostate.
TRUS is an even more fuzzy test than the Prostatic Specific
Antigen. It is very helpful in directing biopsies to areas of
high suspicion, but TRUS is non-diagnostic . It may give information
about prostate size, shape, and significant local spread of
prostate cancer, but it cannot make or deny the diagnosis of
prostate cancer. TRUS should never be done as an isolated test,
but only when a biopsy is to be done.
Triglycerides (TG): The
form of fat found in various lipoproteins in the bloodstream.
High levels of triglycerides are usually indicative of high
levels of insulin. The ratio of TG/HDL is a powerful indicator
of insulin levels and is strongly predictive of future cardiovascular
events.
Type 2 Diabetes: A diabetic
condition characterized by the overproduction of insulin (hyperinsulinemia),
increased AGE production, and decreased longevity.
T3: The active form of T4
synthesized in the peripheral tissue.
T4: The thyroid hormone
that is released from the thyroid gland in response to TSH,
which generates cyclic AMP.
Uric
Acid Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually
crystals of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations
of elements or rarely protein matrix. Uric acid stones are common
in people with gout and in people who excrete large amounts
of uric acid in the urine. Uric acid stones can not be seen
on x-ray, and require special tests, such as an IVP, (x-rays
with injected contrast), spiral CT scans or sonography to be
found. Uric acid stones can be due to family factors, various
medical conditions or diets very high in animal proteins. This
is the only stone that can be reliably dissolved with medical
treatment.
Ventromedial Nucleus (VMN):
The part of the hypothalamus sensitive to excess glucose.
Varicocoele
Dilation of the veins draining blood from the testicle back
to the body. There is increased blood and heat around the testicle
thus causing injury to the sperm. A varicocoele can be treated
by surgery.
Vasectomy
The surgical process of male birth control. The vas tubes which
carry the sperm are interrupted. Vasectomy can be performed
as an out-patient with the "No-scalpel Technique"
which is less traumatic.
Vas
Deferens
The tube that carries the sperm from the epididymis and testicle
to the penis. The tube has thick muscles to move the sperm along
the trac
Xanthine
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed from varied molecules. They are usually
crystals of one or another molecule, but may be formed of combinations
of elements or rarely protein matrix. Xanthine or Cysteine stones
are rare. They may be hereditary in origin or related to certain
medical conditions or medications. They are variable in visibility
on x-ray, and require specialized treatment to treat.
Zone Diet: A calorie-restricted
diet that provides adequate protein, moderate levels of carbohydrates
along with essential fats, and micronutrients spread throughout
the day into three meals and two snacks that approximately maintain
the protein-to-carbohydrate ratio throughout the day.
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