Abstract: To investigate the relationship between estrogen deficiency and metabolic syndromes. Methods: Thisstudy focused on the follicle stimulating hormone receptor knockout ( FORKO ) female mice. The data of 10 genes of adipocyte related factors that might have impact on the metabolic activity of the adipose tissue were screened in the gene bank. The bodyweights and gonadal fat pads weights of different genotype at different ages were weighed, and the ratio of gonadal fat pad weight to bodyweight was calculated respectively. Glucose tolerance test(glucose was given 2 mg/kg bodyweight orally) was performed among the three genotypes′ female mice at different ages respectively. Histology was used to observe the shape and size of white adipocytes, brown adipocytes and hepatic cells. Serum leptin was measured at the age of 35 months. Results: Aadipocyte related factors containing putive hormone responsive elements in their promoter regions were found in 7 genes. Null mutants of 3month showed signs of obesity with increased deposition of abdominal fat and mutant females exhibited age dependent glucose intorlerance. There were more lipid drops in mutants′ adipocytes and hepatic cells than those in wild type females. Serum leptin levels were much higher in null mutants both at fast and fed status than those in wild type female mice. Conclusion: Estrogen deficiency may contribute to metabolic syndromes, such as visceral obesity and glucose intorlerance in FORKO female mouse.

Key words: Estrogens, Metabolic sydroms, Mice, Knockout