Melasma
Pigmentation of the cheeks of the face (malar area). When it occurs during pregnancy it is referred to as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Melasma darkens with sun exposure.
Read Also:
- Melatonin
A hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and is intimately involved in regulating the sleeping and waking cycles, among other processes. Some people who have chronic insomnia use melatonin supplements. However, melatonin is not recommended for all patients with sleep problems, so one should consult a physician before taking it.
- MELD
Acronym for Model End Stage Liver Disease. A disease severity scoring system for adults with liver disease, designed to improve the organ allocation in transplantation based on the severity of liver disease rather than the length of time on the waiting list. The MELD score is based only on laboratory data in order to be […]
- Melena
Stool or vomit that is stained black by blood pigment or dark blood products.
- Melioidosis
Surgical removal of the lung abscess with lobectomy is considered. Antibiotic treatments may be necessary from 3 to 12 months. Melioidosis can remain latent (in hiding) for years and emerge when a person’s resistance is low. The alternative name for melioidosis is, as mentioned, Whitmore’s disease. This is in honor of Major Alfred Whitmore (1876-1946), […]
- Melittin
The principal toxic component in bee venom. Melittin is a relatively short peptide consisting of 26 amino acids. It is a powerful cell lytic agent and binds rapidly to red blood cells causing the release of hemoglobin in the blood plasma. Lysis of these cells occurs when the organization of a lipid bilayer is perturbed.