Understanding Cytopathic Substances and Their Effects on Cells

Cytopathic refers to a substance or agent that causes damage or death to cells. In other words, it has the ability to cause cellular injury or destruction. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as direct toxicity, oxidative stress, or disruption of cellular processes.

The term "cytopathic" is often used in the context of cancer research, where it is used to describe agents that selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. For example, some chemotherapy drugs are designed to be cytopathic to cancer cells, but not to normal cells.

In addition to cancer research, the term "cytopathic" can also be used more broadly to describe any substance or agent that has the potential to cause cellular damage or death. This can include environmental toxins, pollutants, or other harmful substances that can affect cellular health and function.