atrofiinen

Atrofiinen is a Finnish adjective used in medical and biological contexts to describe tissue, organ, or structure that has undergone atrophy. It refers to changes characterized by a reduction in size, mass, or functional capacity, usually due to a decrease in cell size and/or cell number. Atrofiinen changes can be observed in muscles, nerves, glands, and mucous membranes, and may accompany aging or disease. In pathology the noun form atrofia is used, while atrofiinen describes the appearance or character of the tissue.

Causes and mechanisms of atrofiinen changes include disuse or immobilization, denervation, ischemia or reduced blood flow, malnutrition, chronic inflammation, and hormonal alterations. Cellular mechanisms involve decreased protein synthesis, increased protein degradation (for example via the ubiquitin-proteasome system), autophagy, and programmed cell death. Some atrophic changes may be partially reversible if the underlying cause is removed or treated early, whereas prolonged or severe atrophy can become irreversible.

Examples of atrofiinen changes are common in clinical practice. Skeletal muscle may atrophy after prolonged bed rest or nerve injury; cardiac muscle and certain brain regions can show atrophic changes in chronic disease; gastric mucosa and skin may exhibit atrophic alterations with aging, chronic inflammation, or long-term use of corticosteroids. The term highlights the presence of tissue degeneration rather than a new growth or hypertrophy.