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Syntheses and ultraviolet absorption of aza-steroids.

A series of aza-steroids was synthesized containing chromophoric groups, such as a, beta-unsaturated ketones and doubly unsaturated conjugated and monoconjugated heteroannular dienones with the heteroatom in the D ring at the 20 and 17a positions. The effect of an appositely placed electronegative center in these molecules upon their ultraviolet absorptions was studied. In order to obtain a basis for the observed spectral changes, the corresponding carbocyclic compounds were also synthesized. The maximum absorptions of the aza-steroids were hypsochromically shifted relative to the carbocyclic compounds in all cases (n=8). The displacement caused by the electronegative center on absorption maximum of the chromophores is, however, highly dependent on its location within the molecules.

Azasteroids↗

Inhibition of pyridine-nucleotide-dependent enzymes by pyrazoles. Synthesis and enzymology of a novel A-ring pyrazole steroid.

A novel A-ring pyrazole steroid, 2,3-bisaza-A-nor-1,5(10)-estradien-17 beta-ol (3), was synthesized as a potential inhibitor of steroidal NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases. Compound 3 proved to be a potent inhibitor of 3(17)beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (from P. testosteroni) exhibiting a Ki of 90 +/- 20 nM. The activities of 3 alpha,20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (from S. hydrogenans), steroid-5 alpha-reductase (from rat prostate), and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (from rat liver) were unaffected by pyrazole 3. Dead end inhibition studies indicate an ordered binding of cofactor prior to substrate or pyrazole inhibitor.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Synthesis of 12-mono- and di-substituted 8-aza-11-oxasteroids.

The synthesis of unsaturated derivatives of 8-aza-11-oxa-17-oxo-gonane and D-homo-gonane carrying one or two functional substituents at C-12 is reported. The key step for the construction of the heterosteroid skeleton was the cyclocondensation reaction of aldol adducts 1, derived from 1,3-cycloalkanediones and diethyl 2-oxo-malonate, with tosyl chloride and isoquinoline.

Azasteroids↗

Intermediates of stigmasterol metabolism in Spodoptera littoralis.

Stigmasterol-24,28-epoxide, 22E-stigmasta-5,22,24(28E)-trien-3 beta-ol, and 22E-cholesta-5,22,24-trien-3 beta-ol were identified as normal metabolites of [3H]stigmasterol in Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Relative concentrations of all three of these metabolites increased when a diazasterol inhibitor was fed in combination with stigmasterol in the artificial diet. Identification of these sterols as intermediates in the conversion of stigmasterol to cholesterol in this insect indicates that intermediates analogous to fucosterol and fucosterol-24,28-epoxide in the conversion of sitosterol to cholesterol are produced in the metabolism of stigmasterol. This is the first published identification of stigmasterol-24,28-epoxide and 22E-stigmasta-5,22,24(28E)-trien-3 beta-ol as intermediates in this pathway in an insect.

Animals↗

Testosterone processing by pituitary cells in culture: an examination of the role of 5 alpha-reduction in androgen action on the gonadotroph.

Dispersed rat pituitary cells were exposed to [1,2,6,7-3H]testosterone ([3H]T, 10(-8) M) to assess the role of 5 alpha-reduction in T regulation of gonadotroph secretion. After 4 to 48 hours of exposure, [3H]T metabolites isolated by thin-layer chromatography were characterized in medium and cell homogenates as well as bound to androgen receptors salt-extracted from purified nuclear pellets. Receptor-bound 5 alpha-[3H]dihydrotestosterone ([3H]DHT)/total [3H]androgens rose progressively from 16% at 4 hours to more than 50% at 48 hours. Coincubation with 4-MA (10- to 1,000-fold molar excess) or testosterone-17 beta-carboxylic acid (TCA; 1,000-fold excess) reduced receptor-bound [3H]DHT/[3H]androgen to less than 10% and 20%, respectively, but elevated [3H]T-receptor levels. Despite inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase activity, TCA and 4-MA had no effect on T suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone secretion or T enhancement of total (cell + secreted) follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The results suggest that 5 alpha-reduction to DHT is not essential for the expression of the direct influences of T on gonadotropin synthesis and secretion in rat gonadotrophs.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Synthesis of novel 6-aza-B- and 11-aza-C-homoestranes as antifertility agents.

Reaction of 3,9 alpha, 17 beta-trihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-11-one 17-acetate 3-methyl ether (3) with N3H-BF3 etherate leads mainly to lactam (4) along with the N-azido compound (5) as a minor product. Under similar conditions, 3,17 beta-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-6-one 17-acetate 3-methyl ether gives lactam (12) and the tetrazole derivative (9). Similar reaction of the diacetate (8) gives only the tetrazole derivative (11). Compounds 4, 6, and 10 prevent implantation in rats at 5-, 10-, and 5-mg/kg doses, respectively. Compounds 4, 6, 9, and 10 show significant estrogenic activity at the respective contraceptive doses.

Animals↗

The enzyme and inhibitors of 4-ene-3-oxosteroid 5 alpha-oxidoreductase.

Since evidence of 5 alpha-reductase activity in rabbit liver homogenate was discovered in 1954, the presence of this enzyme has been demonstrated in many other organs and tissues of mammalian species. 5 alpha-Reductase selectively transforms a 4-ene-3-oxosteroid (e.g., testosterone) irreversibly to the corresponding 5 alpha-3-oxosteroid (e.g., 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone) in the presence of NADPH as an essential coenzyme at an optimal pH. However, excessive production of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone is the major cause of many androgen-related disorders, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne, female hirsutism, and male pattern baldness; therefore, inhibition of androgenic action by 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors is a logical treatment. During the past two decades, research has focused on understanding the biological functions and effects of 5 alpha-reductase and its 5 alpha-reduced metabolites: purification of the enzyme, substrates, and metabolites; characterization of their physical, chemical, and biochemical properties; analysis of the amino acid sequence of the enzyme; synthesis of various classes of molecules as potential inhibitors; and examination of the biological activity of the inhibitors in vitro and/or in vivo. This review summarizes the biochemical studies on this enzyme, suggests the mechanisms of action of the enzyme or inhibitors, and discusses the chemistry necessary for the preparation, structure-activity relationships, and in vitro and/or in vivo data obtained from the evaluation of nonsteroidal and steroidal compounds that have been tested as inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase. In particular, IC50 and Ki values for relevant compounds will be compared according to molecular class. This review could function as a comprehensive working reference of what research has been accomplished so far and what problems remain to be solved in the future for those engaged in this interesting field.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Synthesis of novel intranuclear diazasteroids.

By use of the aza Diels-Alder reaction a series of aminoisoquinolines and aminoquinolines have been elaborated to provide an effective synthesis of diverse diazasteroids. In particular, representative 1,11-diaza-, 3,11-diaza-, and 4,11-diazasteroids have been synthesized from cyclopentadiene. From dihydropyran a 4,11-diaza-15-oxa-D-homosteroid has been obtained.

Aminoquinolines↗

The role of metabolism and covalent binding in the cytotoxicity of a nitrogen-containing steroid toward rat hepatocytes.

The nitrogen-containing steroid N,N-diethyl-4-methyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5 alpha-androst-1-ene-17 beta-carboxamide (I) causes concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity toward freshly isolated F-344 rat hepatocytes. Because hepatocytes extensively metabolize I to both stable and reactive products, the role of metabolism and covalent binding in the cytotoxicity of I was investigated. Concentration-dependent covalent binding of I-related material to hepatocyte macromolecules was detected. Treatment of rats with phenobarbital increased the rate and extent of hepatocyte metabolism of I, increased the covalent binding of I-related material to hepatocyte macromolecules, but decreased the cytotoxicity of I. Addition of testosterone to incubations of hepatocytes and I inhibited the metabolism of I, decreased the covalent binding of I-related material to hepatocyte macromolecules, but potentiated the cytotoxicity of I. These results indicate that the covalent binding of reactive metabolites is not involved in the cytotoxicity of I. Moreover, the two major metabolites of I, the 4-carbinolamide and monoethyl analog, were much less cytotoxic toward hepatocytes than I. These data suggest that the metabolism of I represents detoxication and that the parent compound is the cytotoxicant.

Animals↗

A steroid derivative (RU 5135) exhibits epileptogenicity in the presence of deficient blood-brain barrier.

A hypothesis was tested that epileptic spiking, induced by systemic administration of a steroid derivative (RU 5135), may be associated with surgery-related cortical damage rather than epileptogenicity of the agent. Cumulative doses of the drug were given to rats and rabbits. The lasting quasi-periodic seizure discharges were always seen initially only under an epicortical electrode implant. Brain damage in inflicted by such an electrode was confirmed anatomically (by assessing the area of lesion) and noninvasively (by showing contrast-induced enhancement of CT brain images in the hemisphere homolateral to epicortical electrodes). The threshold of epileptic spiking varied inversely with the area of cortical damage inflicted by the electrode. In a number of cases no spiking was obtained from the hemisphere with nonpenetrating (intraosteal) electrodes. We caution that a breach of the BBB caused by conventional surgery in rodents can make a benign drug appear as excessively toxic thereby discrediting potentially useful compounds.

Androstanes↗

Comparative study on cytogenetic damage induced by homo-aza-steroidal esters in human lymphocytes.

The effect of P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-N-methyl-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 3) and 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstane (compound 2) on sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies and on human lymphocytes proliferation kinetics was studied. The results are compared with those of the P[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylacetate esters of 3 beta-hydroxy-17 alpha-aza-D-homo-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (compound 1). All compounds were found to be active in inducing markedly increased SCE rates and cell division delays. A correlation between potency for SCE induction, effectiveness in cell division delay and previously established antitumour activity of these compounds was observed.

Androstanes↗

Induction of cytogenetic damage by modified steroidal derivatives of p-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenylacetic acid in human lymphocytes.

The effect of modified steroids, containing alkylating agents, on SCE rates and on cell kinetics in cultured human lymphocytes was studied. The homo-aza-steroidal ester of p-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenylacetic acid (ASE) was found to be the most effective in causing markedly increased SCE rates and cell division delays. The androsterone ester of p-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenylacetic acid (AE-CAPA) was found to be next in order of effectiveness with the lactone ester (LE-CAPA), chlorambucil ester 3 beta-hydroxy-13a-amino-13,17-seco-5a-androstan-17-oic-13,17-lactam (CBC-HAAL) and chlorambucil (CBC) following. p-Bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenylacetic acid (CAPA) had only a small effect and 3 beta-hydroxy-13a-amino-13,17-seco-5a-androstan-17-oic-13,17-lactam (HAAL) had no effect at all. A correlation between potency for SCE induction, effectiveness in cell division delay and previously established antitumor activity of these drugs was observed.

Androstanes↗

Delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity in two distinct density Leydig cells from immature rats. Differences in responsiveness to human chorionic gonadotropin or 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate.

The present studies examined the responsiveness to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity of cultured immature Band 2 (low density) or Band 3 (high density) Leydig cells isolated on Percoll gradients. Enzyme activity increased in relation to the dose of hCG or 8-Br-cAMP in both bands; however, activity in Band 2 cells increased about 200% above control, while activity in Band 3 cells increased only about 30-60% above control following 6 days of treatment. Maximal responses were observed 4-6 days following exposure to hCG or 8-Br-cAMP in both bands. Because elevated 5 alpha-reductase activity prevents testosterone accumulation in immature Leydig cells, Band 2 or Band 3 cells were cultured in the presence of 4-methyl-4-aza-3-oxo-pregnan-(20S)-carboxylate, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, to assess the relationship between changes in delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity and testosterone formation. Although hCG or 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity began to decline by day 8 or 10 of treatment, testosterone levels progressively increased for 10 days before declining in both bands. Thus, changes in enzyme activity did not strictly correlate with testosterone synthesizing capacity of cultured Leydig cells. Enzyme activity also was measured in cells cultured with the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor to determine whether the responsiveness of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity of Band 2 or Band 3 cells was due, in part, to low testosterone levels. delta 5-3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity in Band 2 or Band 3 cells cultured without or with the inhibitor was similar, suggesting that testosterone does not inhibit the enzyme in immature Leydig cells. The greater responsiveness of delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity in Band 2 cells was not due to Leydig cell replication as neither total DNA or [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was altered by hCG or cAMP.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Progesterone modulation of gonadotropin secretion by dispersed rat pituitary cells in culture. II. Intracellular metabolism and progestin receptors.

Dispersed, estradiol (E2)-treated, rat pituitary cell cultures were used to examine the intracellular processing of progesterone (P) associated with its modulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Enhancement and suppression of LH release was only observed with acute and chronic exposures to P or other naturally occurring and synthetic progestins avidly bound by pituitary progestin receptors; such responses were inhibited by cotreatment with the antiprogestin RU486 but not with the antiandrogen flutamide, illustrating the importance of the P + receptor interactions. However, cotreatment with a 100-fold molar excess of the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor 17 beta-N,N-diethyl-carbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one (4-MA) had no effect on the expression of P's modulatory actions. Additional studies using different E2 pretreatments revealed that P enhanced LH release when progestin receptor levels were elevated. Moreover, the magnitude and duration of P's influences on LH release increased in cells with higher receptor levels. However, there were several instances in which progestin receptor level and P modulation of LH release did not correlate. In several instances E2-induced progestin receptor levels stabilized at a maximal level whereas P enhancement of LH secretion continued to increase in size and duration. These findings underscore the importance of progestin receptors for P-induced modulation of LH secretion and illustrate that 5 alpha-reduction and further metabolism of P is not obligatory for the expression of these responses. In addition, our data demonstrate that the important cellular mechanisms underlying E2 priming of gonadotroph responsiveness to P entail the induction of progestin receptor levels and other as yet unidentified cellular processes.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Biosynthesis of ecdysteroid hormones by crustacean Y-organs: conversion of cholesterol to 7-dehydrocholesterol is suppressed by a steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

A pair of glands (Y-organs) in crustaceans synthesize and secrete ecdysteroid hormones; the obligate precursor for synthesis is circulating cholesterol. Ecdysteroid output by the Y-organs is regulated negatively by an eyestalk neurosecretory peptide, molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH). The question was addressed, does MIH suppress ecdysteroid synthesis by decreasing cholesterol supply (uptake) or its utilization or both? Experiments were conducted with Y-organs in vitro from the crab, Menippe mercenaria, in the presence of labeled cholesterol, with or without the steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, L-645390 (Merck). Other experiments superimposed the presence or absence of eyestalk extract containing MIH activity. L-645390 greatly depressed incorporation of cholesterol into an early intermediate, 7-dehydrocholesterol and into secreted ecdysteroids. At the same time, cholesterol accumulated in the Y-organs, to levels significantly higher than in untreated controls. MIH alone depressed both cholesterol uptake and incorporation. MIH together with L-645390 produced the greatest depression of cholesterol incorporation while also preventing the cholesterol accumulation seen with L-645390 alone. These results indicate that cholesterol uptake and its metabolic utilization in Y-organs are separable events representing separate sites of regulation by MIH.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Blockade of androstenedione-induced stimulation of androgen-sensitive parameters in the rat prostate by combination of Flutamide and 4-MA.

In order to mimic the human situation in which adrenal steroid precursors are converted to the active androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in prostatic tissue, we have used castrated rats supplemented with the precursor steroid androstenedione (delta 4-dione) released from Silastic implants. While it is well known that the action of DHT can be partially neutralized by antiandrogens which compete for binding to the androgen receptor, we have used 17 beta-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one (4-MA), an inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT, in order to decrease intraprostatic DHT levels and thus facilitate the action of the antiandrogen. Animals were treated for 7 days with Flutamide (FLU, 2 mg) or 4-MA (4 mg) injected subcutaneously, twice daily, alone or in combination. 4-MA administered alone caused a 54% inhibition of delta 4-dione-stimulated ventral prostate weight while FLU exerted a 74% inhibitory effect and 4-MA+FLU further improved inhibition to 81%. We then measured, by in situ hybridization, the levels of prostatic mRNAs encoding the C1 and C3 components of the prostatic binding protein (PBP) which are highly specific and sensitive markers of androgen action. PBP-C3 mRNA levels fell by 95% following castration while treatment with delta 4-dione completely reversed the effect of castration. Administration of FLU or 4-MA independently caused 33% and 10% decreases, respectively, of PBP-C3 mRNA levels stimulated by delta 4-dione while the combination of both compounds further inhibited PBP-C3 mRNA levels to reach a 55% inhibition. Similar effects were observed on PBP-C1 mRNA levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗