16-Dehydropregnenolone acetate
16-Dehydropregnenolone acetate (also known as 16-DPA) is a steroid that is used in the production of other steroids, including corticosteroids and sex hormones. It is derived from pregnenolone, a steroid hormone that is the precursor to all other steroid hormones.
Chemistry[edit | edit source]
16-Dehydropregnenolone acetate is a C21 steroid with a pregnane skeleton. It is an acetate ester of 16-dehydropregnenolone, which is a hydroxylated derivative of pregnenolone. The 16-dehydroxylation and acetylation reactions that convert pregnenolone to 16-DPA are catalyzed by enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family.
Biological role and uses[edit | edit source]
In the body, 16-DPA is a metabolite of pregnenolone. It is a precursor to progesterone, which is a key hormone in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is also a precursor to the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids that are produced in the adrenal glands.
In the laboratory, 16-DPA is used as a starting material for the synthesis of other steroids. It can be converted to cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone, which are used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. It can also be converted to estradiol and testosterone, which are used in hormone therapy.
Safety[edit | edit source]
As a steroid, 16-DPA has the potential to cause side effects related to hormone imbalance. However, it is generally considered safe when used in the production of pharmaceuticals, as the final products are subject to rigorous testing and regulation.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
