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A measurement of the length of time that it takes for clotting to occur when activating reagents are added to a plasma specimen. The test is partial due to the absence of tissue factor (Factor III) from the reaction mixture.
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A family of globular proteins found in many plant and animal tissues that tend to bind a wide variety of ligands. Albumin is the main protein in blood plasma. Low serum levels occur in conditions associated with malnutrition, inflammation and liver and kidney diseases.
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The orally bioavailable alpha form of the naturally-occurring fat-soluble vitamin E, with potent antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. Upon administration, alpha-tocopherol neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting tissues and organs from oxidative damage. Alpha-tocopherol gets incorporated into biological membranes, prevents protein oxidation and inhibits lipid peroxidation, thereby maintaining cell membrane integrity and protecting the cell against damage. In addition, alpha-tocopherol inhibits the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKC-mediated pathways. Alpha-tocopherol also modulates the expression of various genes, plays a key role in neurological function, inhibits platelet aggregation and enhances vasodilation. Compared with other forms of tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form and is the form that is preferentially absorbed and retained in the body.
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An antinuclear antibody directed against U1 snRNP, that is strongly associated with mixed connective tissue disease and commonly detected in lupus.
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A natural water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin C). Ascorbic acid is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent that functions in fighting bacterial infections, in detoxifying reactions, and in the formation of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. Found in citrus and other fruits, and in vegetables, vitamin C cannot be produced or stored by humans and must be obtained in the diet. (NCI04)
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Hexahydro-2-oxo-1H-thieno(3,4-d)imidazole-4-pentanoic acid. Growth factor present in minute amounts in every living cell. It occurs mainly bound to proteins or polypeptides and is abundant in liver, kidney, pancreas, yeast, and milk. The biotin content of cancerous tissue is higher than that of normal tissue.
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An antigen expressed by tissues derived from mullerian epithelium (tubal, endometrial and endocervical) or celomic epithelium (mesothelial cells of the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum). Although its biochemical nature has not been clearly defined, CA125 has been described as a glycosylated, high-molecular-weight protein that may be released from damaged cells. Measurable in plasma, CA125 is a sensitive, nonspecific tumor marker for ovarian cancer; as such it is much more useful for monitoring clinical responses to the treatment of ovarian cancer than for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Elevated plasma CA125 may occur in association with other malignancies and non-malignant gynecologic disorders. (NCI04)
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Hemoglobin where the heme group has formed a stable complex with carbon monoxide (CO). This complex is produced after CO has been inhaled or as a byproduct of hemoglobin, protoporphyrin or dichloromethane catabolism. The heme-CO complex is approximately 200 times more stable than heme-oxygen complexes. Thus, high levels of carboxyhemoglobin in the circulation can lead to tissue hypoxia and death.
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An amino acid derivative. Carnitine facilitates long-chain fatty acid entry into mitochondria, delivering substrate for oxidation and subsequent energy production. Fatty acids are utilized as an energy substrate in all tissues except the brain.
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An animal sterol found in the body tissues (and blood plasma) of vertebrates. It can be found in large concentrations within the liver, spinal cord, and brain. Cholesterol is an important component of the membranes of cells, providing stability. It is the major precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D, of the various steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and of the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Cholesterol also has an important role for the brain synapses as well as in the immune system. In conditions featuring elevated low density lipoproteins (LDL), cholesterol often forms plaque deposits in the walls of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a major contributor to coronary heart disease and other forms of cardiovascular disease.
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Coagulation factor VII (466 aa, ~52 kDa) is encoded by the human F7 gene. This protein is involved in both binding to tissue factor and the initiation of blood coagulation.
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The breakdown product of creatine, a constituent of muscle tissue, that is excreted by the kidney and whose serum level is used to evaluate kidney function.