Synthesis, NMR characterization and cytotoxic activity of hybrid spirostanic sapogenins-estradiol dimers

Steroids. 2023 Nov:199:109286. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109286. Epub 2023 Jul 29.

Abstract

Four hybrid steroid dimers were obtained by BF3·Et2O-catalyzed aldol condensation of acetylated steroid sapogenins with 2-formyl-estradiol diacetate. The structures of the obtained dimers were unambiguously established by NMR. The hybrid dimers 9a (IC50 18.37 μM) and 9c (IC50 9.4 μM) with the 5α configuration at the A/B rings junction showed the higher cytotoxicity against HeLa, with selectivity index of 4.36 and 11.8 respectively. The presence of a carbonyl function at position C-12 produced the highest cytotoxic effect, which is in line with our previous reports.

Keywords: BF(3)·Et(2)O-catalyzed aldol condensation; NMR characterization Cytotoxicity; Selectivity index; Steroid sapogenins.