How Do You Spell PLASMA KALLIKREIN?

1. Plasma kallikrein is an enzymatic protein found in the blood plasma that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It belongs to the serine protease family and is primarily responsible for cleaving high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK) to yield bradykinin, a potent mediator of inflammation.

   Plasma kallikrein is produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream, where it circulates as an inactive precursor called prekallikrein. Upon activation by coagulation factors XII or XI, plasma kallikrein cleaves HMWK into two key products: bradykinin, and a low-molecular-weight kininogen. Bradykinin, a peptide hormone, binds to specific receptors on endothelial cells, inducing vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and promoting the release of other important mediators of inflammation.

   Plasma kallikrein also participates in the coagulation cascade by activating factor XII, leading to the production of thrombin, a key enzyme involved in blood clot formation. Additionally, it is involved in immune responses, as it can activate complement system components and contribute to the recruitment and activation of immune cells.

   Dysregulation of plasma kallikrein activity or elevated levels of bradykinin have been associated with various pathological conditions, such as hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of unpredictable swelling. Inhibitors of plasma kallikrein or bradykinin receptors are currently being utilized as therapeutics for managing HAE and other inflammatory conditions.

Common Misspellings for PLASMA KALLIKREIN

The term "plasma kallikrein" has its roots in both Latin and Greek etymology.

The word "plasma" comes from the Greek word "plasma", meaning "something molded or formed". In medical terminology, "plasma" generally refers to the liquid portion of blood. In this context, it refers to a protein enzyme found in the plasma of blood.

"Kallikrein" is derived from two Greek words: "kalli-" meaning "beautiful" or "good" and "kreas" meaning "flesh". Kallikreins are a group of proteolytic enzymes - enzymes that break down proteins - that were initially discovered in the pancreas and found to have a role in the digestion of proteins.