SERM
SERM
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM), pronounced as /sɜːrm/, are a class of drugs that act on the estrogen receptor. The term "SERM" is used to describe compounds that can have both agonist or antagonist effects on the estrogen receptor depending on the target tissue.
Etymology
The term "Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator" (SERM) was coined to describe the mode of action of these compounds. "Selective" refers to the ability of these compounds to act as either an agonist or antagonist depending on the tissue, "Estrogen Receptor" refers to the target of these compounds, and "Modulator" refers to the ability of these compounds to modify the activity of the estrogen receptor.
Related Terms
- Estrogen receptor: A protein within cells that binds to estrogen, a primary female sex hormone.
- Agonist: A substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.
- Antagonist: A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
- Tamoxifen: A well-known SERM used in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
- Raloxifene: Another SERM used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Usage
SERMs are used in various treatments such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and infertility. They work by blocking the effects of estrogen in some tissues, such as the breast, and mimicking the effects of estrogen in other tissues, such as the bone.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on SERM
- Wikipedia's article - SERM
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