Health benefits attributed to 17α-estradiol, a lifespan-extending compound, are mediated through estrogen receptor α

The study conducted in 2020 found that 17α-estradiol, a compound known for its lifespan-extending properties, improves metabolic parameters and slows aging in male mice. The beneficial effects were found to be mediated through the estrogen receptor α (ERα). The study demonstrated that the removal of ERα negated the positive metabolic effects of 17α-E2 in male mice, suggesting that 17α-E2 primarily acts through the liver and hypothalamus. The study also found that 17α-E2 improves metabolic parameters in male rats, indicating that the beneficial effects of 17α-E2 are not limited to mice. These findings suggest that ERα could be a potential drug target for mitigating chronic diseases in male mammals.