[Endocrinology 1998-1999].

In the cascade hormone--second messenger--cellular G-proteins (GTP binding proteins), impairment can occur also at the last step: Mutant G-proteins may amplify the response (e.g. hypophyseal and thyroid adenomas) or reduce it (pseudohypoparathyreosis, testitoxicosis). Other new group of diseases appears to be anexinopathy: Among anexins belong also lippocortins and impairments occur in the hemocoagulation. "Reverse endocrinology" is a process description when the recognition of receptor (called an "orphan receptor") comes earlier than that of the hormone: Such receptors are known for several steroid hormones, retinoids and eicosanoids and it appears they are important also in the metabolism of cholesterol. A single antigen--glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), can cause autoimmune disease as the immuno-dependent diabetes (IDDM). Treatment of the skin T-cell lymphoma by some retinoids can result in hypothyroidism. Retrotransposones are example of the human genome modification with yet unknown clinical manifestations. Hepatocytal growth factor reveals to be the hope for treatment of cirrhosis. Search for effective peroral insulin substitutes is at present based on testing of various metabolites of fungi. Antibodies against TNF (tumor necrosis factor) become tested as "anti-cytokine therapy" in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Some other suggestions for new ways of treatment is also listed, including the intranasal administration of estradiol.