New Ester Derivatives of Dehydroepiandrosterone as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

The study synthesized and evaluated new ester derivatives of dehydroepiandrosterone for their potential as 5α-reductase inhibitors, which are relevant in treating conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. In vivo experiments on gonadectomized hamsters and in vitro assays demonstrated that compounds 7, 8, and 9 significantly reduced prostate and seminal vesicle weights, similar to the effects of Finasteride. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 showed high inhibitory activity against 5α-reductase, with compound 5 exhibiting the highest potency. However, none of these compounds bound to androgen receptors. The study highlighted the potential of these derivatives as therapeutic antiandrogens.