Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of 5α, 6β-Dihalo androsterone Derivatives as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

Abstract

Testosterone under the influence of 5α-reductase enzyme gets converted to dihydrotestosterone and high levels are found to be causative for androgen dependent disease like benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, 5α-reductase has been recognised as an important target for discovering new drugs against Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer. In the present study, a series of 5α, 6β-Dichloro-17-Oxoandrostan-3β-yl esters (7a-7f) were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. The compounds were evaluated for their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity in-vivo by their effect on serum androgen level. The target compounds (7a-7f) showed increased anti-androgenic activity as compared to finasteride and control, which implies that the target compounds are effective in inhibiting 5α-reductase. Particularly, compound 7b showing highest inhibitory activity and noteworthy D-Score was further sorted by performing solubility and dissolution studies. Results of these studies when compared with finasteride showed increased solubility and dissolution of target compound 7b. These results demonstrated that enhancement of activity by the presence of electronegative group at position 3 of the steroidal nucleus makes 7b a lead compound for further exploration and optimal formulation.