New Molecular Mechanisms of Estrogen Action and Their Impact on Future Perspectives in Estrogen Therapy

Abstract

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004 Originally published by Springer-VerlagBerlin Heidelberg in 2004. Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 2004The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. Product liability : The publishers cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information about dosage and application contained in this book. In every individual case the user must check such information by consulting the relevant literature. Typesetting: K+ V Fotosatz GmbH, BeerfeldenCover Design: design & production, Heidelberg 21/3150/AG-5 4 3 2 I 0 -Printed on acid-free paper Preface From our current knowledge, it is obvious that estrogen action involves more than reproduction and fertility. Rather, estrogens affect and influence a number of other organ systems such as the immune, cardiovascular and central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and skeleton. The importance of estrogens and estrogen receptor activity is appreciated from the spectrum of significant physiological dysfunctions that occur when there is a lossThe participants of the workshop VI Preface of the hormone or the receptor activity. Loss of estrogen, however (for instance during menopause) , occurs with time and results in a variety of clinical conditions. We know that the developmental loss of estrogen, as seen in clinical cases of aromatase gene mutations and experimental models, has dramatic effects in both men and women alike. The evidence that these effects are mediated through the estrogen receptor(s) is based on similar but not always identical phenotypes as observed in experimental animal models of estrogen receptor mutations as well as the single clinical case of an estrogen receptor alpha mutant patient.Developing an understanding of the spectrum of estrogen in a variety of tissues related to the condition of estrogen loss is a major and highly active clinical as well as basic scientific research area. Following the discovery of a second estrogen receptor and possible receptor ligand-independent activity as well as the genomic and nongenomic actions of estrogen, it is clear that the mechanisms of the effects of estrogen are multifaceted .Based on these possible mechanisms, understanding the effects of estrogen in different organ systems and specific target cells is an essential part of this area of research, for which a scarcity of information currently exists. Thus, a goal of this workshop and its proceedings was to provide a discussion forum for presentation of current cutting-edge developments in the experimental approaches and applications of estrogen research studies for determining a more complete appreciation of the physiological actions, genomic and non-genomic responses and the cellular mechanisms involved in estrogen hormone action. Such information is essential for the develop...