3-Keto-5α-abiraterone

3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ is a biologically active metabolite of abiraterone, a steroid inhibitor used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is produced in the body by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD).

Chemistry

3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ is a steroid metabolite, meaning it is derived from a parent compound through metabolic processes. It is a ketone, as indicated by the "3-Keto" in its name, and is a 5α-isomer of abiraterone.

Pharmacology

3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ is a potent inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of all classes of hormonal steroids. By inhibiting this enzyme, 3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ can reduce the production of androgens, which are hormones that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Clinical significance

The clinical significance of 3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ lies in its potential use as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer. Its parent compound, abiraterone, is already used in the treatment of this disease, and the production of 3-Keto-5α-abiraterone‏‎ as a metabolite may contribute to the effectiveness of this treatment.

See also

• Abiraterone
• 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
• Prostate cancer
• Steroidogenesis