Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism: new crossroads in innovation, research, and clinical practice

Abstract

This is the inaugural issue of the journal Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. The mission of the journal is to publish original and review articles related to the latest therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism innovation, research, and clinical practice. The journal will cover all areas of endocrinology and metabolism. The wide spectrum of disorders in this field includes some of the most common and serious public health challenges facing both the developed and developing world today. For example, according to recent worldwide estimates, 1.7 billion people are classified as either overweight or obese, and more than 500 million have either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus [Hossain et al. 2007]. The associated human, financial, and societal costs currently incurred by people with these conditions are sobering. Many other endocrine and metabolic conditions are also very prevalent and include postmenopausal states, thyroid disorders, metabolic bone diseases, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Changes in secular (e.g. effects of aging and globalization), disease (e.g. evolving diagnostic criteria), and consumer (e.g. ‘Healthy’ aging) trends will increasingly impact future endocrine and metabolic clinical practice [Ho, 2006]. Clearly the prevention and early treatment of many of the endocrine and metabolic conditions with effective lifestyle measures is the preferred option (e.g. obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia); however, when therapy is required we need effective and safe therapies that have been tested comprehensively. As therapeutic advances are being developed, new findings based on observation or evidence-based medicine may impact the use and application of these treatments. For example, several anti-obesity drugs were approved by the regulatory authorities in the UK for long-term use (i.e. orlistat, sibutramine, and rimonabant). However, as a result of new clinical information, both rimonabant (2008) and sibutramine (2010) have been withdrawn from the market due to safety considerations [Williams, 2010]. Like other specialties, endocrinology and metabolism has been revolutionized by advances in molecular biology (especially the ‘omics', e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), clinical chemistry, imaging, and therapies. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism includes developments in both the existing (i.e. drug, surgery, radiotherapy, and biotherapy) and investigational treatment modalities (e.g. gene therapy, nanotechnology and regenerative medicine). One of the future goals of endocrine and metabolic clinical care is to make chronic diseases, such as T1DM, curable [Ho, 2006]. As therapeutic advances are being developed, keeping up with these changes and having a clear understanding of the new trends in research and technology is essential for our practice. This journal will aim to provide a forum for the dissemination of this important information. For example, a series on Therapeutic perspectives will give pragmatic information on how to initiate or manage many existing and/or emerging treatments used in endocrine and metabolic conditions. In addition, a regular series on endocrine and metabolic medical emergencies will also offer a more practical and direct impact on patient care. A stellar international Editorial Board, composed of thought leaders in the field, has made a commitment to advance the mission of this journal. We are indebted to the Editorial Board members for their efforts and commitment. Publishing remains the single most-effective way of transferring important medical information. SAGE Publications, the international publisher of this journal, has been in existence for almost half a century, and they are a world leader in their chosen professional markets, currently with over 500 journal titles. We are fortunate that SAGE Publications have decided to diversify into the field of endocrinology and metabolism. We hope that you find this journal effective in bringing you timely information that will keep you abreast of the new developments in the field. Please do contact us with any suggestions that you may have as we launch this new exciting venture. On behalf of the Editorial Board and staff of the journal we thank you for your readership, and we are looking forward to serving your knowledge needs.