EWA - Estrogens and Women Ageing (Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health) (2006-01-01 - 2008-12-31) (»add to infobox)

In women estrogens and their cognate receptors regulate reproductive activities and exert protective functions in skeletal, cardiovascular and nervous systems. With the increased life expectancy women spend now more than one third of their life in menopause, a physiological state in which ovaries stop producing sexual hormones. To date risks and benefits of post-menopause hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are still unclear. Indeed, clinical results are in strong conflict with experimental results, the latter showing a clear protective effect of estrogens against bone, vessel, skin and brain malfunctions. EWA will build on existing knowledge, reagents and infrastructures landmarks of European excellence in estrogen research to focus on: a) generation of innovative cell and animal models for the identification of the safest compounds to be used in HRT; b.) ascertainment of the therapeutic efficacy and risks of known and novel molecules to be used for HRT; c.) testing diverse modalities of HRT to mimic at best the physiological cycle in fertile women; d.) investigating whether the anti-inflammatory activity of estrogens is of therapeutic benefit in diseases associated with aging. In EWA pharmacologists, molecular biologists, physiologists, neurologists and clinicians will co-operate to assure the multidisciplinary approach indispensable for a successful research programme and assuring full access to state-of-the-art technologies available in the field. The commitment to collaborate of EWA partners is shown by their previous strong record of joint researches. To exploit the results of this programme SMEs are involved. Dissemination activities will strengthen links with other Companies. In view of the major political relevance of the study and the interest of women in this field of research major effort will be made to disseminate EWA results to the research community as well as to European citizens.

COORDINATOR (1/1)

PARTICIPANTS (7/7)

RELATED THEMATIC AREAS (1/1)