A Role for Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase 1 in Vascular Remodeling During Endometrial Decidualization

The study investigates the role of steroid 5α-reductase type 1 (SRD5A1) in endometrial decidualisation, a crucial process for fertility involving endometrial remodelling. Using SRD5A1-deficient mice (Srd5a1-/- mice) and an induced decidualisation model, researchers found that the absence of 5α-reductase significantly affected the decidualisation response, vessel permeability, and the regulation of angiogenesis signalling pathways, particularly those involving vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The administration of dihydrotestosterone in Srd5a1-/- mice restored these parameters to normal levels. The study concludes that intracrine androgen signalling, facilitated by 5α-reductase, is essential for optimal decidualisation and vascular development during this process. This suggests that targeting androgen-dependent signalling could improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes, especially considering the decline in androgen availability with age and its potential link to pregnancy disorders.