Glossary

Elevated/Elevation: higher than normal.
Endogenous: originating within (produced by) the body.
Enzyme: a protein that is produced by cells and catalyzes (promotes) chemical reactions within the body.
Erythrocyte: a mature red blood cell.
Erythrodontia: a reddish or reddish-brown discoloration of the teeth.
Erythropoietic: pertains to the production of red blood cells.
Erythropoietic Porphyria (EPP): a cutaneous porphyria due to the deficient activity of the enzyme, ferrochelatase.
Estrogen: the most important female sex hormone, along with progesterone. Both estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and change during pregnancy. Synthetic estrogens and progesterone are used in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy when used to relieve the menopause symptoms.
Exacerbate: to make the symptoms of a disorder worse.
Excess: an amount or quantity beyond what is needed for normal function.
Exogenous: refers to originating outside of the body.
Exon: a sequence of DNA in a gene that codes for the protein. Each gene has many exons (separated by introns) that together tell the cell to make a specific protein.
Experimental: information based on a scientific study.
Extremities: arms and legs.