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PubMed2001

Synthesis of (5alpha)-17-azaandrostan-3-ols and (5alpha)-17-aza-D-homoandrostan-3-ols and their N-acylated derivatives.

Two groups of N-acylated D-azasteroids (4 and 5) were synthesized to explore structure-activity relationships for steroid modulation of GABA(A) receptor function. The target compounds were prepared conveniently from (5alpha)-3-hydroxyandrostan-17-ones (6 and 7) via the intermediate (5alpha)-17-aza-D-homoandrostan-3-ols (14 and 15) or (5alpha)-17-azaandrostan-3-ols (18 and 19) precursors in high overall yields. A Beckmann rearrangement and a Hofmann rearrangement were employed as two key steps in the synthetic sequences.

Androstanols↗

PubMed1999

Analysis of the steroid binding domain of rat steroid 5alpha-reductase (isozyme-1): the steroid D-ring binding domain of 5alpha-reductase.

We have previously shown that the photoactive 4-azasteroid, [1,2 3H]N-4(benzylbenzoyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-4-methyl-5alpha-androst an-17beta-carboxamide is an effective probe of rat steroid 5alpha-reductase (isozyme-1) (5alphaR-1). In the current investigation, PEG-fractionated (6.5%) detergent-solubilized preparations containing 5alphaR-1 activity were ultraviolet (UV)-photolyzed with [3H]-4MABP and subsequently purified by 8.75% preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The fractions corresponding to the radioactive peak following the dye front were analyzed by 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed the presence of a single, labeled, 26 KDa protein band, the apparent molecular weight of 5alphaR-1. TCA precipitation of the labeled fractions, followed by long-term digestion of the TCA pellet with chymotrypsin and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, indicated that the majority of the radioactivity eluted with a peak retention time of 55-56 min. Rechromatography of this fraction using a modified gradient (elution 54-55 min), followed by sequence analysis, yielded a single N-terminal tetrapeptide with the sequence, -L-E-G-F-, corresponding to residues 15-18 of the 5alphaR-1 sequence. Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicated that mutant F18L showed an approximately 12-fold increase in the Km for testosterone, whereas the Km for reduced nicotinomide adenine dinucleotide phosphate remained virtually unaltered.

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

PubMed1986

Treatment of hirsutism with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Much os the evidence gathered from studies of 5 alpha-reductase activity levels and androgen metabolism in the skin of hirsute women and the excretion of androgen metabolites by hirsute women indicates that 5 alpha-reduced androgens are probably of primary importance in hirsutism. Unfortunately, until very recently, the lack of a suitable 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor made it very difficult to adequately test the hypothesis that such an inhibitor might be useful in the treatment of hirsutism and certain other androgen-related diseases. No substance was available which had good, unambiguous activity in vivo as a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. A number of 4-azasteroids have now been found to possess excellent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitory activity both in vitro and in vivo. Among other properties, several of these compounds show little or no affinity for the androgen receptor of rat prostate cytosol, they attenuate the growth promoting effect of T, but not DHT, on the ventral prostate of castrated male rats, they cause a marked reduction in prostatic DHT concentration in acutely treated rats and dogs and they bring about a significant decline in prostate size in chronically treated rats and dogs. It is expected that, in the near future, one or more of these highly active 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors will be tested in the clinic as a treatment for hirsutism. The results of those studies will be awaited with a great deal of interest since they should considerably advance our understanding of this disease and possibly contribute to its control.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

PubMed1994

Pharmacodynamics of MK-0963, a new 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor: effects on serum androgen concentrations.

The hormonal effects after a 10-day administration of a 4-azasteroid inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, MK-0963 (previously L-654,066), were evaluated in 35 healthy male volunteers in an increasing-dose, five-panel design. Marked suppression of serum dihydrotestosterone was observed after the once-daily administration at each active dose level (placebo, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, and 25 mg). Maximum dihydrotestosterone suppression occurred at doses greater than or equal to 10 mg. The mean percentage (+/- SE) decreases in dihydrotestosterone at 24 hours after the last dose in the groups treated with the 10 and 25 mg doses were 78% +/- 4.9% and 80% +/- 2.9%, respectively. The 25 mg dose maintained a dihydrotestosterone suppression of at least 70% for more than 6 days after the last dose. No consistent changes in serum testosterone were noted. This study shows that administration of multiple doses of MK-0963 results in a substantial suppression of serum dihydrotestosterone with no consistent influence on serum testosterone concentrations.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

PubMed1993

LY191704: a selective, nonsteroidal inhibitor of human steroid 5 alpha-reductase type 1.

Androgens, in particular dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a key role in differentiation, growth, and maintenance of the mammalian prostate. Production of DHT from testosterone is catalyzed by two distinct membrane-bound steroid 5 alpha-reductase [5 alpha-reductase; 3-oxo-5 alpha-steroid delta 4-dehydrogenase; 3-oxo-5 alpha-steroid:(acceptor) delta 4-oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.99.5] isozymes designated types 1 and 2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a disease that occurs almost universally in males, is characterized by obstructive and irritative urinary voiding symptoms and has been associated with an overproduction of DHT. Recently, steroidal inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase type 2 have been used successfully for treatment of BPH. Described here is a nonsteroidal inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase type 1, LY191704 (8-chloro-4-methyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,10b-octaahydro-benzo[f]quinol in-3(2H)-one). This compound was identified based on its capacity to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity in a human genital skin fibroblast cell line (Hs68). Surprisingly, LY191704 is inactive when tested in freshly isolated prostate cells obtained from subjects with BPH, whereas previously described 4-azasteroids are active. LY191704 is, however, a potent inhibitor of the 5 alpha-reductase activity of BPH cells that have been maintained in culture. Analysis of human and rat 5 alpha-reductases expressed from transfected cDNAs in simian COS cells indicates that LY191704 is a specific noncompetitive inhibitor of the human 5 alpha-reductase type 1. Taken together, the results suggest that prostate cells have the capacity to express both 5 alpha-reductase isozymes and that LY191704 may be useful in treatment of human endocrine disorders associated with overproduction of DHT by 5 alpha-reductase type 1.

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

PubMed1996

Effect of 25-azacholestane on Argas (Argas) hermanni (Ixodoidea:Argasidae).

Unfed and fed nymphal Argas hermanni Audouin were treated topically with 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 micrograms of 25-azacholestane. The azasteroid did not inhibit feeding but had a dose-related lethal effect on unfed nymphs. Generally, it had little effect on nymphs treated after feeding. The 10-micrograms dose reduced the premolting period of nymphs treated before feeding. Some adults emerging from the 5- to 20-micrograms dosage groups that had been treated before feeding failed to shed their exuvia and others also had deformed legs. Greater numbers of adult females emerged from nymphs treated before feeding. The preoviposition period was almost the same in control females and of female mates, with males emerging from treated nymphs. Females from nymphs treated before feeding have a prolonged preoviposition period. Fecundity was reduced when males were treated with 10-20 micrograms as unfed nymphs. Egg hatch was reduced for females treated with 15 and 20 micrograms as fed nymphs, females treated with 5 and 10 micrograms as unfed nymphs, and as progeny of males treated with 10 micrograms as unfed nymphs. Results suggest possible interference with juvenile hormone titer in treated ticks.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Activity of the type 1 5 alpha-reductase exhibits regional differences in isolated sebaceous glands and whole skin.

The presence of 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R) in skin may indicate that the androgen regulation of sebaceous glands and sebum production requires the local conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The goals of this study were to identify which isozyme of 5 alpha-R (type 1 or type 2) is expressed in sebaceous glands from facial areas, scalp, and non-acne-prone areas; to determine if 5 alpha-R activity is concentrated in sebaceous glands; to assess whether there are regional differences in this enzyme's activity; and to test the effects of azasteroid inhibitors and 13-cis retinoic acid on 5 alpha-R in these tissues. Sebaceous glands were microdissected from facial skin, scalp, and non-acne-prone skin (arm, breast, abdomen, leg), and the activity of 5 alpha-R was determined. A total of 49 samples from 23 male and 21 female subjects without acne (age range, 16 to 81 years, 56 +/- 20 years [mean +/- SD]) was analyzed. The biochemical properties of the enzyme in each of the samples tested are consistent with those of the type 1 5 alpha-R. Minimal to no type 2 5 alpha-R was detected. The level of 5 alpha-R activity was significantly higher in the sebaceous glands compared to whole skin in facial skin (p = 0.047), scalp (p = 0.039), and non-acne-prone skin (p = 0.04). Enzyme activity in sebaceous glands from facial skin and scalp was significantly higher than in a comparable amount of sebaceous gland material obtained from non-acne-prone areas (32 +/- 6 [mean +/- SEM]), 35 +/- 7 (mean +/- SEM) versus 6.0 +/- 3.0 (mean +/- SEM) pmol/min/mg protein, p = 0.014 and 0.007, respectively). Finasteride and 13-cis retinoic acid were poor inhibitors of the enzyme with 50% inhibitory concentration values greater than 500 nM. These data demonstrate that in the skin from older patients without acne the type 1 isozyme of 5 alpha-R predominates, its activity is concentrated in sebaceous glands and is significantly higher in sebaceous glands from the face and scalp compared to non-acne-prone areas, and the action of 13-cis retinoic acid in the control of acne is not at the level of 5 alpha-R. Furthermore, we suggest that specific inhibition of the type 1 5 alpha-R may offer a viable approach to the management of sebum production and, hence, acne.

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

PubMed2002

Human osteoblast-like cells express predominantly steroid 5alpha-reductase type 1.

In previous studies we established that human bone and human osteoblast-like cells (hOB cells) cultured from bone express 5alpha-reductase (5alpha-R) activity, as demonstrated by the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to their corresponding 5alpha-reduced metabolites, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5alpha-androstanedione. Two 5alpha-R isozymes (types 1 and 2) have been identified in various tissues. As their nature in bone is unknown, we investigated which isozymes were expressed in first passage hOB cells cultured from bone specimens obtained from six donors (five women and one man). For comparison, 5alpha-reductase isozyme expression in genital skin fibroblasts cultured from foreskin of three males was determined. Pharmacological and biochemical studies using selective inhibitors of the 5alpha-R isozymes were performed, and gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR. In hOB cells, LY191704, a potent nonsteroidal selective inhibitor of 5alpha-R type 1, and the 4-azasteroid 17beta-(N,N,-diethyl-carbamoyl)-4-methyl-4-aza-5alpha-androstan-3-one (a dual inhibitor of 5alpha-R types 1 and 2) inhibited 5alpha-R activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of approximately 4 nM. Finasteride, a selective inhibitor of 5alpha-R type 2, blocked 5alpha-R activity with an IC(50) of approximately 60 nM. The IC(50) of progesterone, a physiological substrate for 5alpha-R, was approximately 200 nM. In genital skin fibroblasts, LY191704 inhibited 5alpha-R with an IC(50) of more than 5000 nM, whereas finasteride and 17beta-(N,N,-diethyl-carbamoyl)-4-methyl-4-aza-5alpha-androstan-3-one effectively inhibited 5alpha-R with IC(50) of approximately 4 nM. Experiments to determine 5alpha-reductase activity in homogenates of hOB cells as a function of pH showed very low activity at pH 5.5, but a broad shoulder of activity from pH 6.0-9.0, which was not inhibited by finasteride, but was nearly completely blocked by LY191704. RT-PCR revealed that 5alpha-R type 1 and 2 mRNAs were expressed in both bone and genital skin fibroblasts. Based on our pharmacological and biochemical studies, it appears that 5alpha-R activity in hOB cells is catalyzed predominantly by the type 1 rather than the type 2 isozyme. This expression pattern is in contrast to that in genital skin fibroblasts, where the activity of the type 2 isozyme prevails. As in most androgen target tissues DHT is biologically more active as an androgen than testosterone, DHT is formed in bone by 5alpha-R type 1 action from circulating testosterone, and bone cells also express the androgen receptor, local DHT production may play a physiological role in human bone homeostasis.

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

PubMed1997

MK-386, an inhibitor of 5alpha-reductase type 1, reduces dihydrotestosterone concentrations in serum and sebum without affecting dihydrotestosterone concentrations in semen.

Two isozymes (types 1 and 2) of 5alpha-reductase (5alphaR; EC 1.3.99.5), with differential tissue distribution, catalyze the reduction of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in humans. This study examined sequentially increasing oral doses of MK-386 (4,7beta-dimethyl-4-aza-5alpha-cholestan-3-one), an azasteroid that specifically inhibits the human 5alphaR1 isozyme in vitro. Finasteride, a selective inhibitor of 5alphaR2, was included for comparison. One hundred men were evaluated in a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, sequential, increasing dose, parallel group trial. Ten to 20 subjects received MK-386, and 2 to 5 received placebo in each of 6 panels. In 1 panel, 10 subjects received finasteride (5 mg), and 5 received placebo. Treatments were given once daily for 14 days, except in 1 panel in which MK-386 was administered 10 mg twice daily for comparison to 20 mg daily. Serum, sebum, and semen DHT concentrations and serum and sebum T concentrations were measured before and after treatment. The mean changes from baseline on day 14 for serum DHT after placebo and 0.1, 0.5, 5, 20, and 50 mg MK-386 were 6.9%, 4.6%, -2.7%, -1.2%, -14.1% (P < 0.05 vs. placebo), and -22.2% (P < 0.05 vs. placebo), respectively. No significant alterations in serum T were observed after any dose of MK-386. Serum DHT fell 65.8% from the baseline 14 days after finasteride treatment (P < 0.05 vs. placebo). The mean changes from baseline on day 14 in sebum DHT were 5.0%, 3.0%, -25.4% (P < 0.05 vs. placebo), -30.1% (P < 0.05 vs. placebo), and -49.1% (P < 0.05 vs. placebo) for the placebo and 0.5, 5, 20, and 50 mg MK-386 groups, respectively. Finasteride also reduced sebum DHT, but to a lesser extent (- 14.9%; P < 0.05 vs. placebo). Reciprocal increases in sebum T concentration were noted at doses of 5 mg or more of MK-386, but not with finasteride. The mean reduction in semen DHT with 5 mg finasteride was approximately 88% (P < 0.01 vs. placebo); no significant change in semen DHT was noted with 20 or 50 mg MK-386. Serum 3alpha-androstanediol glucuronide values were also reduced after the 20- and 50-mg MK-386 treatments in parallel with the changes in serum DHT. No meaningful changes were observed in serum LH after MK-386 treatment. MK-386 was generally well tolerated by all subjects; reversible aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevations were observed in two subjects at the 50-mg dose. The differential responses in serum, sebum, and semen DHT concentrations associated with MK-386 and finasteride treatments are consistent with those changes anticipated for selective inhibitors of the human 5alphaR isozymes. Dose-dependent suppression of sebum DHT by a 5alphaR1 inhibitor suggests the potential utility of such compounds in the treatment of acne.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

PubMed1992

Four-amino acid segment in steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 confers sensitivity to finasteride, a competitive inhibitor.

The 4-azasteroid 17 beta-(N-t-butyl)carbamoyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androst-1-en-3-one (finasteride) is 100-fold more potent as a competitive inhibitor of the rat NADPH:delta 4-3-oxosteroid-5-alpha- oxidoreductase (steroid 5 alpha-reductase) type 1 enzyme (Ki = 3-5 nM) than of the human type 1 enzyme (Ki greater than or equal to 300 nM). In this study, we exploit this differential sensitivity to map a major determinant of finasteride sensitivity in steroid 5 alpha-reductase. Chimeric steroid 5 alpha-reductase cDNAs composed of different combinations of rat and human exon sequences were created by genetic engineering, expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and assayed for their sensitivity to finasteride. Hybrid proteins containing sequences encoded by rat exon 1 were found to be as sensitive to finasteride as the parental enzyme. The exchange of progressively smaller protein segments encoded within exon 1 identified a tetrapeptide sequence (Val-Ser-Ile-Val) in the rat enzyme that conferred sensitivity to finasteride. The analogous sequence in the human enzyme (Ala-Val-Phe-Ala) conferred partial resistance to the drug. Finasteride was a competitive inhibitor of the native and all chimeric enzymes tested, suggesting that the tetrapeptide segments form a portion of the substrate-binding domain of steroid 5 alpha-reductase.

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

PubMed1993

Finasteride: a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

The pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of finasteride are reviewed, and finasteride's clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are described. Finasteride is a member of a new class of medications, the azasteroids, that have antiandrogenic activity limited to certain tissues, including the prostate gland. Finasteride inhibits the activity of 5 alpha-reductase, the enzyme necessary for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the prostate and other tissues. BPH is androgen dependent, and dihydrotestosterone is necessary for the hyperplasia to occur. Finasteride is well absorbed after oral administration; peak plasma concentration is reached in as little as one hour. Finasteride is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins, is widely distributed, and is extensively metabolized by the liver. In clinical studies, finasteride has been effective in decreasing prostatic volume, increasing urinary flow rate, and decreasing the obstructive and irritative symptoms of BPH. Because of the heterogeneity of BPH, however, treatment is successful in only one third to one half of patients. Finasteride's adverse effects include decreased libido, ejaculatory disorders, and effects on prostate-specific antigen. The recommended dosage of finasteride is 5 mg/day orally. Therapy should be continued for at least six months before the clinical response is evaluated. Finasteride provides a pharmacologic alternative to surgery in patients with BPH.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Finasteride: the first 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

Finasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid that is a specific competitive inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has no binding affinity for androgen receptor sites and itself possesses no androgenic, antiandrogenic, or other steroid hormone-related properties. It is well absorbed after oral administration, with absolute bioavailability in humans of 63% (range 34-108%). The mean time to maximum concentration is 1-2 hours, and it is approximately 90% plasma protein bound. The elimination half-life averages 6-8 hours. The agent is metabolized to a series of five metabolites, of which two are active and possess less than 20% of the 5 alpha-reductase activity of finasteride. Little is known about potential drug interactions, although they appear to be minimal and not clinically relevant. The drug is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its efficacy in regression of prostate gland enlargement is rapid and predictable, although correlation with subsequent improvement in urinary flow and symptoms is highly variable. Dosages of 0.5-100 mg/day regress prostate enlargement; the recommended dosage is 5 mg once/day. Finasteride may hold promise for other DHT-mediated disorders such as acne, facial hirsutism, frontal lobe alopecia, and prostate cancer, but its use in these conditions remains investigational. The frequency of adverse drug events is low, with the most common side effects being impotence, decreased libido, and decreased volume of ejaculate. No reports of intentional overdose have been reported, and dosages of up to 80 mg/day for 3 months have been taken without adverse effect.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

PubMed1993

Evaluation of kidney and liver subacute toxicity of antitumor agents using serum biochemical parameters in rats.

Hepatic and renal subacute toxicity induced by the antineoplastic drugs chlorambucil, cisplatin, epirubicin and methotrexate and the steroid alkylating agent 3 beta-hydroxy-13 alpha-amino-13,17-seco-5 alpha-androstan-17-oic-13, 17-lactam (p-[bis(2-chloroethyl) amino] phenyl) acetate was investigated in rats using serum biochemical parameters. Toxicological evaluation was performed in serum samples following the administration of dose regimens of the agents that were previously shown to be effective in suppressing malignant tumor growth or to prolong survival in tumor bearing animals. Hepatic and renal subacute toxicity was evaluated by measuring enzyme activity or concentrations of: alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glucose, potassium, sodium, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid. The use of the above serum biochemical parameters indicated that the overall toxicity impact of the antitumor drugs was methotrexate < cisplatin < epirubicin < chlorambucil. The homo-azasteroid ester only transiently affected the biochemical parameters associated with renal toxicity, while it affected some of the biochemical parameters associated with hepatic toxicity, though to a significantly lower extent than the antitumor drugs.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing human steroid 5 alpha-reductase isozymes.

Membrane-bound isozymes of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, designated 1 and 2, synthesize the potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone. Isozyme 1 has an alkaline pH optimum (7.0-8.5), whereas isozyme 2 has an acidic pH optimum (5.0). To gain insight into this enigmatic difference, Chinese hamster ovarian cell lines expressing the human 5 alpha-reductase isozymes were established. The half-lives of both proteins are > 30 h and are not altered by the 4-azasteroid inhibitors finasteride and 17 beta-(N,N,-diethyl)carbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5 alpha-androstan-3-one. Nanomolar concentrations of finasteride block immunoprecipitation of isozyme 2 by antipeptide antibodies, which suggests that drug binding alters protein conformation. In contrast, finasteride (50 microM) has no effect on immunoprecipitation of isozyme 1. Both isozymes are localized to the endoplasmic reticulum by immunocytochemistry and have their carboxyl termini exposed to the cytoplasm. In cell lysates, isozyme 2 exhibits a Vmax at pH 5.0 but has a higher substrate affinity at neutral pH. In intact and permeabilized cells, isozyme 2 has an apparent substrate Km similar to that determined in cell lysates at neutral pH. The results suggest that isozyme 2 is more efficient at neutral pH and that the acidic pH optimum determined in lysates is a consequence of cell lysis.

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

PubMed2000

Multicomponent domino reactions for the synthesis of biologically active natural products and drugs.

A main issue in modern synthetic organic chemistry, which deals with the preparation of natural products, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, agrochemicals, and other important materials, is the improvement of efficiency, the avoidance of toxic reagents, the reduction of waste, and the responsible treatment of our resources. One of the ways to fulfill these goals is the development and use of domino processes, which consist of several bond-forming reactions and which allow the highly efficient synthesis of complex molecules starting from simple substrates. Herein, the combination of several catalytic bond-forming transformations is clearly most appropriate. The synthesis of the enantiopure alkaloid (-)-hirsutine 22, which has a strong inhibitorial effect on influenza A viruses, was accomplished using a biomimetic domino Knoevenagel-hetero-Diels Alder-solvolysis-hydrogenation process. In a similar way the alkaloids (+)-dihydrocorynantheine 23 and (-)-dihydroantirhine 24 as well as heterosteroids 62, D-homosteroids 65 and 68, and azasteroids 25 are prepared. In addition, novel steroid alkaloids 26 are accessible by a combination of the formation of an iminium salt, a hydride shift, and an alkylation. The anti-leukemic pentacyclic (-)-cephalotaxine 27 is obtained by a combination of two Pd-catalyzed reactions.

Biological Products↗

PubMed1975

Nonsteroidal secondary and tertiary amines: inhibitors of insect development and metamorphosis and delta-24-sterol reductase system of tobacco hornworm.

Several new branched and straight chain secondary and tertiary amines were shown to have inhibitive effects upon development and metamorphosis and the delta-24-sterol reductase system in larvae of the tobacco hornworm similar to those previously observed with a number of azasteroids. Certain of the amines which are related structurally to compounds with juvenile hormone activity in insects also blocked development and metamorphosis in three other species of insects. These compounds are lethal or inhibit development in all larval stages and thus differ in action from compounds with juvenile hormone activity where the principal effect is to block the penultimate or ultimate molt.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed1991

Metabolism of plant sterols by nematodes.

Parasitic nematodes do not biosynthesize sterols de novo and therefore possess a nutritional requirement for sterol, which must be obtained from their hosts. Consequently, the metabolism of phytosterols by plant-parasitic nematodes is an important process with potential for selective exploitation. The sterol compositions of several species of plant-parasitic nematodes were determined by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and compared with the sterol compositions of their hosts. Saturation of the phytosterol nucleus was the major metabolic transformation performed by the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria and M. incognita and the corn root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus agilis. In addition to saturation, the corn cyst nematode, Heterodera zeae, dealkylated its host sterols at C-24. Because free-living nematodes can be cultured in sterol-defined artificial medium, they have been successfully used as model organisms for investigation of sterol metabolism in plant-parasitic nematodes. Major pathways of phytosterol metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans, Turbatrix aceti and Panagrellus redivivus included C-24 dealkylation and 4 alpha-methylation (a pathway unique to nematodes). C. elegans and T. aceti introduced double bonds at C-7, and T. aceti and P. redivivus saturated the sterol nucleus similarly to the plant-parasitic species examined. Several azasteroids and long-chain dimethylalkylamines inhibited growth and development of C. elegans and also the delta 24-sterol reductase enzyme system involved in the nematode C-24 dealkylation pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol by rat prostate microsomes: potent inhibition by imidazole-type antimycotic drugs and lack of inhibition by steroid 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors.

5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone, the principal androgen mediating prostate growth and function in the rat, is formed from testosterone by steroid 5 alpha-reductase. The inactivation of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone involves reversible reduction to 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol by 3 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase followed by 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 7 beta-hydroxylation. 5 alpha-Androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation represents the ultimate inactivation step of dihydrotestosterone in rat prostate and is apparently catalyzed by a single, high-affinity (Km approximately 0.5 microM) microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme. The present studies were designed to determine if 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation by rat prostate microsomes is inhibited by agents that are known inhibitors of androgen-metabolizing enzymes. Inhibitors of steroid 5 alpha-reductase (4-azasteroid analogs; 10 microM) or inhibitors of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (trilostane, azastene, and cyanoketone; 10 microM) had no appreciable effect on the 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 7 beta-hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol (10 microM) by rat prostate microsomes. Imidazole-type antimycotic drugs (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, and miconazole; 0.1-10 microM) all markedly inhibited 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas triazole-type antimycotic drugs (fluconazole and itraconazole; 0.1-10 microM) had no inhibitory effect. The rank order of inhibitory potency of the imidazole-type antimycotic drugs was miconazole greater than clotrimazole greater than ketoconazole. In the case of clotrimazole, the inhibition was shown to be competitive in nature, with a Ki of 0.03 microM. The imidazole-type antimycotic drugs inhibited all three pathways of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation to the same extent, which provides further evidence that, in rat prostate microsomes, a single cytochrome P450 enzyme catalyzes the 6 alpha-, 7 alpha-, and 7 beta-hydroxylation of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol. These studies demonstrate that certain imidazole-type compounds are potent, competitive inhibitors of 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol hydroxylation by rat prostate microsomes, which is consistent with the effect of these antimycotic drugs on cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of other androgens and steroids.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗