Evaluation of New Pregnane Derivatives as 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

In 2001, researchers synthesized and tested new pregnane derivatives as 5α-reductase inhibitors, which could help treat androgenic alopecia by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The study showed that both finasteride and the new compounds, particularly those with a 4,6-diene-3,20-dione structure and a C-17 ester group, significantly reduced T to DHT conversion, decreased sebaceous gland size, and lowered lipid synthesis in sebaceous glands. These effects were consistent across different models, including Penicillium crustosum cultures and hamster flank organ tests. The study concluded that these new steroids are potent 5α-reductase inhibitors with potential as antiandrogens, although the number of subjects or experimental conditions were not specified in the summary.