15-Oxygenated sterols. Enzymatic conversion of [2,4]3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one to cholesterol in rat liver homogenate preparations

Oxysterols: modulators of cholesterol metabolism and other processes

Oxygenated derivatives of cholesterol (oxysterols) present a remarkably diverse profile of biological activities, including effects on sphingolipid metabolism, platelet aggregation, apoptosis, and protein prenylation. The most notable oxysterol activities center around the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, which appears to be controlled in part by a complex series of interactions of oxysterol ligands with various receptors, such as the oxysterol binding protein, the cellular nucleic acid binding protein, the sterol regulatory element binding protein, the LXR nuclear orphan receptors, and the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Identification of the endogenous oxysterol ligands and elucidation of their enzymatic origins are topics of active investigation. Except for 24, 25-epoxysterols, most oxysterols arise from cholesterol by autoxidation or by specific microsomal or mitochondrial oxidations, usually involving cytochrome P-450 species. Oxysterols are variously metabolized to esters, bile acids, steroid hormones, cholesterol, or other sterols through pathways that may differ according to the type of cell and mode of experimentation (in vitro, in vivo, cell culture). Reliable measurements of oxysterol levels and activities are hampered by low physiological concentrations (approximately 0.01-0.1 microM plasma) relative to cholesterol (approximately 5,000 microM) and by the susceptibility of cholesterol to autoxidation, which produces artifactual oxysterols that may also have potent activities. Reports describing the occurrence and levels of oxysterols in plasma, low-density lipoproteins, various tissues, and food products include many unrealistic data resulting from inattention to autoxidation and to limitations of the analytical methodology. Because of the widespread lack of appreciation for the technical difficulties involved in oxysterol research, a rigorous evaluation of the chromatographic and spectroscopic methods used in the isolation, characterization, and quantitation of oxysterols has been included. This review comprises a detailed and critical assessment of current knowledge regarding the formation, occurrence, metabolism, regulatory properties, and other activities of oxysterols in mammalian systems.

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.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis: synthesis and spectral properties of derivatives of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one fluorinated at carbon 7 or carbon 9 and their effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in cultured mammalian cells

As part of a program to prepare delta 8(14)-15-ketosterols that cannot readily be metabolized to cholesterol or side-chain oxygenated species, we have prepared 3 beta-hydroxy-7 alpha-fluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (VII) and the 9 alpha-hydroxy (IV), 9 alpha-fluoro (VI) and 7 alpha-fluoro (VIII) derivatives of 3 beta-hydroxy-25,26,26,26,27,27,27-heptafluoro-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (II). Sterol IV was prepared by oxidation of the delta 8,14 dienol ethyl ether of the 3 beta-acetate of II with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, followed by mild alkaline hydrolysis of the 3 beta-acetate derivative of IV. Treatment of IV with hydrogen fluoride-pyridine gave VI. The 7 alpha-fluoro-15-ketosterols VII and VIII were synthesized by treating the 3 beta,15-bis-trimethylsilyl delta 7,14-dienol ether derivative of the appropriate delta 8(14)-15-ketosterol with N-fluoropyridinium triflate, followed by hydrolysis of residual trimethylsilyl ethers and purification by high-performance liquid chromatography. The combined results of 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts, 1H-1H coupling constants, 1H-19F long-range coupling constants and molecular modeling indicated that a 7 alpha-fluoro, 9 alpha-fluoro or 9 alpha-hydroxy substituent has negligible effect on the conformation of the 15-ketosterols. 1H and 13C-NMR data are also given for delta 6,8(14)- and delta 8(14),9(11)-15-ketosterols, synthetic byproducts that could not be detected readily in samples of the fluoro-15-ketosterols by chromatographic methods. Mass spectra of VI and of previously reported 9 alpha-fluoro and 9 alpha-hydroxy-delta 8(14)-15-ketosterols showed abundant M-62 or M-60 ions that appear to correspond to loss of ketene and HF or H2O. The 9 alpha-hydroxy-F7-15-ketosterol IV, the 7 alpha-fluoro-15-ketosterol VII and the 7 alpha-fluoro-F7-15-ketosterol VIII were of equivalent potency to the parent 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) in lowering the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells. The 9 alpha-fluoro-F7-15-ketosterol VI showed high potency but appeared to be slightly less active than I.

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.

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.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Chemical synthesis and spectral properties of (25R)-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta,15 beta,26-triol, a potential metabolite of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one and its effects on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase in CHO-K1 cells

(25R)-5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta,15 beta,26-triol (III) was prepared by reduction of (25R)-3 beta,26-diacetoxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one with sodium borohydride followed by treatment of the crude product with lithium aluminium hydride. The trihydroxysterol III, a potential metabolite of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, was characterized by the results of mass spectral studies and by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Full 1H and 13C NMR assignments for III and 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta,15 beta-diol are given and used to establish the structure of III. The triol was found to be very potent in lowering the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Synthesis and spectral properties of 3 beta-hydroxy-24-dimethylamino-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one and its effects on HMG-CoA reductase activity in CHO-K1 cells

A simple, three-step synthesis of the 25-aza analog of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) is described. Treatment of 3 beta-acetoxy-24-hydroxy-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (III) with 1.75 equivalents of tosyl chloride in pyridine for 24 h at 5 degrees C gave 3 beta-acetoxy-24-tosyloxy-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (IV). In contrast, treatment of III with 3.95 equivalents of tosyl chloride in pyridine for 12 h at 48 degrees C gave 3 beta-acetoxy-24-chloro-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (V). Treatment of IV with dimethylamine in dioxane yielded 3 beta-acetoxy-24-dimethylamino-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (VI). Hydrolysis of VI with LiOH.H2O in methanol gave 3 beta-hydroxy-24-dimethylamino-5 alpha-chol-8(14)-en-15-one (VII). 1H- and 13C-NMR assignments are presented for compounds IV-VII. The 25-aza analog (VII) of the 15-ketosterol (I), at a concentration of 1.0 microM, caused a 47% lowering of the level of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Metabolism of [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one after oral administration to a nonhuman primate

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one is a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis which has significant hypocholesterolemic activity upon oral administration to rodents and nonhuman primates. In the present study the metabolism of the 15-ketosterol has been investigated after the oral administration of a mixture of [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one and [4-14C]cholesterol to 8 baboons. Blood samples were obtained at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 h after administration of the labeled sterols. Clear differences in the time courses of the levels of 3H and 14C in plasma were observed. 3H in plasma showed maximum values at 4 to 8 h, whereas maximum values for the levels of 14C were observed much later. 3H in plasma was shown to be primarily in the form of its metabolites, i.e. esters of the 15-ketosterol, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters. The levels of the 15-ketosterol and of each of these metabolites showed different changes with time. The labeled cholesterol (and the cholesterol moiety of the cholesteryl esters), formed from the [2,4-3H]-15-ketosterol, was characterized by chromatography and by purification by way of its dibromide derivative. At 24 h after the administration of the labeled sterols, the distribution of 3H in plasma lipoprotein fractions paralleled that of 14C, with most of the 3H and 14C in high density lipoprotiens (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL). Almost all of the 3H in HDL and in LDL was found as cholesterol, cholesteryl esters and esters of the 15-ketosterol. The distribution of 3H in HDL and in LDL of the free 15-ketosterol, esters of the 15-ketosterol, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters was similar to that of plasma, thereby indicating no unusual concentration of any of the 3H labeled components in HDL or LDL.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. 15-oxygenated steryl ester hydrolase activity of rat liver at neutral and acid pH

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one (15 ketosterol) is a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis with significant hypocholesterolemic activity. The results of a recent study (Schroepfer, G.J., Jr., Christophe, A., Chu, A.J., Izumi, A., Kisic, A. and Sherrill, B.C. (1988) Chem. Phys. Lipids 48, 29-58) have indicated that, after intragastric administration of the 15-ketosterol in triolein to rats, most of the compound in intestinal lymph occurs in the form of the oleate ester, which is associated with chylomicrons. Moreover, after intravenous administration of chylomicrons containing the oleate ester of 15-[2,4-3H]ketosterol, rapid and selective uptake of 3H by liver was observed, which was associated with the rapid and substantial appearance of labeled free 15-ketosterol in liver. The present study concerns the capabilities of rat liver fractions to catalyze the hydrolysis of 15-ketosteryl oleate. Efficient hydrolysis was observed at acid pH with a digitonin-solubilized extract of rat liver, with a rate similar to that for the hydrolysis of cholesteryl oleate. The distribution of acid 15-ketosteryl oleate hydrolase of whole liver homogenate on a metrizamide isopycnic density gradient was similar to that of acid cholesteryl oleate hydrolase and acid phosphatase, suggesting that the lysosomal acid lipase is the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of the 15-ketosteryl oleate at acid pH. At neutral pH, 15-ketosteryl oleate and cholesteryl oleate was hydrolyzed at similar rates by the microsomal fraction of liver homogenate, whereas the 15-ketosteryl oleate was hydrolyzed at a much lower rate than cholesteryl oleate by the cytosolic fraction. The distribution of neutral 15-ketosteryl oleate hydrolase activity of whole liver homogenate on a metrizamide isopycnic density gradient was most correlated to a microsomal esterase, whereas cholesteryl oleate hydrolase activity was most correlated to a cytosolic enzyme. Both 15-ketosteryl oleate and cholesteryl oleate hydrolase activities were correlated to a mitochondrial marker enzyme.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Exogenous oleate reduces the inhibitory effect of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one on the growth of CHO-K1 cells

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one, a hypocholesterolemic agent and a potent inhibitor of sterol biosynthesis, inhibited the growth of CHO-K1 cells incubated in medium containing fetal calf serum. The concentration of the oxysterol required to inhibit growth by 50% was 13 microM. Sodium oleate (82 microM) reduced the inhibitory effects of the sterol, and increased the concentration of the 15-ketosterol required to cause a 50% inhibition of growth to 25 microM. The ACAT inhibitor N'-(2,4-difluoro-phenyl)-N-[4-(2,2-dimethylpropy)-phenyl]-methyl)- N- heptylurea (5 microM) abolished the effect of sodium oleate, and reduced the concentration of the 15-ketosterol required to inhibit growth by 50% to 5 microM.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Studies of the metabolism of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one in Chinese hamster ovary cells and its effects on activities of early enzymes in cholesterol biosynthesis

The metabolism of [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one (I) has been studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells which were maintained in a lipid-deficient medium. The incorporation of I into the cells was linear with respect to sterol concentration in the medium over the ranges of concentrations studied and was more than 3.5 times that of the uptake of cholesterol. The results of detailed chromatographic analyses of the lipids recovered from the cells after 6 h of incubation with [2,4-3H]I (0.5 microM or 6.0 microM) indicated that most of the 3H was associated with free I. Considerably lesser amounts of the 3H was associated with esters of I. No formation of [3H]cholesterol or [3H]cholesteryl esters (or other C27 monohydroxysterols) from labeled I was observed. The labeled material with the chromatographic behavior of the esters of I gave, after mild alkaline hydrolysis, the free 15-ketosterol which was characterized by the results of chromatographic and cocrystallization studies. Upon transfer of the CHO-K1 cells from a culture medium containing 8% newborn calf serum to the same medium containing 8% lipid-deficient newborn calf serum, increases in the levels of activity of cytosolic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) synthase and of HMG-CoA reductase were observed. These increases were blocked by the addition of I at a concentration of 1.0 microM. I (1.0 microM) also caused a decrease in the levels of activity of the three enzymes in cells previously grown in medium containing lipid-deficient serum. These results demonstrate that I not only affects the enzymatic reduction of HMG-CoA but also the enzymatic formation of this key intermediate in cholesterol biosynthesis.

Concerning the chemical synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, a novel regulator of cholesterol metabolism

A four-step synthesis of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (I) from 7-dehydrocholesterol is described. This synthesis, which is efficient and suitable for kilogram scale work, was carried out in a 33% overall average yield (39% overall best yield). A major byproduct of the hydrolysis of 3 beta-benzoyloxy-14 alpha,15 alpha-epoxy-5 alpha-cholest-7-ene to I was found to be the ring C aromatic sterol 12-methyl-18-nor-5 alpha-cholesta-8,11,13-trien-3 beta-ol. Several other intermediates and byproducts of these reactions were also identified. All new sterols were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. A major role of chylomicrons in the metabolism of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one in the rat

The metabolism of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one (I), a potent regulator of cholesterol (Chol) metabolism which has significant hypocholesterolemic activity upon oral administration to animals, has been investigated in male rats. After intragastric administration of [2,4-3H] I and [4-14C]Chol in triolein to intestinal lymph duct-cannulated rats, most of the 3H of the lymph was associated with chylomicrons. Most of the 3H in the chylomicrons was associated with fatty acid esters of I and the oleate ester represented the major species of the esters of I. After intravenous injection of the isolated doubly-labeled chylomicrons to intact rats, rapid clearance of 3H and 14C from blood was observed which was associated with a rapid and selective uptake of 3H and 14C by liver. The rate of disappearance of 3H from blood and the rate of uptake of 3H by liver were similar, if not identical, to those for 14C. In contrast, the disappearance of 3H from the liver was much more rapid than that of 14C. Studies of the distribution of 3H in liver demonstrated rapid formation of free I and the formation of [3H]Chol. In addition, significant amounts of the 3H in liver were associated with polar materials, a finding which was not observed in the case of 14C. After intravenous administration of the doubly-labeled chylomicrons to bile duct-cannulated rats, very rapid and substantial metabolism of the administered 3H to polar biliary metabolites was observed. The bulk of the 3H not recovered in bile at 49 h after the injection of the labeled chylomicrons was recovered in blood and tissues and almost all (integral of 94%) of this material was associated with Chol and Chol esters. The combined results indicate an important role for chylomicrons in the overall metabolism of I. The selective delivery of I to liver as its oleate ester in chylomicrons (or, more probably, as chylomicron remnants) and the subsequent metabolism of the oleate ester of I in liver has important consequences with respect to the actions of I which are discussed herein.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Studies of the distribution and metabolism of 5 alpha-[2,4-3H]cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one after intragastric administration to rats

5 alpha-[2,4-3H]Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one was administered to a series of male Sprague-Dawley rats by intragastric intubation in the form of an emulsion in a mixture of triolein, sodium taurocholate, bovine serum albumin, and glucose. [4-14C]Cholesterol was similarly administered to a second series of rats. The distribution of 3H and 14C was studied at 12 and 48 h after the administration of the sterols. The results demonstrated that the 15-ketosterol is absorbed and metabolized to material with the chromatographic properties of fatty acid esters of the 15-ketosterol, to cholesterol, and to fatty acid esters of cholesterol. The [3H]cholesterol formed from the 15-ketosterol was characterized by its behavior on silicic acid-Super Cel column chromatography, by the chromatographic behavior of its acetate derivative on alumina-AgNO3 column chromatography, and by purification by way of its dibromide derivative without significant change in specific activity. The general distribution of 3H was similar to that of 14C. No unusual concentration of 3H in any of the organs studied was observed.

Inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis. Further studies of the metabolism of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one in rat liver preparations

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one is a potent inhibitor of sterol biosynthesis in mammalian cells in culture and has significant hypocholesterolemic activity upon oral administration to rodents and non-human primates. The conversion of the 15-ketosterol to cholesterol upon incubation with the 10,000 x g supernatant fraction of rat liver homogenate preparations under aerobic conditions has been reported (D.J. Monger, E.J. Parish and G.J. Schroepfer, Jr. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 11122-11129). Presented herein are results of studies of the metabolism of [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one obtained upon incubation with the microsomal, cytosolic and the 10,000 x g supernatant fractions of liver homogenates of female rats under a variety of conditions. The results of these studies indicated metabolism of the 15-ketosterol to materials with the chromatographic properties of fatty acid esters of the 15-ketosterol, fatty acid esters of C27-monohydroxysterols, a component similar to the 15-ketosterol (possibly an isomer of the delta 8(14)-15-ketosterol), and a polar component. Detailed studies of the C27-monohydroxysterols obtained from incubation of the 15-ketosterol under anaerobic conditions indicated the formation of labeled 5 alpha-cholesta-8,14-dien-3 beta-ol and 5 alpha-cholest-7-en-3 beta-ol which were characterized by their behavior on silicic acid column chromatography, by the behavior of their acetate derivatives on medium pressure liquid chromatography on alumina-AgNO3 columns, and by co-crystallization of the labeled sterols with authentic unlabeled standards. The identification of 5 alpha-cholesta-8,14-dien-3 beta-ol and 5 alpha-cholest-7-en-3 beta-ol as metabolites of the 15-ketesterol, coupled with previous studies of the metabolism of 5 alpha-cholesta-8,14-dien-3 beta-ol and of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta, 15 alpha-diol and 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta, 15 beta-diol has permitted the formulation of a scheme for the overall metabolism of the 15-ketosterol to cholesterol.

Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. The effects of dietary 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one on the fate of [4-14C]cholesterol and [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one after intragastric administration to rats

The effect of dietary administration (0.1% in a rat chow diet) of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one, a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis with marked hypocholesterolemic activity, on the fate of [4-14C]cholesterol and [2,4-3H]5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one has been studied after intragastric administration of the labeled sterols to rats. In general, the distribution of 3H in major tissues paralleled that of 14C with no unusual concentration of 3H in any of the organs. Only trace amounts of 3H and 14C were recovered in urine. Administration of the 15-ketosterol was associated with decreased absorption of the labeled cholesterol as indicated by decreased levels of 14C in the various tissues and organs of the 15-ketosterol-treated rats (relative to ad libitum and pair-fed control animals) and increased levels of 14C in feces and intestinal contents at 12 and 48 h after the administration of the labeled cholesterol. Studies of the distribution of 3H in liver indicated rapid conversion of the 15-ketosterol to cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. The amounts of 3H recovered in the various tissues and organs at both 12 and 48 h after the administration of the labeled sterols were considerably less than the corresponding values for 14C, a finding which suggests a lower absorption of the 15-ketosterol (relative to cholesterol) and/or a more rapid clearance and biliary excretion of the 15-ketosterol and its metabolites.

Enzymatic formation and chemical synthesis of an active metabolite of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, a potent regulator of cholesterol metabolism

The enzymatic (rat liver mitochondria) conversion of 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one to 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta,26-diol-15-one is described. The enzymatic product was judged, on the basis of IH and 13C NMR studies, to be a 4:1 mixture of its 25R and 25S isomers. (25R)-5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-ene-3 beta,26-diol-15-one was prepared through a five-step synthesis from (25R)-26-hydroxycholesterol. The (25R) isomer of the new compound was found to be highly active in the suppression of the levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in cultured mammalian cells and to inhibit the esterification of cholesterol in jejunal microsomes.

5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one. A competitive substrate for acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyl transferase

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one, a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis with hypocholesterolemic activity, has been found to serve as an efficient substrate for acyl CoA:cholesterol acyl transferase of rat hepatic and jejunal microsomes and to inhibit the esterification of cholesterol. Concentrations required to give 50% inhibition of cholesterol ester formation in liver and jejunal microsomes were approximately 10 microM and approximately 3 microM, respectively.

5 alpha-Cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one. In vivo conversion to cholesterol upon oral administration to a nonhuman primate

The metabolism of 5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3 beta-ol-15-one (I), a potent inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis with marked hypocholesteremic activity, has been studied in a nonhuman primate. A mixture of [2,4-3H]-I and [4-14C]-cholesterol was administered to a male baboon in the form of a feedball. Blood was samples at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 hr. Detailed analyses of the plasma lipids indicated very rapid absorption of I (relative to cholesterol) and metabolism to cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, and esters of I. The labeled cholesterol was characterized by chromatographic techniques and by purification by way of its dibromide derivative. The levels of 3H in plasma associated with I, esters of I, cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters each showed a different time course. By 24 hr after the administration of [2,4-3H]-I, most of the 3H in plasma was associated with cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. The levels of total 3H and 14C in plasma at various times after the administration of the mixture of [2,4-3H]-I and [4-14C]-cholesterol differed markedly with 3H showing a maximum value at 4 hr and 14C showing a maximum value at 24 hr.