3-keto-5α-abiraterone

3-keto-5α-abiraterone is a chemical compound related to abiraterone, which is a medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer. 3-keto-5α-abiraterone is a metabolite of abiraterone, meaning it is a product formed from the chemical transformation of abiraterone within the body.

Structure and Properties

3-keto-5α-abiraterone is a steroid derivative, specifically a 3-keto steroid, which indicates the presence of a ketone group at the third carbon in its structure. The "5α" in its name refers to the 5α-reduction, a chemical modification involving the reduction of a double bond near the fifth carbon in the steroid nucleus.

Pharmacology

As a metabolite of abiraterone, 3-keto-5α-abiraterone shares some of the pharmacological properties of its parent compound. Abiraterone works by inhibiting CYP17A1, an enzyme critical in the production of androgens (male hormones), which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. The role and activity of 3-keto-5α-abiraterone in the inhibition of this enzyme or other pathways remain less clear and are an area of ongoing research.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the metabolism of abiraterone, including the formation and action of metabolites like 3-keto-5α-abiraterone, is crucial for optimizing the use of abiraterone in clinical settings. It helps in assessing the drug's efficacy, safety, and potential drug interactions.

See Also

• Steroid
• Metabolite
• Prostate cancer
• Pharmacology