Synthesis and biological evaluation of 21-arylidenepregnenolone derivatives as neuroprotective agents

A series of 21-arylidenepregnenolone derivatives and their corresponding epoxides were synthesized. The neuroprotective effects of these steroidal compounds against amyloid-β25–35 (Aβ25–35)- and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated. The bioassay results indicated that several 3β-pregn-21-benzylidene-20-one derivatives displayed potent in vitro neuroprotective effects in different screening models, for example, compounds 2b, 3a, 3b, and 3s showing significant activities against Aβ25–35-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, 2b showing significant activities against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and 2g, 3b, and 3e showing potent protection against OGD insult. The results suggested that introduction of an arylidene group into steroidal nucleus played an important role in neuroprotective activity, while the formation of epoxy group at C-5,6 could be also important for the neuroprotective activity in some degree. The pharmacological data reported here are helpful for the design of novel steroidal neuroprotective candidates.

A series of 21-arylidenepregnenolone derivatives and their corresponding epoxides were synthesized. The bioassay results indicated that compounds 2b, 3a, 3b, and 3s showing significant activities against Aβ25–35-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, 2b showing significant activities against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, and 2g, 3b, and 3e showing potent protection against OGD insult.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide