factor

factor

 [fak´ter]

an agent or element that contributes to the production of a result.

accelerator factor factor V, one of the coagulation factors.

factor I see coagulation factors.

factor II see coagulation factors.

factor III see coagulation factors.

factor IV see coagulation factors.

factor V see coagulation factors.

factor VI see coagulation factors.

factor VII see coagulation factors.

factor VIII see coagulation factors.

factor IX see coagulation factors.

factor X see coagulation factors.

factor XI see coagulation factors.

factor XII see coagulation factors.

factor XIII see coagulation factors.

angiogenesis factor a substance that causes the growth of new blood vessels, found in tissues with high metabolic requirements such as cancers and the retina. It is also released by hypoxic macrophages at the edges or outer surface of a wound and initiates revascularization in wound healing.

antihemophilic factor (AHF)

1. factor VIII, one of the coagulation factors.

2. a preparation of factor VIII administered intravenously for the prevention or treatment of hemorrhage in patients with hemophilia A and the treatment of von Willebrand disease, hypofibrinogenemia, and coagulation factor XIII deficiency. Included are preparations derived from human plasma (antihemophilic factor, cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor) or porcine plasma (antihemophilic factor [porcine]) and those produced by recombinant technology antihemophilic factor [recombinant]).

antihemophilic factor A factor VIII, one of the coagulation factors.

antihemophilic factor B factor IX, one of the coagulation factors.

antihemophilic factor C factor XI, one of the coagulation factors.

antihemorrhagic factor vitamin K.

antinuclear factor (ANF) antinuclear antibody.

antirachitic factor vitamin D.

atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) a hormone produced in the cardiac atrium; an inhibitor of renin secretion and thus of the production of angiotensin, and a stimulator of aldosterone release. Its effect is increased excretion of water and sodium and a lowering of blood pressure.

factor B a complement component that participates in the alternative complement pathway.

blastogenic factor lymphocyte-transforming factor.

carative f's in the theory of human caring, a set of ten factors that offer a descriptive topology of interventions including (1) a humanistic-altruistic system of values; (2) faith-hope; (3) sensitivity to self and others; (4) a helping-trusting, human care relationship; (5) the expression of positive and negative feelings; (6) a creative problem-solving caring process; (7) transpersonal teaching and learning; (8) a supportive, protective, and/or corrective mental, physical, societal, and spiritual environment; (9) human needs assistance; and (10) existential-phenomenological-spiritual forces.

Christmas factor factor IX, one of the coagulation factors.

citrovorum factor folinic acid.

clotting f's coagulation factors.

C3 nephritic factor (C3 NeF) an autoantibody that stabilizes the alternative complement pathway C3 convertase, preventing its inactivation by factor h, resulting in complete consumption of plasma C3; it is found in the serum of many patients with type II membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

coagulation f's see coagulation factors.

colony-stimulating factor (CSF) any of a number of glycoproteins responsible for the proliferation, differentiation, and functional activation of hematopoietic progenitor cells; specific factors are named for the cell lines that they stimulate. Used to promote bone marrow proliferation in aplastic anemia, following cytotoxic chemotherapy, or following bone marrow transplantation. Types include granulocyte, granulocyte-macrophage, and macrophage colony-stimulating factors.

factor D a factor that when activated serves as a serine esterase in the alternative complement pathway.

decay accelerating factor (DAF) a protein of most blood as well as endothelial and epithelial cells, CD55 (see CD antigen); it protects the cell membranes from attack by autologous complement.

endothelial-derived relaxant factor (endothelial-derived relaxing factor) (endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)) nitric oxide.

extrinsic factor cyanocobalamin.

F factor (fertility factor) F plasmid.

fibrin-stabilizing factor (FSF) factor XIII, one of the coagulation factors.

Fitzgerald factor high-molecular-weight kininogen.

Fletcher factor prekallikrein.

granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) a colony-stimulating factor that stimulates production of neutrophils from precursor cells.

granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) a colony-stimulating factor that binds to stem cells and most myelocytes and stimulates their differentiation into granulocytes and macrophages.

growth factor any substance that promotes skeletal or somatic growth; usually a mineral, hormone, or vitamin.

factor H a complement system regulatory protein that inhibits the alternative pathway of complement activation.

Hageman factor (HF) factor XII, one of the coagulation factors. See illustration.

Activation of Hageman factor (factor XII) leads to increased vascular permeability, clotting, and thrombolysis. From Damjanov, 2000.

hematopoietic growth f's a group of substances with the ability to support hematopoietic colony formation in vitro, including erythropoietin, interleukin-3, and colony-stimulating factors. All except erythropoietin stimulate mature cells, have overlapping capabilities to affect progenitor cells of several blood cell lines, and also affect cells outside the hematopoietic system.

histamine-releasing factor (HRF) a lymphokine, believed to be produced by macrophages and B lymphocytes, that induces the release of histamine by IgE-bound basophils. It occurs in late phase allergic reaction, six or more hours after contact with the antigen, in sensitive individuals.

homologous restriction factor (HRF) a regulatory protein that binds to the membrane attack complex in autologous cells, inhibiting the final stages of complement activation.

factor I a plasma enzyme that regulates both classical and alternative pathways of complement activation by inactivating their C3 convertases.

immunoglobulin-binding factor (IBF) a lymphokine having the ability to bind IgG complexed with antigen and prevent complement activation.

insulinlike growth f's (IGF) insulinlike substances in serum that do not react with insulin antibodies; they are growth hormone–dependent and possess all the growth-promoting properties of the somatomedins.

intensification factor in radiology, the comparative increase in light transmission when films are exposed in the presence of intensifying screens compared to that in the absence of screens.

intrinsic factor a glycoprotein secreted by the parietal cells of the gastric glands, necessary for the absorption of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂). Its absence results in pernicious anemia.

LE factor an immunoglobulin that reacts with leukocyte nuclei, found in the serum in systemic lupus erythematosus.

lymph node permeability factor (LNPF) a substance from normal lymph nodes that produces vascular permeability.

lymphocyte mitogenic factor (LMF) (lymphocyte-transforming factor) a substance that is released by lymphocytes stimulated by specific antigen and causes nonstimulated lymphocytes to undergo blast transformation and cell division; called also blastogenic factor.

macrophage-activating factor (MAF) interferon-α.

macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) a colony-stimulating factor secreted by macrophages, stimulated endothelial cells, and most tissues, that stimulates the production of macrophages from precursor cells and maintains the viability of mature macrophages in vitro.

macrophage chemotactic factor (MCF) a lymphokine that attracts macrophages to the invasion site.

macrophage-derived growth factor a substance released by macrophages below the surface of a wound that induces the proliferation of fibroblasts.

macrophage inhibition factor (macrophage inhibitory factor) migration inhibitory factor.

migration inhibition factor (migration inhibitory factor) a lymphokine that inhibits macrophage migration.

minification factor in radiology, the gain in light achieved by a reduction in size of the output phosphor from the input phosphor size.

osteoclast-activating factor (OAF) a lymphokine that stimulates bone resorption; it may be involved in the bone resorption associated with multiple myeloma and other hematologic neoplasms or inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease.

factor P properdin.

platelet f's see platelet factors.

platelet-activating factor (PAF) a substance released by basophils and mast cells in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, and by macrophages and neutrophils in other inflammatory reactions; it leads to bronchoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and release of vasoactive substances from platelets.

platelet-derived growth factor a substance contained in platelets and capable of inducing proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and glial cells; its action contributes to the repair of damaged vascular walls.

R factor R plasmid.

releasing f's factors elaborated in one structure (as in the hypothalamus) that effect the release of hormones from another structure (as from the anterior pituitary gland), including corticotropin-releasing factor, melanocyte-stimulating hormone–releasing factor, and prolactin-releasing factor. Applied to substances of unknown chemical structure, while substances of established chemical identity are called releasing hormones.

resistance factor R f.

Rh factor a type of agglutinogen found on some erythrocytes; see also rh factor.

rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies directed against antigenic determinants on IgG molecules, found in the serum of about 80 per cent of patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis; but in only about 20 per cent of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid factors may be IgM, IgG, or IgA antibodies, although serologic tests measure only IgM. Rheumatoid factors also occur in other connective tissue diseases and infectious diseases.

risk factor an agent or situation that is known to make an individual or population more susceptible to the development of a specific negative condition.

risk factor (omaha) an environmental, psychosocial, or physiologic event or health related behavior that increases the client's exposure or vulnerability to the development of a client problem; the nurse's knowledge base of risk factors is used to identify potential problem modifiers in the Problem Classification scheme of the omaha system.

stable factor factor VII, one of the coagulation factors.

Stuart factor (Stuart-Prower factor) factor X, one of the coagulation factors.

sun protection factor (SPF) a numerical rating of the amount of protection afforded by a sunscreen; the higher the number, the more protection is provided.

tissue factor factor III, one of the coagulation factors.

transfer factor (TF) a factor occurring in sensitized lymphocytes that can transfer delayed hypersensitivity to a formerly nonreactive individual; see also transfer factor.

tumor necrosis factor (TNF) either of two lymphokines produced primarily by cells of the immune system, capable of causing in vivo hemorrhagic necrosis of certain tumor cells but not normal cells. They also destroy cells associated with the inflammatory response. They have been used as experimental anticancer agents but can also induce shock when bacterial endotoxins cause their release. Tumor necrosis factor α, formerly called cachectin, contains 157 amino acids and is produced by macrophages, eosinophils, and NK cells. Tumor necrosis factor β is lymphotoxin and contains 171 amino acids.

vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (vascular permeability factor (VPF)) a peptide factor that stimulates the proliferation of cells of the endothelium of blood vessels; it promotes tissue vascularization and is important in blood vessel formation in tumors.

von Willebrand's factor (vWF) a glycoprotein synthesized in endothelial cells and megakaryocytes that circulates complexed to coagulation factor VIII. It is involved in adhesion of platelets to damaged epithelial surfaces and may participate in platelet aggregation. Deficiency results in the prolonged bleeding time seen in von Willebrand's disease.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

fac·tor

(fak'tŏr),

1. One of the contributing causes in any action.

2. One of the components that by multiplication makes up a number or expression.

3. Synonym(s): gene

4. A vitamin or other essential element.

5. An event, characteristic, or other definable entity that brings about a change in health.

6. A categoric independent variable, used to identify, by means of numeric codes, membership in a qualitatively identifiable group; for example, overcrowding is a factor in disease transmission.

[L. maker, causer, fr. facio, to make]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

factor

(făk′tər)

n.

1. A quantity by which a stated quantity is multiplied or divided, so as to indicate an increase or decrease in a measurement: The rate increased by a factor of ten.

2. Physiology A substance that functions in a specific biochemical reaction or bodily process, such as blood coagulation.

v. fac·tored, fac·toring, fac·tors

tr.v.

To determine or indicate explicitly the factors of: If you factor 70, you get 2, 5, and 7.

intr.v.

To engage in purchasing accounts receivable at a discount.

---

fac′tor·a·ble adj.

fac′tor·ship′ n.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

factor

A substance or activity that produces a result or outcome Clinical research

1. In analysis of variance, an independent variable–ie, a variable presumed to cause or influence another variable.

2. In factor analysis, a cluster of related variables distinguishable from a larger set of variables.

3. A number by which another number is multiplied, as in the statement: real estate values ↑ by a factor of 3–ie, tripled Medtalk A molecule or substance known to exist in a system, which is poorly characterized when the system is first described; with time, the molecules may be identified and/or sequenced, such that the original 'factor' designation may fall into disfavor and retain historic interest. See Act of smoking factor, Age/sex factor, Angiogenic factor, Antitermination factor, ARF factor, Atrial systolic factor, Autocrine motility factor, Basal factor, Bioaccumulation factor, Bioconcentration factor, Brain-derived neutrophic factor, Causal factor, Chemotactic factor, Co-carcinogenic K factor, Colonization factor, Colony-stimulating factor, Contact inhibiting factor, Conversion factor, Cord factor, DAF factor, Dilution factor, Elongation factor, Environmental factor, Epidermal growth factor, Faith factor, Father factor, Fibroblast growth factor, Fuzz factor, GAGA factor, GATA-1 factor, Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, Growth factor, Growth hormone factor, GM-CSF factor, Hageman factor, Hanukkah factor, Harmonic factor, Hassle factor, Heparin-binding fibroblast growth factor, Heparin cofactor II, Hepatocyte growth factor, HGF/SF factor, Horizontal scaling factor, Host factor, Human factor, IGF-I, IGF-II, Initiation factor, Integration host factor, Intrinsic factor, IRF-1 factor, Keratinocyte growth factor, Leukemia inhibitory factor, Leukocyte inhibitory factor, Macrophage activating factor, Macrophage chemotactic factor, Macrophage/monocyte inhibitory factor, Magic factor, Male factor, Mast cell growth factor, Mesoderm-inducing factor, Methuselah factor, Migration inhibition factor, Mitochondrial transcription factor, Monocyte colony inhibitory factor, Motivational factor, Motor neuron growth factor, MPF factor, Myocardial depressant factor, Nerve growth factor, Neurotrophic factor, Nuclear roundness factor, Osteoclast-activating factor, Ovarian factor, Partitioning factor, Partner risk factor, Peptide supply factor, Personal risk factor, Platelet factor, Platelet-activating factor, Platelet-derived growth factor, Prognostic factor, R factor, Release factor, Replication licensing factor, Resistance transfer factor, Rheumatoid factor, Rho factor, Risk factor, S factor, Safety factor, Satiation factor, Scatter factor, Serum spreading factor, Shrinkage factor, Sigma factor, Smooth muscle cell-derived growth factor, Sociodemographic factor, Soft risk factor, Somalia factor, Stem cell factor, Stringent factor, Stromal-cell-derived factor 1, Sun protection factor, Suppressive factor, Testis-determining factor, Thymic factor, Thymic humoral factor, Tissue factor, Transcription factor, Transforming growth factor, Trend factor, Trigger factor, Trypanosome lytic factor, Tumor necrosis factor, Uncertainty factor, Upstream binding factor, Uterine factor, V factor, Vascular endothelial growth factor, Vascular integrity factor, Vascular permeability factor, Von Willebrand factor, Windchill factor, X factor, Yates correction factor.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

fac·tor

(fak'tŏr)

1. A contributing cause in any action.

2. One of the components that, by multiplication, make up a number or expression.

3. Synonym(s): gene.

4. A vitamin or other essential element.

5. An event, characteristic, or other definable entity that brings about a change in a health condition.

6. A categoric independent variable used to identify, by means of numeric codes, membership in a qualitatively identifiable group (e.g., "overcrowding is a factor in disease transmission.").

[L. maker, causer, fr. facio, to make]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

factor

1. Any kind of biological material that causes a particular effect.

2. An effector whose function is known but which has not yet been chemically identified.

3. One of the components in the blood coagulation cascade.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Factor

Any of several substances necessary to produce a result or activity in the body. The term is used when the chemical nature of the substance is unknown. In endocrinology, when the chemical nature is known, factors are renamed hormones.

Mentioned in: Prolactin Test

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

fac·tor

(fak'tŏr)

A contributing cause in any action.

[L. maker, causer, fr. facio, to make]

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012

Patient discussion about factor

Q. What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Stroke? My father had a stroke recently, at the age of 73. What are the risk factors for developing this?

A. Primary risk factors include:

1) smoking
2) excessive alcohol intake
3) uncontrolled high blood pressure
4) high cholesterol
5) overweight/unhealthy diet
6) illegal drugs/abuse of Rx drugs
7) known or unknown heart problems
8) diabetes
9) known or unknown vascular brain defects - aneurysm, etc.
10)family history of stroke

Q. Regarding risk-factor assessment? Hello, I am……….., I heard ACSM has recently issued a new edition of its exercise guidelines. Were any changes made regarding risk-factor assessment?

A. Are you fitness professional? I understand that you are very much interested in food guidelines. It can be difficult to keep up with the latest guidelines and standards. This is particularly true this year, which has seen new USDA Food Guidelines in January, a revised Food Pyramid in May and, most recently, the release of the 7th edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. The good news is that the ACSM risk factors have been minimally revised. For your reference, here is a summary of what has and has not changed for the 2006 edition.

Q. Is obesity a risk factor for Dementia?

A. The answer is YES. In fact, many of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, and overweight, are also risk factors for dementia, in addition to genetic predisposition for the disease.

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