List of MeSH codes (D04)

List of MeSH codes (D04) refers to a comprehensive categorization within the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) system, specifically focusing on the chemical and drug aspect of medical and biological sciences. MeSH is a hierarchical controlled vocabulary created by the United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) used for indexing, cataloging, and searching for biomedical and health-related information.

The D04 category, titled "Chemical Actions and Uses," encompasses a wide range of chemicals and drugs, detailing their classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and biochemical roles. This category is further subdivided into specific codes that represent various chemical substances and their respective properties and uses in the medical field.

Subcategories

The D04 category of MeSH codes is divided into several subcategories, each focusing on different aspects of chemical actions and uses. Some of the notable subcategories include:

• D04.345 - Enzyme Inhibitors: Compounds or agents that block or reduce the activity of specific enzymes. This category includes drugs used to treat a variety of conditions by inhibiting the action of enzymes involved in disease processes.

• D04.615 - Pharmacologic Actions: This subcategory encompasses the various actions of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. It includes mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic uses, and the effects of drugs on physiological processes.

• D04.345.566 - Neurotransmitter Agents: Chemicals involved in the transmission of signals in the nervous system. This includes substances that can enhance or inhibit the action of neurotransmitters.

• D04.808 - Therapeutic Uses: This subcategory details the specific therapeutic applications of chemicals and drugs. It covers a wide range of medical conditions and the substances used to treat them.

• D04.345.566.235 - Antineoplastic Agents: Drugs used in the treatment of cancer. This includes agents that can kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth and spread.

Each of these subcategories is further divided into more specific codes that detail individual chemicals, drugs, and their uses in medical science.

Importance

The classification of chemicals and drugs into the MeSH D04 category and its subcategories is crucial for the organization and retrieval of biomedical information. It allows researchers, healthcare professionals, and students to efficiently find relevant information on chemical substances and their roles in health and disease. This systematic categorization also facilitates the indexing and searching of biomedical literature in databases such as PubMed, enhancing the accessibility of scientific knowledge.

Conclusion

The List of MeSH codes (D04) serves as an essential resource in the biomedical field, providing a structured and comprehensive overview of chemicals and drugs. By categorizing these substances based on their actions, uses, and therapeutic applications, the MeSH system supports the advancement of medical research and the development of new treatments.