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G J Schroepfer

Publications and source records attributed to G J Schroepfer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Silver ion high pressure liquid chromatography provides unprecedented separation of sterols: application to the enzymatic formation of cholesta-5,8-dien-3 beta-ol.

We report that silver ion HPLC provides remarkable separations of C27 sterols differing only in the number or location of olefinic double bonds. This technique has been extended to LC-MS, analysis of purified components by GC, GC-MS, and 1H NMR, and to its use on a semipreparative scale. The application of this methodology for the demonstration of the catalysis, by rat liver microsomes, of the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to cholesta-5,8-dien-3 beta-ol is also presented.

Animals

Analysis of unsaturated C27 sterols by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Complete 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal assignments have been established for 5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol, 22 unsaturated C27 sterols, and their acetate derivatives. Assignments were made from a combination of 1D and 2D spectra and include stereochemical 1H assignments for the C-22 and C-23 protons of 5 alpha-cholesta-8,24-dien-3 beta-ol and other delta 24 sterols with a C8 side chain. At the temperature and concentration range described, chemical shifts were generally reproducible to +/- 0.01 ppm in 13C spectra and +/- 0.001 ppm in 1H spectra. Except for some overlapped or strongly coupled 1H resonances, chemical shifts are given to these precisions, which are an order of magnitude better than for most data given previously. Full 1H NMR data have been reported previously for only three of the 46 compounds, and 13C data were unavailable for many, including the previously undescribed cholesta-5,8(14)-dien-3 beta-ol. An extensive set of 1H-1H coupling constants for the unsaturated sterols indicated considerable conformational diversity, which was confirmed by molecular modeling. The conformational diversity together with other factors led to a complex pattern of 13C substituent-induced chemical shifts (SCS) that appeared to elude any simple empirical correlations with structure. By contrast, the 1H SCS correlated reasonably well with simple structural features. The high precision of the SCS revealed small but measurable effects of a double bond on 1H resonances up to 12 bonds away. Also discussed are the utility and limitations of NMR for the identification of unsaturated sterols, estimation of purity, and analysis of mixtures, with an emphasis on special problems encountered at a microgram level.

Carbon Isotopes

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Metabolism-based design and construction of a new analog of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one and its effects in cultured mammalian cells and in rats.

3 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) is a potent regulator of cholesterol metabolism. In the present study, the 7 alpha-methyl-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro analog (X) of I has been synthesized with the goal of blocking not only the side chain oxidation of I but also its conversion to cholesterol. X was prepared in seven steps from the known 7 alpha-methyl analog (IX) of I. Treatment of the acetate of IX with a mixture of trifluoroacetic anhydride, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid gave 3 beta-acetoxy-7 alpha-methyl-24-hydroxy-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (XII) in remarkably high (68%) yield. Dehydration of XII via the orthonitrophenylselenide to the 23-ene, followed by addition of (CF3)2CFI gave (23R)-3 beta-acetoxy-7 alpha-methyl-23-iodo-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (XV). Reductive deiodination of XV with tributyltin hydride, followed by hydrolysis of the acetate gave 3 beta-hydroxy-7 alpha-methyl-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (X). The F7-7 alpha-methyl-15-ketosterol X lowered the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells with a potency equivalent to that of I. X showed significant hypocholesterolemic action upon oral administration to rats, with a potency far in excess of the 7 alpha-methyl-15-ketosterol IX lacking the F7 substitution. In marked contrast to I, X showed little or no suppression of food consumption in rats. Upon oral administration of X to rats, low levels of X (relative to cholesterol), characterized by chromatographic and gas chromatography-mass spectrometric methodologies, were observed in serum, liver, and small intestine. No material was observed with the expected properties of F7-7-methylcholesterol (or potential intermediates in its possible formation from X). In contrast to I, X lowered serum cholesterol levels at dosages at which no effect on food consumption was observed.

Animals

Sphingolipid bases. A revisitation of the O-methyl derivatives of sphingosine. Isolation and characterization of diacetate derivatives, with revised 13C nuclear magnetic resonance assignments for D-erythro-sphingosine.

As described by Carter et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 1951. 192: 197-207), O-methyl derivatives of sphingosine are formed upon acid hydrolysis of sphingolipids in the presence of methanol. In the present study, we have isolated four O-methyl ethers of C18-sphingosine by medium pressure liquid chromatography of their diacetate derivatives, i.e., (2S,3R,4E)-1-acetoxy-2-acetamido-3-methoxy-4-octadecene, its (2S,3S) epimer, (2R,3E,5R)-1-acetoxy-2-acetamido-5-methoxy-3-octadecene, and its (2R,5S) epimer. Structures were determined by physical, chromatographic, and spectral properties. The 5-O-methyl ethers, which were the predominant byproducts of sphingolipid hydrolysis, were easily distinguished from the 3-O-methyl ethers by chromatography, and all four isomers could be differentiated by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. NMR analysis of the original N-acetate and diacetate samples of O-methylsphingosines I and II of Carter et al. demonstrated that they correspond to the 5-O-methyl ethers (2R,5R and 2R,5S, respectively), with purities of approximately 90-99%. Resolution enhancement of the 126-MHz 13C NMR spectra of the O-methyl ethers and D-erythro-C18-sphingosine (Ia) afforded distinct signals for nearly all carbon atoms. 13C NMR assignments of carbons 7-15 were made from their lanthanide-induced shifts, and revised assignments for olefinic carbons of Ia were established based upon 1H-13C shift correlation experiments.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Synthesis and spectral properties of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one and its 17 beta-epimer and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity.

3 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one (2a) and its 14 beta-epimer 2b were prepared from 3 beta-acetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene (3). Hydroboration of 3 at 45-50 degrees C gave a mixture of 5 alpha,14 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,15 alpha-diol and 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3 beta,15 beta-diol, which were separated on silica gel as their 3 beta-tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers 5a and 5b. Oxidation of 5a with pyridinium chlorochromate, followed by desilylation with tetrabutylammonium fluoride gave 2a. Analogous transformations of 5b gave 2b contaminated with 2a. Desilylation of 5b followed by oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate resulted in a mixture composed mainly of 5 alpha,14 beta-cholestane-3,15-dione and 2b. Successive chromatographic separations on silica gel and reversed phase media gave 2b of high purity. Compound 2a was also prepared by lithium-ammonia reduction of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (96% yield) and by selective reduction of 5 alpha-cholestane-3,15-dione with lithium tri-tert-butoxyaluminum hydride (90% yield). Isomers 2a and 2b were readily epimerized under acidic or basic conditions or under conditions used for gas chromatographic analysis. The purities of 2a and 2b were measured from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra; chromatographic methods gave less reliable estimates of purity. NMR data also showed that ring C of the 14 beta sterols is predominantly in a chair conformation. The effects of 2a and 2b on the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase have been studied in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis: 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27- heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholestan-15-one, an analog of a potent hypocholesterolemic agent in which its major metabolism is blocked.

The chemical synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro- 5 alpha-cholestan-15-one (IV) has been pursued to provide an analog of the potent hypocholesterolemic agent 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) in which its major metabolism is blocked. Reduction of 3 beta-acetoxy-5 alpha-chola-8(14),23-dien-15-one with lithium in liquid ammonia gave 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-chol-23-en-15-one (VI). Addition of (CF3)2CFI to VI in the presence of triethylborane gave 3 beta-hydroxy-23R-iodo-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholestan- 15-one, which was reduced to IV with tributyltin hydride. IV was found to be highly active in lowering the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells, in lowering acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in jejunal microsomes, and in lowering serum cholesterol levels in rats.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. An improved chemical synthesis of 26-oxygenated delta 8(14)-15-ketosterols having the 25R configuration.

(25R)-3 beta,26-Dihydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) was synthesized in four steps from (25R)-3 beta,26-diacetoxycholesta-5,7-diene (III) in 30% overall yield. Isomerization of III with HCl in chloroform-dichloromethane at -60 degrees C gave (25R)-3 beta,26-diacetoxy-5 alpha-cholesta-7,14-diene together with the 5 alpha-delta 8,14 and 5 beta-delta 8,14 isomers in a 5:1:1 ratio. Epoxidation of the crude diene mixture with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, followed by hydrolysis in acetone containing concentrated HClO4 (0.1%) gave (25R)-3 beta,26-diacetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VIII), accompanied by numerous minor byproducts, including the 5 alpha,14 beta-delta 7, 5 alpha, 14 beta-delta 8 and 5 beta,14 beta-delta 8 isomers of VIII. All four 15-ketosterol esters were isolated by chromatography and fully characterized by mass spectrometry and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Treatment of VIII with potassium carbonate in degassed methanol gave I.

Cholesterol

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis: effects of a 7 alpha-alkyl analog of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in cultured mammalian cells and on serum cholesterol levels and other parameters in rats.

The 7 alpha-methyl analog (II) of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15- one (I) was prepared by chemical synthesis and evaluated with respect to its effects on HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells and on serum cholesterol levels in rats. The 7 alpha-methyl substitution had no detectable effect on the potency of I in lowering HMG-CoA reductase activity in the cultured cells. In contrast, the 7 alpha-methyl substitution had a marked effect on the action of I in the suppression of food consumption in rats. Whereas II was less potent than I in lowering serum cholesterol levels in rats, it did so at dosage levels at which only slight or moderate effects on food consumption were observed. Full 1H and 13C-NMR assignments for II and intermediates in its synthesis have been presented. Conformational analysis, based on 1H-1H coupling constants, NMR shieldings and force-field calculations, indicated that the 7 alpha-methyl substitution had virtually no effect on the conformation of the 15-ketosterol apart from minor distortions of ring B.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Effects of fluorine substitution at carbon atom 25 of cholesterol on its spectral and chromatographic properties and on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells.

25-Fluorocholesterol (III) was prepared by treatment of 25-hydroxycholesterol (IV) with hydrogen fluoride-pyridine. Compounds III, IV, and cholesterol (I) were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, and stereochemical assignments were established for the C-22 and C-23 protons. The side-chain proton assignments, which apply to most other sterols with a saturated eight-carbon side chain, were based on conformational analysis and comparisons with NMR data for 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholesterol (II). The chromatographic behavior of I, II, and III were compared on thin-layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography. Major fragment ions in electron-impact mass spectra of III were analogous to ions of either cholesterol or desmosterol, and a similar analogy was observed for the trimethylsilyl ethers. The 25-hydroxysterol IV and the 25-fluorosterol III differed markedly in their effects on the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. Whereas 25-hydroxycholesterol caused a approximately 66% lowering of reductase activity in cells at 0.1 microM, the 25-fluorosterol III had no effect at this concentration.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Submicromolar 14 alpha-ethyl-5 alpha-cholest-7-ene-3 beta, 15 alpha-diol causes a major modification of the sterol composition of CHO-K1 cells and a marked change in cell morphology.

Incubation of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) with 14 alpha-ethyl-5 alpha-cholest-7-ene-3 beta,15 alpha-diol (0.1 microM) in lipid-deficient medium led to a major change in cellular sterol composition, which was characterized by a very marked accumulation of C30 sterols (lanosterol and 24,25-dihydrolanosterol). The accumulation of C30 sterols was associated with a striking change in cell morphology. The change in cell shape (elongation) was similar to that described previously (A. W. Hsie and T. T. Puck, 1971. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 68: 358-361; and confirmed herein) for CHO-K1 cells incubated in the presence of dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM). This change in morphology, induced by dibutyryl cAMP, was not accompanied by a change in cellular sterol composition. The cell elongation and accumulation of C30 sterols, induced by the 14 alpha-ethyl diol, were prevented by the addition of cholesterol (10 microM or 100 microM) and were reversed by removal of the 14 alpha-ethyl diol from the incubation medium. Incubation of the cells with the 14 alpha-ethyl diol had no effect on the levels of cAMP under the conditions studied. Incubation of the cells with miconazole (10 microM) or with lanosterol (10 microM) was also associated with the accumulation of C30 sterols and an elongation of the cells. 24,25-Dihydrolanosterol (10 microM) also induced similar changes in cellular morphology. The results presented herein demonstrate that marked changes in the sterol composition of CHO-K1 cells can be effected by incubation of the cells with 14 alpha-ethyl-5 alpha-cholest-7-ene-3 beta, 15 alpha-diol, miconazole, or lanosterol. In addition, the findings reported herein indicate an important role of sterols in the control of the shape of these cells.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Tritium-labeled 26-hydroxycholesterol of high specific activity from a byproduct of the Clemmensen reduction of diosgenin.

(25R)-26-Hydroxycholesterol (I) was synthesized in six steps from (22Z,25R)-cholesta-5,22-diene-3 beta,26-diol (II) in 31% overall yield. The 26-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl ether of II was converted via its 3 beta-tosylate to (22Z,25R)-6 beta-methoxy-26-(tert- butyldiphenylsilyloxy)-3 alpha,5-cyclo-5 alpha-cholest-22-ene (V). Removal of the 26-silyl group of V gave (22Z,25R)-6 beta-methoxy-3 alpha,5-cyclo-5 alpha-cholest-22-en-26-ol, which was hydrogenated over platinum oxide and then hydrolyzed to I. Catalytic reduction in the presence of deuterium or tritium gas gave [2H]-I or [3H]-I, respectively. Analysis of the [2H]-I by mass spectrometry showed that all the deuterium was located in the sterol side chain, mainly as d2, d3, and d4 species. The 2H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of [2H]-I indicated that most of the deuterium was located at C-22 and C-23, with lesser amounts at C-24 and minor amounts at C-20, C-21, C-25, and C-27. NMR spectra of [2H]-I and its alpha-methoxy-alpha-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetate diester showed no detectable 20S epimer and approximately 2% of the 25S epimer. The [3H]-I was prepared analogously to [2H]-I using carrier-free tritium and showed a specific activity of 16.9 Ci/mmol. All synthetic intermediates were characterized fully by 1H and 13C NMR, and representative 1H-1H coupling constants are given for the ring A protons of i-steroids.

Deuterium

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Effects of a new fluorinated analog of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one in rats.

3 beta-Hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VII), an analog of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) in which conversion to 26- and 25-oxygenated metabolites is blocked by the F7-substitution, was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats at levels of from 0.025 to 0.15% by weight in a ground chow diet. Administration of VII resulted in lowering of the levels of serum cholesterol at dosages as low as 0.025% by weight in diet. In marked contrast to I, VII had little or no effect on food consumption. Whereas administration of I at a level of 0.1% by weight in diet resulted in a cessation of growth, VII, at approximately the same molar concentration in diet, had only slight or no effect on changes in total body weight. Significant levels of 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholesterol (VIII) were observed in serum and liver, indicating the conversion of VII to VIII. Characterization of VIII in liver was based upon the results of gas chromatography, low and high resolution mass spectral studies, infrared spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The levels of VIII in serum appeared to be related to dosage and duration of administration of VII.

Animals

Differing effects of three oxysterols on low density lipoprotein metabolism in HepG2 cells.

25R)-26-Hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, and 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, all extraordinarily potent suppressors of sterol synthesis and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity in mammalian cells, have been studied with respect to their effects on the metabolism of low density lipoproteins (LDL) by human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. The three oxysterols differed markedly in their effects on LDL metabolism, as measured by the combination of cell-associated plus degraded 125I-LDL. The 26-hydroxysterol, at concentrations from 0.1 microM to 75 microM, lowered LDL metabolism. In contrast, the 25-hydroxysterol and the 15-ketosterol, at concentrations from 0.05 microM to 2.5 microM, caused an increase in LDL metabolism. At higher concentrations of these oxysterols, LDL metabolism was suppressed. However, upon increasing the concentration of the 15-ketosterol further to 75 microM, an extraordinary 9-fold increase in LDL metabolism was observed. In contrast to their effects on LDL metabolism, the 25-hydroxysterol and the 15-ketosterol caused simple concentration-dependent decreases in the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity under the same conditions.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

D-erythro-sphingosine lowers 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

D-Erythro-sphingosine lowered the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. Significant suppression of reductase activity was observed at 5 microM, 10 microM, and 15 microM concentrations of the sphingolipid base and approximately 50% lowering was found at 10 microM. In contrast, L-threo-sphingosine had no effect on the levels of reductase activity under the conditions studied. Direct addition of D-erythro-sphingosine, at concentrations up to 100 microM, to rat liver microsomes had no effect on the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity. The concentrations of D-erythro-sphingosine required to lower reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells correspond to reported levels of sphingosine in mammalian cells.

Animals

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Chemical synthesis and properties of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one and 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholesterol and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in cultured mammalian cells.

A side-chain fluorinated delta 8(14)-15-ketosterol has been synthesized from 3 beta-acetoxy-24-hydroxy-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (VII) as part of a program to prepare new analogs of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I), a potent regulator of cholesterol metabolism. 3 beta-Hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VIII) was prepared in five steps from VII in 38% overall yield. Dehydration of VII via the ortho-nitrophenylselenide to the 23-ene, followed by addition of (CF3)2CFI gave 3 beta-acetoxy-23R-iodo-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one. Reductive deiodination with tributyltin hydride, followed by hydrolysis of the acetate gave VIII. 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-Heptafluorocholest-5-en-3 beta-ol (XXI) was prepared in eight steps in 31% overall yield from 3 alpha,6 alpha-diacetoxy-5 beta-cholanic acid (XIII). Compound XIII was reduced with borane-methyl sulfide to the corresponding 24-hydroxysteroid, which was converted to 3 alpha,6 alpha-diacetoxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 beta-cholestane (XVIII) by reactions analogous to those developed for the preparation of VIII from VII. Conversion of XVIII via the 3 alpha,6 alpha-diol to the 3 alpha,6 alpha-ditosylate, followed by heating with potassium acetate in dimethylformamide and subsequent hydrolysis gave XXI. Full 1H and 13C NMR assignments are presented for VIII, XXI, and intermediates involved in their synthesis. 13C NMR assignments for 3 alpha,6 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-steroids have been corrected, and stereochemical assignments were established for the side-chain methylene protons of VIII, XXI, and most synthetic intermediates. Compound VIII lowered the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells and in HepG2 cells with a potency comparable to that of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I). In contrast, 25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluorocholest-5-en-3 beta-ol had little or no effect on reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. These combined results indicate that metabolism of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) to 26- and 25-oxygenated species is not required for the suppressive action of I on the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells and HepG2 cells.

Animals

Synergistic action of two oxysterols in the lowering of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells.

3 beta-Hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) and (25R)-26-hydroxycholesterol (II), both potent regulators of sterol biosynthesis, have been found to show synergism in the reduction of the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. When equimolar concentrations of I and II were added in combination, synergistic reduction (p less than 0.0001) of enzyme activity was observed at total oxysterol concentrations of 0.1 microM, 0.2 microM, and 0.5 microM. Maximal synergistic effect in the lowering of reductase activity (28% greater than predicted) was observed at 0.1 microM total oxysterol concentration. Five additional experiments conducted with 50 nM oxysterols confirmed the synergistic effect at 0.1 microM total sterol concentration. These results suggest that the in vivo importance of I and II may be greater than that anticipated on the basis of the concentrations of the individual sterols.

Analysis of Variance

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Chemical syntheses and spectral properties of 26-oxygenated derivatives of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells.

26-Oxygenated derivatives of delta 8(14)-15-ketosterols have been synthesized from (25R)-3 beta,26-diacetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (IX) as part of a program to prepare potential metabolites and analogs of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I), a potent regulator of cholesterol metabolism. Partial hydrolysis of IX gave a mixture, from which the 3 beta,26-diol II and the 26-acetate (XI) and 3 beta-acetate (X) monoesters were isolated. Mitsunobu reaction of XI followed by hydrolysis gave (25R)-3 alpha,26-dihydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VI). Oxidation of XI with pyridinium chlorochromate followed by hydrolysis of the acetate gave (25R)-26-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3,15-dione (VII). Oxidation of X with Jones reagent followed by hydrolysis of the acetate gave (25R)-3 beta-hydroxy-15-keto-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-26-oic acid (IVa). Jones oxidation of II gave (25R)-3,15-diketo-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-26-oic acid (VII). 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance assignments and analyses of mass spectral fragmentation data are presented for each of the new compounds and their derivatives. The 3,15-diketone VII was found to be highly active in lowering the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells, with a potency comparable to that of I. In contrast, 3 alpha,26-diol VI was less potent than I or VII. The two carboxylic acid analogs IVa and VIII were considerably less potent than VI in lowering the levels of HMG-CoA reductase activity.

Animals