Effects of SERMs on bone health. SERM actions other than on the bones. With special reference to the actions of SERM on the skin and vascular elasticity

: Raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), was developed with the aim of preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis. Raloxifene is frequently compared to estrogen preparations, and it is considered that besides its actions on the bone, raloxifene also has actions on the skin and vascular elasticity in a way similar to estrogen preparations. Some reports have recently shown improvement of the skin elasticity following administration of raloxifene or transdermal and oral administration of estrogen preparations. Arterial elasticity has been reported to be improved by transdermal administration of an estrogen preparation, but not by raloxifene. However, there have been very few reports on these actions of raloxifene, and many points remain unclear concerning the effects of this drug class in the present clinical situation. Future studies are expected to clarify the actions of SERM other than on the bones, and also reveal the action mechanisms of drugs belonging to this class.