Synthesis of some steroidal oximes, lactams, thiolactams and their antitumor activities

Steroids. 2007 May;72(5):406-14. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2007.02.005. Epub 2007 Mar 13.

Abstract

The antiproliferative activity of previously synthesized (Z)-cholest-4-en-6-one oxime (1), (E)-cholest-4-en-6-one oxime (2), 7-aza-B-homocholest-4-en-6-one (3) and 6-aza-B-homocholest-4-en-7-one (4) and newly synthesized 6-thioxo-7-aza-B-homocholest-4-ene (5) and 6-aza-7-thioxo-B-homocholest-4-ene (6) was tested for their possible effects against two human tumor cell lines, cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (K-562). Compounds 1-6, exerted a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect toward cell lines used in experimental design, showing high selectivity in their action for tumor cells in comparison to normal immunocompetent cells (non-stimulated PBMC and PHA-stimulated PBMC). Compounds 2, 3 and 4 exhibited a very high but selective antitumor activity, by inducing apoptosis in sensitive, for that purpose targeted tumor cell line (HeLa cells). Low toxic effect upon both non-stimulated, and PHA stimulated PBMCs from control, healthy volunteers, has been detected for compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4. The possible reasons for profound differences in the effects of this spectrum of steroidal compounds between tumor cell lines and normal stimulated and non-stimulated PBMCs are discussed. The molecular mechanisms for apoptotic events in HeLa cell line are suggested. The guidelines for further research are underlined.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Lactams / chemical synthesis
  • Lactams / chemistry
  • Lactams / pharmacology*
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Oximes / chemical synthesis
  • Oximes / chemistry
  • Oximes / pharmacology*
  • Steroids / chemical synthesis
  • Steroids / chemistry
  • Steroids / pharmacology*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Lactams
  • Oximes
  • Steroids
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds