17-n-n-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-azaandrostane-3-one and turosteride

In the present study, we have attempted to determine a detailed representation of the 5 alpha-Reductase (5AR) active site involving the elucidation of the transition state for the steroid delta 4 reduction reaction (the 'NADPH-substrate' complex), onto which steroidal and non-steroidal inhibitors were superimposed. We conclude that: (i) there is a requirement for groups to mimic the steroid substrate A-ring; (ii) the area about C(3), C(4), C(5) and C(6) of T appears to be sterically hindered, and; (iii) the area of the active site about the C(17) of the steroid substrate does not possess hydrogen bonding groups and is not restricted.

Topics: 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase; 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Azasteroids; Binding Sites; Dihydrotestosterone; Enzyme Inhibitors; Finasteride; Models, Chemical; Models, Molecular; NADP; Pregnanes; Structure-Activity Relationship; Testosterone

The present study describes the independent expression of the type 1 and 2 isoforms of human 5 alpha-reductase in the baculovirus-directed insect cell expression system and the selectivity of their inhibition. The catalytic properties and kinetic parameters of the recombinant isozymes were consistent with published data. The type 1 isoform displayed a neutral (range 6-8) pH optimum and the type 2 isoform an acidic (5-6) pH optimum. The type 2 isoform had higher affinity for testosterone than did the type 1 isoform (Km = 0.5 and 2.9 microM, respectively). Finasteride and turosteride were selective inhibitors of the type 2 isoform (Ki (type 2) = 7.3 and 21.7 nM compared to Ki (type 1) = 108 and 330 nM, respectively). 4-MA and the lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) markedly inhibited both isozymes (Ki (type 1) = 8.4 nM and 7.2 micrograms/ml, respectively; Ki (type 2) = 7.4 nM and 4.9 micrograms/ml, respectively). The three azasteroids were competitive inhibitors vs substrate, whereas LSESr displayed non-competitive inhibition of the type 1 isozyme and uncompetitive inhibition of the type 2 isozyme. These observations suggest that the lipid component of LSESr might be responsible for its inhibitory effect by modulating the membrane environment of 5 alpha-reductase. Partially purified recombinant 5 alpha-reductase type 1 activity was preserved by the presence of lipids indicating that lipids can exert either stimulatory or inhibitory effects on human 5 alpha-reductase.

Topics: Animals; Azasteroids; Binding, Competitive; Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase; Dihydrotestosterone; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Finasteride; Humans; Insecta; Isoenzymes; Male; Oxidoreductases; Prostate; Recombinant Proteins; Transfection