ΕΙΜΑΣΤΕ η FERRING

Carbohydrates

Components of foods that are simple or complex derivatives of sugars and, includes complex molecules such as starches and fibre (cellulose).

Cholesterol

A lipid (fat) that is an important constituent of body cells and essential in the production of sex hormones and the repair of cell membranes.  Cholesterol is transported in the blood in two main forms, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-, or very-low density lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL). An imbalance in the quantities of these lipoproteins creates a risk factor for coronary heart disease. A preponderance of LDL and/or VLDL is considered a risk factor.

Compliance

The extent to which a patient follows the advice of a doctor, or other health professional, especially in respect of drug treatment.

Endocrine

Describes a ‘ductless’ gland that secretes its product internally within the fluid of the gland passing into the blood stream to be carried to all parts of the body.

Exocrine

Describes a gland that secretes its product externally from the gland via a duct.

Homeostasis

The normal physiological process that ensures the body's internal systems, such as metabolism, blood pressure and body temperature, for example, are kept in equilibrium.

Hormone

From the word ‘hormon’ meaning to excite or get moving. A hormone is a communicator, or mediating molecule that is released in one part of the body but regulates the activity or growth of cells in other parts of the body.

Lipids

Fat-like substances which are insoluble in water.

Metabolism

Physical and chemical processes by which the living body produces energy for maintenance, repair, growth and work.

Peptide

A compound (protein) made up of two or more amino acids.

Proteins

Compounds made up of amino acids found in all animal and vegetable tissues.  Acquired as part of the human diet and essential for tissue growth and repair.

Somatropin

Name for synthetic human growth hormone, made using DNA recombinant technology

Somatotrophin

Alternative name for human growth hormone, from the Greek terms for body growth.

Syndrome

A set of features or symptoms that occur together and are believed to have the same cause.

Recombinant DNA technology

The process of altering the genetic material of a cell. Used increasingly in the production of human peptide-based compounds essential for health, e.g. growth hormone and insulin. Techniques generally insert essential DNA from a human cell into that of a bacterium, resulting in the bacterium manufacturing the desired human material.

Triglycerides

A lipid or fat containing glycerol and three fatty acid molecules.  They are made in the body from ingested fats. Fats are stored in the body as triglycerides.