| Theme |
Menopausal derangement in bone metabolism |
| Title |
Menopausal derangement in bone metabolism |
| Author |
Yoshiki Nishizawa |
Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kiyoshi Nakatsuka |
Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine / ELi Lilly Japan K.K. |
| [ Summary ] |
Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) is a new category consisting of chemically synthesized non hormone agents which bind to estrogen receptors and have both estrogen-like (agonistic) effects and anti-estrogen (antagonistic) effects. Estrogens have beneficial effects on bone tissue and lipid profiles and also have stimulatory effects on breast and endometrium. Therefore, new agents with the favorable effects of estrogen alone have been explored and are under development. Raloxifene a SERM, which has been intensively investigated, has estrogen-like (agonistic) inhibitory effects on bone resorption, increases bone mineral density and prevents fractures associated with osteoporosis. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated the antagonistic effects of raloxifene in reducing the risk of breast cancer without inducing the incidence endometrial cancer. Although the efficacy of raloxifene has been established various extraskeletal effects of raloxifene, such as its preventive effects on cardiovascular disease, may be established in the future. |