International union of basic and clinical pharmacology. Cx. Classification of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine; pharmacology and function

5-HT receptors expressed throughout the human body are targets for established therapeutics and various drugs in development. Their diversity of structure and function reflects the important role 5-HT receptors play in physiologic and pathophysiological processes. The present review offers a framework for the official receptor nomenclature and a detailed understanding of each of the 14 5-HT receptor subtypes, their roles in the systems of the body, and, where appropriate, the (potential) utility of therapeutics targeting these receptors

Age at menarche and age at menopause in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma in women.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether age at menarche, age at menopause, parity, and selected blood hormones are associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among women. DESIGN: Case-control. SAMPLE: and setting Data collected from 50 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma among women and 62 female controls with minor trauma or surgical conditions who attended one of three hospitals in Athens, Greece between 1995 and 1998. METHODS: Researchers collected information on Reproductive variables and assayed sera samples for blood hormone levels and for chronic infection with Hepatitis B and C viruses. RESULTS Individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma had a lower mean age at menarche and a significantly higher mean age at menopause. After adjusting for potential confounding, age at menopause remained an important and significant predictor, increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma 24% for each later year of menopause (P < 0.001). For each year that menarche was delayed, risk of hepatocellular carcinoma declined 21% (P = 0.100). Mean levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and its binding protein were significantly reduced in cases compared with controls, while levels of oestradiol, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin were somewhat higher among the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides indirect, but converging evidence that steroid hormones in general, and oestrogens in particular, play an important role in the aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma among women