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A polysaccharide consisting of glucose and mannose. Glucomannan is a component of konjac root, and has a chemical structure similar to that of galactomannan from guar gum, which contains a polysaccharide chain of glucose and mannose. It has been claimed to reduce cholesterol, normalize blood sugar, relieve stress on the pancreas, depress blood sugar abnormalities,…

A hormone secreted by the a-cells of the pancreas which causes an increase in blood glucose by increasing the breakdown of liver glycogen and stimulating gluconeogenesis. A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. A hormone produced by the pancreas that causes the breakdown of glycogen in…

The rate at which fluid is filtered through the kidney at the renal glomerulus, usually expressed in ml/min. It increases in normal pregnancy and is decreased in renal failure. The rate at which the kidneys filter blood and remove waste matter. A test used as an indicator of renal function that reflects the ability of…

Globular (as opposed to fibrous) proteins that are relatively insoluble in water, but soluble in dilute salt solutions. That portion of blood serum that contains the antibodies. A protein, present in blood, belonging to a group that includes antibodies. A protein that is globular in shape. There are several. Gamma globulin is a protein that…

Proteins that are rich in the amino acid histidine (and hence basic), relatively deficient in isoleucine, and contain average amounts of arginine and tryptophan. Often found as the protein part of conjugated proteins such as haemoglobin. A protein which combines with other substances to form compounds such as haemoglobin and myoglobin. The polypeptide components of…

One of the proteins that make up wheat gluten. Allergy to, or intolerance of, gliadin is coeliac disease. Water-soluble protein present in the gluten of wheat. The sticky mass that results when wheat flour and water are mixed is due to gliadin. A protein, soluble in alcohol, that is obtained from wheat. It is one…

Intestinal inflammation and diarrhoea caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. An infection of the intestines caused by a protozoan possessing flagella. A disorder of the intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, usually with no symptoms, but in heavy infections the absorption of fat may be affected, causing diarrhoea. Infection of the…

Changes (i.e. variability) in one or more base pairs in the DNA gene sequence encoding a specific protein, which result in the substitution of different amino acids in that protein, which may subtly alter its function. Such polymorphisms, in human populations, are of increasing research interest because in some cases they may alter requirements for…

The name used to cover the different chemical forms of a vitamin that have the same biological activity.