A recent study published in Reproductive and Developmental Medicine has revealed that estrogen can partially restore progesterone levels and improve ovarian health in Mcoln1 −/− mice, which serve as a model for human mucolipidosis type IV (a type of lysosomal storage disorder). These mice have premature luteolysis leading to progesterone deficiency and infertility.
A research team from the University of Georgia treated Mcoln1 −/− mice with hormone therapies, including progesterone, estrogen, or a combination of both. Results showed that a high level of estrogen significantly increased serum progesterone levels while progesterone alone lacked such effect in Mcoln1 −/− mice. The estrogen treatment also improved the morphology of Mcoln1 −/− luteal cells in the ovary, indicative of improved lysosomal function. This research could provide insights into treating progesterone insufficiency.
Reproductive and Developmental Medicine
Exogenous estrogen partially rescues progesterone deficiency and autophagosome enlargement in Mcoln1−/− mouse model with lysosomal storage disorder
6-Sep-2024