[SERM and SARM]

Hiroshi Kaji1, Toshitsugu Sugimoto

  • 1Division of Endocrinology / Metabolism, Neurology, Hematology / Oncology, Department of Clinical Molecular Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine.

Clinical Calcium
|March 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) offer tissue-specific effects, with raloxifene reducing vertebral fractures. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) are now being studied for osteoporosis treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Bone Biology

Context:

  • Estrogen therapy presents unfavorable effects.
  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) have been developed to provide tissue-specific estrogen agonist and antagonist actions.
  • Raloxifene, a SERM, demonstrates efficacy in reducing vertebral fracture risk, comparable to bisphosphonates.

Purpose:

  • To explore the development and potential of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) as a therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
  • To leverage the tissue-selective modulation approach, previously successful with SERMs, for androgen signaling in bone.

Summary:

  • Raloxifene exemplifies the success of tissue-selective receptor modulation in managing bone health.
  • The principles guiding SERM development are being applied to create SARMs.
  • Research is ongoing to investigate SARMs for osteoporosis treatment, aiming for similar therapeutic benefits with potentially improved safety profiles.

Impact:

  • Advances in osteoporosis treatment through targeted therapies.
  • Potential for novel therapeutic agents that modulate hormone receptor activity selectively.
  • Improved management of bone loss and fracture prevention.

Related Concept Videos

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants01:28

Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Skeletal muscle relaxants are a group of drugs that can reduce muscle stiffness and induce temporary paralysis to relieve pain. These agents can act centrally to reduce muscle tone or spasms in painful conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or spinal injuries; they are called antispasmodics or spasmolytics.
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...