SERM-mediated estrogenic activity

It is of great interest that new findings suggest that several effects of estrogen and SERMs also may be mediated by nonnuclear ER actions derived from fast activation (in a matter of minutes) of the protein-kinase cascades and other signaling processes associated to cell membrane ERs. These activation routes, described in detail in Chap. 1 by Escrich et al. are not mediated by transcrip-... 

The benzothiophene derivative raloxifene (Evista /Lilly) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Raloxifene produces its biological actions via modulation (both activation and blockade) of estrogen receptors that ultimately results in decreased resorption of bone. The bisphosphonate derivative alendronate (Fosamax /Merck), an inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, is also useful in the treatment of osteoporosis. Both raloxifene and alendronate are useful in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. 

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