New structure-activity relationships of A- and D-ring modified steroidal aromatase inhibitors: design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation

J Med Chem. 2012 Apr 26;55(8):3992-4002. doi: 10.1021/jm300262w. Epub 2012 Apr 18.

Abstract

A- and D-ring androstenedione derivatives were synthesized and tested for their abilities to inhibit aromatase. In one series, C-3 hydroxyl derivatives were studied leading to a very active compound, when the C-3 hydroxyl group assumes 3β stereochemistry (1, IC(50) = 0.18 μM). In a second series, the influence of double bonds or epoxide functions in different positions along the A-ring was studied. Among epoxides, the 3,4-epoxide 15 showed the best activity (IC(50) = 0.145 μM) revealing the possibility of the 3,4-oxiran oxygen resembling the C-3 carbonyl group of androstenedione. Among olefins, the 4,5-olefin 12 (IC(50) = 0.135 μM) revealed the best activity, pointing out the importance of planarity in the A,B-ring junction near C-5. C-4 acetoxy and acetylsalicyloxy derivatives were also studied showing that bulky substituents in C-4 diminish the activity. In addition, IFD simulations helped to explain the recognition of the C-3 hydroxyl derivatives (1 and 2) as well as 15 within the enzyme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androstenedione / analogs & derivatives*
  • Androstenedione / chemical synthesis
  • Androstenedione / pharmacology
  • Aromatase / metabolism
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / chemical synthesis*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Binding Sites
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Epoxy Compounds / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Kinetics
  • Microsomes / enzymology
  • Models, Molecular
  • Placenta / enzymology
  • Pregnancy
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Androstenedione
  • Aromatase