5α-Pregnane-3,20-dione

The Uses of 5α-Pregnane-3,20-dione

(5α)-Pregnane-3,20-dione exerts neuroprotective effects in chronic autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The neuroactivity of the steroid acts as a therapeutic agent for multiple sclerosis.

Definition

ChEBI: 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione is a C21-steroid hormone that is 5alpha-pregnane substituted by oxo groups at positions 3 and 20. It is a metabolite of progestrone. It has a role as a human metabolite and a progestogen. It is a 20-oxo steroid, a C21-steroid hormone and a 3-oxo-5alpha-steroid. It is functionally related to a progesterone. It derives from a hydride of a 5alpha-pregnane.

Biochem/physiol Actions

(5α)-Pregnane-3,20-dione is a high-level metabolite of progesterone in breast cancer tissue (but not normal breast tissue); promotes cell proliferation and detachment. Receptors appear only on the cell surface of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, not on nuclei where most other steroid receptors are located.

Biological Activity

Digestive gland subcellular fractions readily converted P4 into 5-pregnane-3,20-dione and minor amounts of a second metabolite and then 5-pregnane-3,20-dione was further metabolized to 3-hydroxy-5-pregnane-20-one (3,20-one) by 3β-HSD. This reaction was significantly inhibited by trilostane which is a 3β-HSD inhibitor[1-2].

References

[1] Dimastrogiovanni G, et al. Progesterone is actively metabolized to 5-pregnane-3,20-dione and 3-hydroxy-5-pregnan-20-one by the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Aquatic Toxicology, 2015; 73-100.
[2] Ankley G, et al. Effects?of?progesterone?on?sperm motility?in?fathead?minnow. Aquatic Toxicology, 2011; 104: 121-125.