Lopes SMM, Sousa EP, Barreira L, Marques C, Rodrigues MJ, Pinho E Melo TMVD. Synthesis and anti-cancer activity of chiral tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-fused steroids.
Steroids 2017;
122:16-23. [PMID:
28342744 DOI:
10.1016/j.steroids.2017.03.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of novel chiral 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine-fused steroids via [8π+2π] cycloaddition of diazafulvenium methides with steroidal scaffolds is reported. The biological evaluation of the new family of hexacyclic steroids as anti-cancer agents was also carried out. Hexacyclic steroids bearing a benzyl group at C-22, derived from 16-dehydropregnenolone and 16-dehydroprogesterone, show considerable cytotoxicity against EL4 (murine T-lymphoma) in contrast with the corresponding C-22-unsubstituted derivatives showing low cytotoxicity. Thus, results indicate that the presence of the benzyl group is important to ensure cytotoxicity.
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