Glossary

Macrophage
A type of white blood cell that ingests foreign material. Macrophages are key players in the immune response to foreign invaders in that they help destroy bacteria, protozoa, and tumor cells. They also release substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to all cells of all known living organisms. Every major biological process, including protein and nucleic acid synthesis and cellular energy production, requires adequate amounts. Inadequate blood magnesium levels are known to result in low blood calcium levels, resistance to parathyroid hormone, and resistance to some of the effects of vitamin D.
Malignant
Medical term used to describe a severe and progressively worsening disease, most often used as a description of cancer.
Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9)
MMP9 may play an essential role in local proteolysis of the extracellular matrix and in leukocyte migration. Could also play a role in bone osteoclastic resorption and may be involved in the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
Metabolism
Process of changing energy sources into energy that occurs in living cells, allowing the cells to grow and reproduce.
Metabolite
Any substance produced or used during metabolism.
Metastasis
Spreading of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another, usually through the bloodstream or lymph system.
Microbe
also, microorganism. An organism that is too small to be seen with the naked eye such as bacteria, fungi, archaea or protists.
Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED)
The amount of UVR exposure required to cause perceptible reddening of the skin of fair‑skinned people.
MN1
MN1 is a nuclear protein and calcitriol‑induced VDR coactivator that also modulates osteoblast proliferation by slowing S‑phase entry.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
A disease that affects the Central Nervous System, causing a variety of symptoms including vision problems, muscular weakness, depression, speech difficulties, severe fatigue, cognitive impairment, and pain.
Mycobacterium
Pathogens known to cause serious diseases in mammals.