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AIDS Glossary
- g6pd
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a human red blood cell enzyme. G6PD deficiency may cause severe anemia. People with G6PD deficiency should not take certain medications (e.g., dapsone) due to the risk of developing anemia.
- gag
- the gene of HIV that encodes the core proteins of the virus; also refers to the proteins produced by the gene.
- gamma globulin
- Component of blood serum (plasma) containing antibodies. (sometimes abbreviated as IgG)
- gamma interferon
- see interferon
- ganciclovir (dhpg, cytovene)
- an antiviral drug used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Ganciclovir may be administered intravenously via an indwelling central catheter or via an intraocular implant. An oral form is used as maintenance therapy for CMV retinitis; it may also be effective for primary prophylaxis. Side effects of ganciclovir include neutropenia.
- ganglion (plural ganglia)
- a cluster of nerve tissue primarily composed of neuron cell bodies.
- gastric
- relating to the stomach.
- gastritis
- inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach.
- gastroenteritis
- inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestine.
- gastrointestinal
- pertaining to the stomach and intestines.
- gastrointestinal tract
- the digestive system consisting of the mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus.
- gay bowel syndrome
- an obsolete term used to refer to a collection of enteric (intestinal) parasitic diseases commonly seen in gay men and associated with anal intercourse and/or oral-anal sexual contact.
- g-csf
- see granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.
- gem 91
- an experimental anti-HIV compound. GEM 91 is an antisense (complementary) strand of nucleotides that can bind to HIV RNA and block viral replication.
- gene (adjective genetic)
- the unit of heredity. A gene contains hereditary information encoded in the form of DNA and is located at a specific position on a chromosome in a cell's nucleus. Genes determine many aspects of anatomy and physiology by controlling the production of proteins. Each individual has a unique sequence of genes, or genetic code.
- gene expression
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- the production of a particular gene product or protein.
- gene product
- the protein encoded by a specific gene.
- gene therapy
- an approach to preventing and/or treating disease by replacing, removing or introducing genes or otherwise manipulating genetic material. Examples include adding a gene to a cell to produce a specific missing protein, using antisense molecules to prevent viral replication, and altering CD4 cells to make them resistant to HIV infection. Genes may be introduced by direct injection or using a harmless viral vector to deliver genes into cells.
- generic name
- a common name used to identify a drug, as opposed to a brand name used by a particular company (e.g., TMP-SMX is the generic name the drug sold as Bactrim or Septra).
- genetic engineering
- manipulation of an organism's genetic material to modify the proteins it produces.
- genital
- refers to the reproductive or sexual organs.
- genital herpes
- see herpes simplex virus.
- genital ulcer disease (gud)
- one of several, usually sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., syphilis, chancroid) that are characterized by the development of ulcers on the skin or mucous membranes. The presence of ulcers may facilitate the transmission of HIV and other STD.
- genital warts
- see condylomata acuminata.
- genitourinary
- refers to the systems and organs of reproduction and urination, especially in men where the two systems share some organs in common.
- genome (adjective genomic)
- the unique genetic code or hereditary material of an organism, carried by a set of chromosomes in the nucleus of each cell. The human genome contains an estimated 50,000-100,000 genes; the genome of HIV contains 9 genes.
- genotype
- the specific genetic makeup or "blueprint" of an individual. Contrast with phenotype.
- germinal center
- a part of the lymph node in which lymphocyte proliferation and maturation takes place and where T-cells are "educated" to recognize antigens.
- gestation
- pregnancy.
- gi
- see gastrointestinal.
- giardiasis
- infection with a Giardia protozoan (e.g., Giardia lamblia), which is spread via contaminated food or water and by fecal-oral contact. Giardia infects the intestines and produces nausea, cramping and diarrhea.
- gingivitis
- gum disease; inflammation of the gingiva, which may be accompanied by pain and/or bleeding. Gingivostomatitis is a combined inflammation of the gingiva and other oral mucous membranes. See also periodontal disease.
- glaucoma
- a disease of the eye marked by increased pressure within the eyeball. If left untreated, glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause loss of vision.
- glial cells
- non-neuronal cells that perform support functions in the brain, providing structure and assisting metabolism. AIDS dementia complex is believed to involve infection of glial and other support cells.
- gliosis
- a proliferation of glial cells in the brain; a condition frequently seen in people with HIV-related dementia.
- globulin
- a blood protein. See also immunoglobulin.
- glomerulonephritis
- an inflammatory disorder of the glomeruli of the kidney, often due to the buildup of immune complexes.
- glomerulus (plural glomeruli, adjective glomerular
- one of the small units in the kidney made up of capillaries and nerve fibers where blood filtration takes place.
- glq223
- see trichosanthin.
- glucocorticoid
- a steroid-like substance (e.g., cortisol) capable of influencing metabolism, regulating the immune system and exerting an anti-inflammatory effect.
- glucose (blood sugar)
- a form of sugar that is the body's primary fuel; glucose broken down from food can be converted into energy or stored. Abnormally low or high levels of glucose in the blood often indicate metabolic disturbances (e.g., diabetes).
- glutathione
- an antioxidant containing the amino acid cysteine which is needed for cellular production of energy and proper immune function. Glutathione has been reported to suppress HIV in vitro and may reduce HIV-related apoptosis (cell death).
- glycoprotein (gp)
- a small unit made up of a sugar and a protein molecule, often part of a cell's membrane. Glycoproteins make up the envelope of HIV (e.g., gp120, gp160 [numbers denote molecular weight]).
- gm.
- pharmaceutical abbreviation, gram
- gm-csf
- see granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
- gonad
- an organ that produces gametes (ova and sperm), i.e., an ovary or a testis
- gonadotropin
- a hormone (e.g., follicle-stimulating hormone) that acts on the gonads to promote their growth and function.
- gonococcal
- related to infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae organism (e.g., gonococcal urethritis, gonococcal vaginitis).
- gonorrhea
- a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea may be asymptomatic or may include symptoms such as urethritis, discharge, pelvic pain and inflammation of the tissues of the genitals, rectum and/or throat. Untreated gonorrhea may spread to the upper genital tract and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and may become disseminated, affecting other organs such as the heart and brain.
- gp
- see glycoprotein.
- gp120
- protein on the outer surface of HIV that binds to proteins (CD4) on helper T-lymphocyte cell (t-cell) This is HIV's docking mechanism.
- gp160
- a glycoprotein in the outer envelope of HIV which enables the virus to enter human cells. The glycoprotein is produced by the viral env gene and cleaved into gp120 and gp41 fragments.
- gp161
- HIV's recursor protein, which is split into the gp41 and gp120 surface protein by enzymes during a late stage of the replication process.
- gp41
- protein on the outer surface of HIV that can pierce the surface of a helper T-lymphocyte cell (t-cell) This is HIV's infection mechanism.
- graft
- a transplant; a tissue or organ transferred from one individual to another..
- graft-versus-host disease (gvhd)
- a condition in which transplanted immune tissue (e.g., bone marrow cells) attack the tissues of the new host's body.
- gram
- a metric unit of weight; 1 ounce is about 28 grams.
- gram stain
- a method used to identify bacteria by injecting a crystal violet stain that is either lost or retained when the bacteria are rinsed, depending on the characteristics of the bacterial cell wall.
- gram-negative
- refers to bacteria that have a thick double cell wall that contains lipopolysaccharide or endotoxin; these bacteria lose a violet stain when rinsed.
- gram-positive
- refers to bacteria that have a single cell wall that does not contain lipopolysaccharide; these bacteria retain a violet stain when rinsed.
- granulocyte
- a type of white blood cell (basophil, eosinophil, neutrophil) that contains granules of toxic chemicals that are released to fight microorganisms.
- granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (g-csf, filg
- a natural hormone that stimulates growth of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. G-CSF manufactured by genetic engineering (Neupogen) is used to treat or prevent neutropenia associated with the use of certain drugs. Side effects include nausea, rash and bone pain.
- granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (
- a hormone that stimulates growth of granulocytes and macrophages. Synthetic GM-CSF (Leukine) is used to treat or prevent neutropenia caused by certain drugs. Side effects include fever, rash and bone pain.
- granulocytes
- a granular leukocyte (white blood cell) filled with toxins that let them digest bacteria.
- granulocytopenia
- a condition indicated by a low number of granulocytes, leading to a high risk of bacterial infection.
- granuloma
- an inflammatory lesion containing phagocytes.
- gray matter
- refers to the tissues of the brain that make up the cortex. Contrast with white matter.
- growth factor
- a factor responsible for regulating cell proliferation, development, migration, differentiation and/or activity.
- growth hormone
- see human growth hormone.
- gtt.
- pharmaceutical abbreviation, drop, drops (gutta, guttae)
- guanine (g)
- one of the purine nucleic acid bases that make up nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA
- gud
- see genital ulcer disease.
- guillain-barr?syndrome
- an acute disease that produces fever and nerve inflammation resulting in bilateral weakness or paralysis, most commonly in the legs and feet.
- gut
- the intestines.
- gynecology
- the study and treatment of the genital and reproductive system of women.
- gynecomastia
- greater than normal breast development in males; may be a side effect of drugs that mimic female hormones.
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