C-peptide
C-peptide
C-peptide (pronounced: see-peptide) is a protein that the body produces during the process of insulin production. The term "C-peptide" comes from the fact that it is a "connecting peptide" that links the A and B chains of insulin in the proinsulin molecule.
Etymology
The term "C-peptide" was first used in the 1960s. The "C" stands for "connecting", referring to the peptide's role in connecting the A and B chains of insulin. The term "peptide" comes from the Greek word "peptos", meaning "digested", referring to the fact that peptides are produced by the digestion of proteins.
Function
C-peptide is released into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. It has a longer half-life than insulin and its concentration in the blood can be used as a measure of insulin production. C-peptide has no known biological activity, but its measurement can provide useful information about the state of a person's pancreas and their insulin production.
Related Terms
- Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Pancreas: An organ in the body that produces insulin and other important enzymes.
- Proinsulin: A precursor to insulin, it is split into insulin and C-peptide before being released into the bloodstream.
- Diabetes: A disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on C-peptide
- Wikipedia's article - C-peptide
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