Dictionary

protein C A vitamin K–dependent protein in plasma that enters into the cascade of biochemical events leading to the formation of blood clots.

protein C deficiency A deficiency of the anticoagulant protein C, that results in thrombotic (clotting) disease and excess platelets, and recurrent inflammation of the vein that occurs when a clot forms (thrombophlebitis). The clot can break loose and travel through the bloodstream, causing damage to organs including stroke and heart attack. Protein C deficiency is…

protein-calorie malnutrition See kwashiorkor.

protein-losing enteropathy A condition in which plasma protein is lost excessively to the gastrointestinal tract. Protein-losing enteropathy can be due to diverse causes, including gluten enteropathy, extensive ulceration of the intestine, intestinal lymphatic blockage, or infiltration of leukemic cells into the intestinal wall. Treatment can involve special diets and vitamin supplementation.

protein malnutrition See kwashiorkor.

proteinuria See albuminuria.

proteomics The study of the proteome, the complete set of proteins expressed by an organism, tissue, or cell. It includes the study of changes in protein expression patterns as related to diseases and environmental conditions.

prognosis The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient’s chance of recovery.

prognostic Pertaining to the prognosis, the outlook for the patient.

progressive Increasing in scope or severity, advancing, or going forward. For example, a disease that is progressive is worsening.

prokaryote An organism whose cells lack a discrete nucleus and other special subcellular compartments. Bacteria and viruses are prokaryotes. Humans are not prokaryotes, but rather eukaryotes.

prolactin A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates lactation (milk production). It also has many other functions, including essential roles in the maintenance of the immune system. Abnormally high prolactin can delay puberty, interfere with ovulation in women, decrease libido in men, and decrease fertility. Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) may be due to a…