Title |
Clinical uses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.
|
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Published in |
Canadian Medical Association Journal, January 1991
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Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
R F Casper |
Abstract |
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogues are synthetic derivatives of the native hypothalamic peptide with alterations in their chemical structure that result in changes in biologic activity. Several Gn-RH agonists are available for clinical use, and all act through the same mechanism: first to stimulate and then to inhibit gonadotropin and gonadal steroid secretion by downregulating the pituitary Gn-RN receptors. This review should provide clinicians with a working knowledge of the physiologic and pharmacokinetic features of Gn-RH agonists. Although over 2000 articles concerning Gn-RH analogues have been published I chose to review only those that were the first to report a novel clinical application. Gn-RH agonists have proved to be extremely efficacious in treating gonadal steroid-dependent problems such as endometriosis, uterine leiomyoma, precocious puberty and prostate and breast cancers, and they have resulted in very few side effects. Long-term use may, however, lead to skeletal calcium loss in women as a consequence of hypoestrogenism. Further research is needed to prevent this and maintain clinical efficacy. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 16 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 3 | 19% |
Lecturer | 2 | 13% |
Student > Bachelor | 2 | 13% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 2 | 13% |
Professor | 1 | 6% |
Other | 2 | 13% |
Unknown | 4 | 25% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 4 | 25% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 3 | 19% |
Chemistry | 2 | 13% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 1 | 6% |
Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 1 | 6% |
Other | 1 | 6% |
Unknown | 4 | 25% |