tsütotoksiline

Tsütotoksiline refers to a substance or process that is toxic or damaging to cells. The term originates from the Greek words "kytos" meaning cell and "toxikon" meaning poison. Tsütotoksiline agents can cause cell death through various mechanisms, including disrupting cellular functions, damaging DNA, or inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).

In medicine, tsütotoksiline drugs are widely used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. These drugs often target rapidly dividing cells, which are characteristic of tumors. However, they can also affect healthy, rapidly dividing cells in the body, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and a weakened immune system. Examples of tsütotoksiline chemotherapy drugs include platinum-based drugs like cisplatin and taxanes like paclitaxel.

Beyond chemotherapy, tsütotoksiline effects can be observed in other biological contexts. For instance, certain toxins produced by bacteria or venomous animals are tsütotoksiline. The immune system also employs tsütotoksiline mechanisms, such as the action of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which identify and eliminate infected or cancerous cells by inducing their death. Understanding the mechanisms of tsütotoksiline action is crucial for developing effective treatments for diseases and for comprehending various biological processes.