Follicle-stimulating hormone promotes the transformation of cholesterol to estrogen in mouse adipose tissue

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increase estrogen biosynthesis in obese menopausal women. Ovariectomized mice and 3T3-L1 cells were used to explore estrogen biosynthesis in the decline of ovarian function. After ovariectomy, lipid deposition, and FSH and estrogen levels changed, and feed intake increased significantly. In mouse adipose tissue, FSH was found to have a role in accelerating lipid deposition via the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor pathway, and in inducing estrogen biosynthesis via the steroid hormone metabolism pathway. Furthermore, FSH bound to the FSH receptor promoted CREB phosphorylation, which was activated by cAMP-PKA. Moreover, pCREB could up-regulate PPARγ and SREBP2 mRNA levels, resulting in an increased transformation of cholesterol to estrogen. Overall, this study shows that FSH induces fat deposition and promotes the transformation of cholesterol to estrogen through CREB activation by cAMP-PKA in mouse adipose tissue. Our findings provide a new understanding of menopause treatment.