Traditional hormones

Even cursory inspection of peptides collected in Table 2.1 provides compelling evidence that the diversity of endogenous peptides is comprised of a much broader set of components than traditional hormones, neuromodulators and antibiotics. In spite of the availability of scattered data on the activity of selected pool components the principal question on the biological role of peptide pools remains unanswered does the bulk of pool peptides represent transient products of protein substrate destmction on their way to reusable amino acid building blocks Or do these peptides perform a useful regulatory function The answer to these questions requires systematic study of a large number of samples in adequate biological test systems. 

Studies and reviews sponsored by the manufacturer of tibolone have over many decades argued that, as one reviewer puts it, tibolone may provide a safer alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy , but even this review adds that the impact of tibolone on the risk of breast cancer or cardiovascular and thromboembolic events is not well defined (2). Bearing in mind that these are precisely the questions that have cast a shadow over other forms of hormone replacement therapy, this is a serious defect in the evidence about the drug s safety it is possible that the extent of use of tibolone has been insufficient to provide well-documented answers. 

Urnland, E.M., J.S. Cauffield, J.K. fOrk, and T.E. Thomason. 2000. Phytoestrogens as therapeutic alternatives to traditional hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Pharmacotherapy 20(8) 981-990. 

In humans, the hypothalamic-derived protein and the hormone noncovalent complexes are packaged in neurosecretory granules, then migrate along axons at a rate of 1 4 mm/h until they reach the posterior pituitary where they are stored prior to release into the bloodstream by exocytosis (67). Considerable evidence suggests that posterior pituitary hormones function as neurotransmitters (68) vasopressin acts on the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone [9002-60-2] (ACTH) (69) as well as on traditional target tissues such as kidneys. Both hormones promote other important central nervous system (CNS) effects (9,70). 

The term endocrine disrupter (ED) has tended to be used for those chemicals which act specifically at the level of the hormone receptor present in the target cells of various organs. Such chemicals may either mimic the action of the natural hormone (agonistic activity) or are sufficiently similar in molecular shape to the naturally produced hormone to interfere with the interaction between the hormone and receptor, thus blocking or impeding the activation of the receptor (antagonsitic activity). Such effects may occur at very low concentrations (as with the endogenous hormone), compared with the concentrations normally required to elicit the more traditional toxic effects attributed to chemicals. Recently,... 

LC-GC, therefore, shows promise for forensic science applications, reducing sample handling and preparation steps by essentially using an on-line LC column in place of one or more extraction steps. This is followed by a traditional high resolution GC analysis. The methods described here for pesticides and hormones could be readily adapted to a variety of analyses, especially those involving fatty matrices. Such as tissues, food or blood. 

Many biologically interesting molecules, for instance hormones, can be determined using any of a number of analytical methods, such as GC, GC-MS, and RIA. In blood serum and similarly complex matrices, the more traditional methods (colorimetry, titration, TLC) suffer from interference and/or lack of sensitivity. 

The different types or classes of phytochemicals can have multiple influences on the GIT (Kitts, 1994). For example, caffeine stimulates the motor, hormonal and secretory functions (Boekmaefa/., 1999). Although many phytochemicals reduce nutrient quality or availability, traditional herbal medicines have exploited some of these characteristics to improve health. Moreover, some of the systemic responses attributed to certain phytochemicals (beneficial or detrimental) can be explained by their influences on the GIT (Carbonaro et al., 2001). To date, the most of the information about phytochemicals is focused on the reductions in the functional capacities of the GIT (the bad), or the toxic properties (the ugly). There are also numerous examples of phytochemicals that can be used to obtain desirable GIT characteristics (the... 

Corticotropin [adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)] has been used for acute gouty flares. Worldwide supply problems and the possible superiority of traditional corticosteroids have resulted in decreased use. 

Larsen SB, Spano M, Giwercman A and Bonde JP (1999) Semen quality and sex hormones among organic and traditional Danish farmers . Occupational and Environmental... 

Traditionally, glucagon preparations utilized therapeutically are chromatographically purified from bovine or porcine pancreatic tissue. (The structure of bovine, porcine and human glucagon is identical, thus eliminating the possibility of direct immunological complications). Such commercial preparations are generally formulated with lactose and sodium chloride and sold in freeze-dried form. Glucagon, 0.5-1.0 units (approximately 0.5-1.0 mg freeze-dried hormone), is administered to the patient by s.c. or i.m. injection. 

Immediate and aggressive therapy with IV bolus levothyroxine, 300 to 500 meg, has traditionally been used. Initial treatment with IV liothyronine or a combination of both hormones has also been advocated because of impaired conversion of T4 to T3. 

In addition to antineoplastic, cytotoxic agents, there are cancer therapeutic or preventative drugs that are intended to be given on a chronic basis. This includes chemopreventatives, hormonal agents, immunomodulators, and so on. The toxicity assessment studies on these will more closely resemble those of more traditional pharmaceutical agents. Chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, and Ml developmental toxicity (ICH A-B, C-D, E-F) assessments will be required. For a more complete review, the reader is referred to DeGeorge et al. (1998). 

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