Effects of tibolone, lynestrenol, ethylestrenol, and desogestrel on autoimmune disorders in NZB/W mice.

The effects of two progestagens--lynestrenol, desogestrel--an anabolic steroid--ethylestrenol--and a compound with weak progestational, anabolic, androgenic, and estrogenic activities--tibolone--on the development of systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome-like disorders were studied in the NZB/W mouse. All four compounds inhibited the expression of autoimmune disease. Tibolone was 10-40 times more potent--depending on the parameter used--in preventing symptoms of autoimmunity than the second most effective compound lynestrenol. Ethylestrenol was the third effective compound and desogestrel the least effective compound in this series. Combined with literature data, these results show that steroids with different endocrine profiles can prevent the development of autoimmunity in the NZB/W mice. Since the NZB/W mouse is a good animal model for human systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome and since tibolone, lynestrenol, and ethylestrenol have endocrinological profiles which are not prohibitive for treatment of male and female patients, investigation whether these compounds have a value in the treatment of human autoimmune diseases seems warranted.