Synthetic molecule provides potential alternative to HRT for osteoporosis

摘要

A synthetic compound that could be used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for osteoporosis has been identified by researchers in the United States. Comparing the effects of the compound, 4-estern-3alpha, 17beta-diol (estren) to those of 17beta-estradiol (E_2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on bone and reproductive tissues in mice, the researchers found that although estren was at least as effective as estradiol in preserving global and spinal bone mineral density in females, it had, in contrast of E_2 and DHT, no effect on reproductive tissues.