Sex steroids, ANGELS and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone density and strength. Bone mass peaks between age 30 and 40 and then declines. This can be accelerated by factors including menopause and insufficient dietary calcium. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is currently the standard treatment for osteoporosis. However, growing concern over potential side effects of HRT has driven a search for alternative therapies. A recent report 1 reveals a potential alternative to HRT: a gender-neutral synthetic steroid that increases bone mass and strength without affecting reproductive organs. This compound acts via a novel extranuclear sex steroid receptor signaling mechanism that has important implications for nuclear receptor biology and human health.
Moggs
Jonathan G
JG
Syngenta CTL, Alderley Park, Cheshire, United Kingdom. jonathan.moggs@syngenta.com
Deavall
Damian G
DG
Orphanides
George
G
D001846:Bone Development; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013256:Steroids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004967:Estrogens; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D008024:Ligands; D013256:Steroids