New Molecular Mechanisms Of Estrogen Action And Their Impact On Future Perspectives In Estrogen Therapy

From our current knowledge, it is obvious that estrogen action in volves 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 gastrointes tinal 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 loss The 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 non genomic actions of estrogen, it is clear that the mechanisms of the effects of estrogen are multifaceted.

The continuous progress in the understanding of molecular processes of disease formation and progression attributes an increasing importance to biomedical molecular imaging methods. The purpose of this workshop was to discuss and overview multiple applications and emerging technologies in the area of diagnostic imaging including its fundamental capabilities in preclinical research, the opportunities for medical care, and the options involving therapeutic concepts. The book provides the reader with state-of-the-art information on the different aspects of diagnostic imaging, illuminating new developments in molecular biology, imaging agents and molecular probe design, and therapeutic techniques.

The current progress in molecular medicine allows the identification of a plethora of new and often human-specific drug targets. An early in vivo validation of specific ligands binding to these targets in humans is needed to assess their potential for targeted imaging and radiotherapy. Radiopharmaceuticals are uniquely suitable for such target validation studies. The purpose of the Ernst Schering Research Foundation Workshop 48 was to offer a forum for an open exchange on the state of the art in the early development of such radiopharmaceuticals. Experts from academia, industry and regulatory authorities provided contributions covering the identification of targets, the necessary preclinical studies on the safety of ligands as well as their validation in human clinical trials.

The therapeutic options for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurodegenerative and traumatic diseases such as spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, etc. have experienced enormous progress over recent years. Despite these encouraging developments, available therapies are only partially effective, and the ultimate goal is still far from being attained. Improved understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and demyelination has led to a variety of new therapeutic targets and approaches. In addition to modulation of the inflammatory process (MS) and classical neuroprotection (stroke, AD), therapeutic approaches focusing on active remyelinization and neuronal regeneration have become increasingly important. Based on current concepts, this book summarizes new therapeutic approaches.

This book gives an updated review of the state of the art in regenerative cell therapy in the fields of cardiology, hematology, pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics and infectious diseases. The book emphasizes clinical advances as proof of concept in cell therapy based on the revolutionizing observation that regeneration can occur throughout the body even in highly differentiated organs like the heart and the neuronal system. It provides examples of breakthroughs in the clinical implementation of adult stem cell therapy.

Methylation of DNA at cytosine residues as well as post-translational modifications of histones, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitylation, contribute to the epigenetic information carried by chromatin. These changes play an important role in the regulation of gene expression by modulating the access of regulatory factors to the DNA. The use of a combination of biochemical, genetic and structural approaches has allowed demonstration of the role of chromatin structure in transcriptional control. The structure of nucleosomes has been elucidated and enzymes involved in DNA or histone modifications have been extensively characterized. Since deregulation of epigenetic marks has been reported in many cancers, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms bears the promise that new drug targets may soon be found. The newest developments in this quickly developing field are presented in this book.

This volume contains an advanced level discussion on the appropriateness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in modern postmenopausal women on the basis of evidence provided by recent epidemiological studies. It addresses all aspects of benefits and risks associated with HRT. It focuses, however, on cancer risk and on risk of breast cancer in particular. The book advocates further epidemiological studies which incorporate pathobiological assessments.

Presents the advances in stem cell research. This book discusses the analysis and use of stem cells in basic biology, and their application in clinical practice.