Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

antineoplastic 1
Acting to prevent, inhibit, or
halt the development of a neoplasm (a malignant
tumor, or cancer).
2
An agent with antineoplastic
properties. Cancer chemotherapy is antineoplastic.
antinuclear antibody
An antibody that is
directed against the structures within the nucleus of
a cell and that is characteristic of autoimmunity.
Abbreviated ANA. ANAs are found in the blood of
patients whose immune systems attack their own
body tissues (autoimmunity), such as patients with
systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis,
juvenile diabetes mellitus, and Hashimoto disease.
ANAs can also be found in patients with chronic
infections and cancer, and many medications—
including procainamide (brand name: Procan SR),
hydralazine, and phenytoin (brand name:
Dilantin)—can stimulate their production. See also
ANA; autoimmune disorder.
antioxidant
A substance that reduces damage
due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals.
Well-known antioxidants include enzymes and other
substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta
carotene, which are capable of counteracting the
damaging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants are also
commonly added to food products such as veg-
etable oils and prepared foods to prevent or delay
their deterioration from the action of air.
Antioxidants may possibly reduce the risks of can-
cer. Antioxidants clearly slow the progression of
age-related macular degeneration.
antiphospholipid syndrome
An immune dis-
order characterized by the presence of abnormal
antibodies in the blood that are directed against the
chemical structure of fats that contain phosphorus
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antiphospholipid syndrome
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(phospholipids). Abbreviated APS. APS is associated
with abnormal blood clotting, migraine headaches,
recurrent pregnancy loss, and low blood platelet
counts (thrombocytopenia). APS can occur by itself
(primary APS) or be caused by an underlying con-
dition (secondary APS), such as systemic lupus ery-
thematosus. Examples of antiphospholipid
antibodies are cardiolipin antibody and lupus anti-
coagulant. See also 
annexin V.