Exploration and biological evaluation of 20-vinyl pregnenes: A step forward toward selective modulators of the estrogen receptor α signaling for breast cancer treatment

A series of D-ring modified steroids bearing a vinyl ketone pendant were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell line and cytochromes P450. The lead compound, 21-vinyl 20-keto-pregnene (2f) (IC50 = 2.4 µM), was shown to be a promising candidate for future anticancer drug design, particularly against estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer. The lead compound was found to have a significant effect on the signaling pathways in parental and 4-hydroxytamoxifen-resistant cells. Compound 2f modulated the ERK, cyclin D1, and CDK4 pathways and blocked the expression of ERα, the main driver of breast cancer growth. Compound 2f significantly reduced 17β-estradiol-induced progesterone receptor expression. Accumulation of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in cells treated with compound 2f indicated induction of apoptosis. The selectivity analysis showed that lead compound 2f produces no significant effects on cytochromes P450, CYP19A1, CYP21A2, and CYP7B1.

Non-classical animal models for studying adrenal diseases: advantages, limitations, and implications for research

The study of adrenal disorders is a key component of scientific research, driven by the complex innervation, unique structure, and essential functions of the adrenal glands. This review explores the use of non-traditional animal models for studying congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It highlights the advantages, limitations, and relevance of these models, including domestic ferrets, dogs, guinea pigs, golden hamsters, pigs, and spiny mice. We provide a detailed analysis of the histological structure, steroidogenesis pathways, and genetic characteristics of these animal models. The morphological and functional similarities between the adrenal glands of spiny mice and humans highlight their potential as an important avenue for future research.

The Protective Effect of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. on DEHP-Induced Reproductive System Damage in Male Mice

The present study aimed to explore the protective effect and molecular mechanisms of Trichilia catigua A. Juss. extract (TCE) against di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced damage to the reproductive system of mice. Acute toxicity tests revealed that the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in mice was up to 2.7 g kg⁻¹. After induction with DEHP, TCE (L-TCE, M-TCE, H-TCE) was orally administered to mice for 28 days. Differences in indicators among groups showed that TCE significantly improved the anogenital distance and the organ indexes of the epididymides and testes. It also significantly reduced varicocele and interstitial cell lesions compared to the model group. H-TCE reduced the sperm abnormality rate, increased the levels of sex hormones, Na⁺K⁺ and Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺-ATPase enzyme activity, antioxidant enzyme vitality, coupled with a significant decrease in LH and MDA contents. The levels of testicular marker enzymes ACP and LDH were significantly augmented by both M-TCE and H-TCE. Further studies claimed that DEHP induction reduced the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, SOD2, SOD3, CDC25C CDK1, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, 5ɑ-R, AR, SF1, and CYP17A1, increased the level of Keap1, while TCE reversed the expression levels of these genes. Meanwhile, IHC results demonstrated a significant change in the expression activity of the relevant proteins compared to the control group. The results suggest that M-TCE and H-TCE enabled the recovery of DEHP-induced reproductive system damage in male mice by improving testicular histopathology, repairing testicular function, and reducing oxidative stress damage. The oxidation-related Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, SODs enzyme, the cell cycle control-related CDC25C-CDK1 pathway, and the steroidogenic-related pathway may contribute to this protective effects of TCE.

Interactions of galeterone and its 3-keto-Δ4 metabolite (D4G) with one of the key enzymes of corticosteroid biosynthesis - steroid 21-monooxygenase (CYP21A2)

We have investigated interactions of galeterone and its pharmacologically active metabolite - 3-keto-Δ4-galeterone (D4G) - with one of the key enzymes of corticosteroid biosynthesis - steroid 21-monooxygenase (CYP21A2). It was shown by absorption spectroscopy that both compounds induce type I spectral changes of CYP21A2. Spectral dissociation constants (K_S ) of complexes of CYP21A2 with galeterone or D4G were calculated as 3.1 ± 0.7 μm and 4.6 ± 0.4 μm, respectively. It was predicted by molecular docking that both ligands similarly bind to the active site of CYP21A2. We have revealed using reconstituted monooxygenase system that galeterone is a competitive inhibitor of CYP21A2 with the inhibition constant (K_i ) value of 12 ± 3 μm, while D4G at the concentrations of 10 and 25 μm does not inhibit the enzyme. Summarizing, based on the in vitro analyses we detected inhibition of CYP21A2 by galeterone and lack of the influence of D4G on this enzyme.

Estimation of the inhibiting impact of abiraterone D4A metabolite on human steroid 21-monooxygenase (CYP21A2)

Abiraterone D4A metabolite, the product of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity toward abiraterone, may serve as a potential antitumor agent for the treatment of prostate cancer. The main adverse effect of abiraterone is the disruption of corticosteroid biosynthesis, and the more pharmacologically active abiraterone D4A metabolite may have the same issues. We therefore estimated the inhibiting impact of the abiraterone D4A metabolite on one of the key corticosteroidogenic enzymes - human steroid 21-monooxygenase (CYP21A2). Molecular docking of D4A into the active site of CYP21A2 has been predicted to be similar to abiraterone binding with the enzyme. Abiraterone D4A metabolite, similar to abiraterone, induces type II spectral changes of CYP21A2. The spectral dissociation constant for the abiraterone D4A metabolite-CYP21A2 complex was calculated as 3.4 ± 0.5 μM. Abiraterone D4A metabolite demonstrates competitive/mixed type CYP21A2 inhibition with an inhibitory constant of 1.8 ± 0.8 μM, as obtained by Dixon plot. These results make it possible to predict the adverse effects of the new perspective candidate compound for antitumor therapy.

Role of microsomal steroid hydroxylases in Δ7-steroid biosynthesis

CYP17 (steroid 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase) is a key enzyme in steroid hormone biosynthesis. It catalyzes two independent reactions at the same active center and has a unique ability to differentiate Δ(4)-steroids and Δ(5)-steroids in the 17,20-lyase reaction. The present work presents a complex experimental analysis of the role of CYP17 in the metabolism of 7-dehydrosteroids. The data indicate the existence of a possible alternative pathway of steroid hormone biosynthesis using 7-dehydrosteroids. The major reaction products of CYP17 catalyzed hydroxylation of 7-dehydropregnenolone have been identified. Catalytic activity of CYP17 from different species with 7-dehydropregnenolone has been estimated. It is shown that CYP21 cannot use Δ(5)-Δ(7) steroids as a substrate.