Non-genomic uterorelaxant actions of corticosteroid hormones in rats: An in vitro and in vivo study.

AIMS: We aimed to identify the short-term effects of a glucocorticoid (GC) and a mineralocorticoid (MC) on non-pregnant and late pregnant rat uterine contractions to estimate their tocolytic potential. METHODS: The in vitro contractility studies were performed with uterine tissues from non-pregnant and 22-day pregnant SPRD rats. The cumulative dose-response of fludrocortisone (FLU) and dexamethasone (DEX) was measured alone or in the presence of steroid receptor antagonist mifepristone (MIF) or spironolactone (SPR). [35S]GTPγS and cAMP immunoassays were carried out to detect the activated G-proteins and cAMP, respectively. The in vivo uterine action of single doses of FLU and DEX was measured by smooth muscle electromyography. The results were statistically analyzed with an unpaired t-test. RESULTS: FLU and DEX relaxed both pregnant (33 and 34%) and non-pregnant (37 and 34%) uteri in vitro. MIF inhibited the relaxing effect of DEX, especially in the pregnant uterus, but reduced the effect of FLD only in non-pregnant tissues. GTPγS studies showed a MIF-sensitive elevation in activated G-proteins both in pregnant and non-pregnant uteri by DEX, whereas FLU induced activation only in non-pregnant samples. DEX relaxed pregnant and non-pregnant uteri in vivo in a MIF-sensitive way. SIGNIFICANCE: DEX can inhibit contractions in the late pregnant uterus in a non-genomic manner, while FLU seems to be ineffective. Its action is mediated by a G-protein-coupled receptor that can be blocked by mifepristone. Further investigations are necessary to determine the required dose and duration of GCs in the therapy of premature birth.

Heterocyclic androstane and estrane d-ring modified steroids: Microwave-assisted synthesis, steroid-converting enzyme inhibition, apoptosis induction, and effects on genes encoding estrogen inactivating enzymes.

d-ring-fused and d-homo lactone compounds in estratriene and androstane series were synthesized using microwave-assisted reaction conditions. Microwave-irradiated synthesis methods were convenient and effective, and provided high yields with short reaction times. Their inhibition of C17,20-lyase and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17ß-HSD1) activities were studied in in vitro enzyme assays. d-ring-fused triazolyl estrone analog 24 showed potent inhibition of NADH-complexed 17ß-HSD1, with a binding affinity similar to that of the substrate estrone; its inhibition against NADPH-complexed 17ß-HSD1 was markedly weaker. Compound 24 also significantly and selectively reduced proliferation of cancer cell lines of gynecological origin. This estrane triazole changed the cell cycle and induced apoptosis of HeLa, SiHa, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, measured by both increased subG1 fraction of cells and activation of caspase-independent signaling pathways. A third mode of anti-estrogenic action of 24 saw increased mRNA expression of the SULT1E1 gene in HeLa cells; in contrast, its 3-benzyloxy analog 23 increased mRNA expression of the HSD17B2 gene, thus showing pronounced pro-drug anti-estrogenic activity. Estradiol-derived d-ring triazole compound 24 thus acts at the enzyme, gene expression and cellular levels to decrease the production of active estrogen hormones, demonstrating its pharmacological potential.

Non-genomic actions of sex hormones on pregnant uterine contractility in rats: An in vitro study at term.

AIMS: The non-genomic (prompt) actions of sex steroids on pregnant uterine contractility are not fully explored yet, the aim of our study was to clarify such effects of 17-ß estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) on late (22-day) pregnant uterine contractions together with the signaling pathways in rats in vitro. METHODS: The uterine effects of sex steroids on KCl-stimulated contractions were examined in the presence of genomic pathway blocker actinomycin D and cycloheximide, sex hormone receptor antagonists (flutamide, fulvestrant, mifepristone) and also after removing the endometrium. The modifications in uterine G-protein activation and cAMP levels were also detected. RESULTS: T and E2 both relaxed the uterine contractions in the concentration range of 10-8-10-3 M with an increase in the activated G-protein and cAMP levels of the uterus, while P4 was ineffective. Cycloheximide, actinomycin D, antagonist for T and E2 were not able to modify the responses along with the endothelium removal. Mifepristone blocked the relaxing effects of T and E2 and reduced the activation of G-protein and the formation of cAMP. SIGNIFICANCE: T and E2 can inhibit KCl-stimulated contractions in the late pregnant uterus in high concentrations and in a non-genomic manner. Their actions are mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor that can be blocked by mifepristone. A single and high dose of T or E2 might be considered in premature contractions, however, further preclinical and clinical studies are required for the approval of such a therapeutic intervention.

Steroidal ferrocenes as potential enzyme inhibitors of the estrogen biosynthesis.

The potential inhibitory effect of diverse triazolyl-ferrocene steroids on key enzymes of the estrogen biosynthesis was investigated. Test compounds were synthesized via copper-catalyzed cycloaddition of steroidal azides and ferrocenyl-alkynes using our efficient methodology published previously. Inhibition of human aromatase, steroid sulfatase (STS) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17ß-HSD1) activities was investigated with in vitro radiosubstrate incubations. Some of the test compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of the STS. A compound bearing ferrocenyl side chain on the C-2 displayed a reversible inhibition, whereas C-16 and C-17 derivatives displayed competitive irreversible binding mechanism toward the enzyme. 17α-Triazolyl-ferrocene derivatives of 17ß-estradiol exerted outstanding inhibitory effect and experiments demonstrated a key role of the ferrocenyl moiety in the enhanced binding affinity. Submicromolar IC50 and Ki parameters enroll these compounds to the group of the most effective STS inhibitors published so far. STS inhibitory potential of the steroidal ferrocenes may lead to the development of novel compounds able to suppress in situ biosynthesis of 17ß-estradiol in target tissues.

Synthesis of substituted 15ß-alkoxy estrone derivatives and their cofactor-dependent inhibitory effect on 17ß-HSD1.

17ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17ß-HSD1) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of 17ß-estradiol. Novel estrone-based compounds bearing various 15ß-oxa-linked substituents and hydroxy, methoxy, benzyloxy, and sulfamate groups in position C3 as potential 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors have been synthesized. In addition, in vitro inhibitory potentials measured in the presence of excess amount of NADPH or NADH were investigated. We observed substantial inhibitory potentials for several derivatives (IC50 < 1 µM) and increased binding affinities compared to unsubstituted core molecules. Binding and inhibition were found to be cofactor-dependent for some of the compounds and we propose structural explanations for this phenomenon. Our results may contribute to the development of new 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors, potential drug candidates for antiestrogen therapy of hormone-dependent gynecological cancers.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of 13-Epimeric 10-fluoro- and 10-Chloroestra-1,4-dien-3-ones as Potential Aromatase Inhibitors.

Fluorination of 13-epimeric estrones and their 17-deoxy counterparts was performed with Selectfluor as the reagent. In acetonitrile or trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), 10ß-fluoroestra-1,4-dien-3-ones were formed exclusively. Mechanistic investigations suggest that fluorinations occurred via SET in acetonitrile, but another mechanism was operative in TFA. Simultaneous application of N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) and Selectfluor in TFA led to a 1.3:1 mixture of 10ß-fluoroestra-1,4-dien-3-one and 10ß-chloroestra-1,4-dien-3-one as the main products. The potential inhibitory action of the 10-fluoro- or 10-chloroestra-1,4-dien-3-one products on human aromatase was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. The classical estrane conformation with trans ring anellations and a 13ß-methyl group seems to be crucial for the inhibition of the enzyme, while test compounds bearing the 13ß-methyl group exclusively displayed potent inhibitory action with submicromolar or micromolar IC50 values. Concerning molecular level explanation of biological activity or inactivity, computational simulations were performed. Docking studies reinforced that besides the well-known Met374 H-bond connection, the stereocenter in the 13 position has an important role in the binding affinity. The configuration inversion at C-13 results in weaker binding of 13α-estrone derivatives to the aromatase enzyme.

Pd-Catalyzed microwave-assisted synthesis of phosphonated 13α-estrones as potential OATP2B1, 17ß-HSD1 and/or STS inhibitors.

Novel 2- or 4-phosphonated 13α-estrone derivatives were synthesized via the Hirao reaction. Bromo regioisomers (2- or 4-) of 13α-estrone and its 3-benzyl or 3-methyl ether were reacted with diethyl phosphite or diphenylphosphine oxide using Pd(PPh3)4 as catalyst under microwave irradiation. The influence of the new compounds on the transport function of the organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP2B1 was investigated by measuring Cascade Blue uptake. Derivatives bearing a 3-benzyl ether function displayed substantial submicromolar OATP2B1 inhibitory activity. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on human placental steroid sulfatase (STS) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 isozyme (17ß-HSD1) were investigated by in vitro radiosubstrate incubation methods. None of the test compounds inhibited the STS markedly. The structure-activity relationship evaluation revealed that 2-substituted 3-hydroxy derivatives are able to inhibit the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme with submicromolar IC50 values. Dual OATP2B1 and 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors have been identified.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2- and/or 4-halogenated 13ß- and 13α-estrone derivatives as enzyme inhibitors of estrogen biosynthesis.

Ring A halogenated 13α-, 13ß-, and 17-deoxy-13α-estrone derivatives were synthesised with N-halosuccinimides as electrophile triggers. Substitutions occurred at positions C-2 and/or C-4. The potential inhibitory action of the halogenated estrones on human aromatase, steroid sulfatase, or 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Potent submicromolar or low micromolar inhibitors were identified with occasional dual or multiple inhibitory properties. Valuable structure-activity relationships were established from the comparison of the inhibitory data obtained. Kinetic experiments performed with selected compounds revealed competitive reversible inhibition mechanisms against 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and competitive irreversible manner in the inhibition of the steroid sulfatase enzyme.

Synthesis of novel 17-triazolyl-androst-5-en-3-ol epimers via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and their inhibitory effect on 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase.

The regioselective Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 17α- and 17ß-azidoandrost-5-en-3ß-ol epimers (3b and 5b) with different terminal alkynes afforded novel 1,4-substituted triazolyl derivatives (8a-k and 9a-k). For the preparation of 5'-iodo-1',2',3'-triazoles (8m-n and 9m-n), an improved method was developed, directly from steroidal azides and terminal alkynes, in reaction mediated by CuI and ICl as iodinating agents. Acetolysis and subsequent hydrolysis of 8n and 9n yielded 5'-hydroxy-1',2',3'-triazoles 8o and 9o. The inhibitory effect of 8a-o, 9a-o, 3, and 5 on rat testicular C17,20-lyase was investigated by means of an in vitro radioincubation technique. The results revealed that the C-17 epimers of steroidal triazoles influence the C17,20-lyase effect. Inhibitors were found only in the 17α-triazolyl series (8a-o), whereas in the C-17 azide pair the 17ß compound (5b) was more potent.

Synthesis of novel 13α-estrone derivatives by Sonogashira coupling as potential 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors.

Novel 13α-estrone derivatives were synthesized by Sonogashira coupling. Transformations of 2- or 4-iodo regioisomers of 13α-estrone and its 3-methyl ether were carried out under different conditions in a microwave reactor. The 2-iodo isomers were reacted with para-substituted phenylacetylenes using Pd(PPh3)4 as catalyst and CuI as a cocatalyst. Coupling reactions of 4-iodo derivatives could be achieved by changing the catalyst to Pd(PPh3)2Cl2. The product phenethynyl derivatives were partially or fully saturated. Compounds bearing a phenolic OH group furnished benzofurans under the conditions used for the partial saturation. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on human placental 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 isozyme (17ß-HSD1) were investigated by an in vitro radiosubstrate incubation method. Certain 3-hydroxy-2-phenethynyl or -phenethyl derivatives proved to be potent 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors, displaying submicromolar IC50 values.

Synthesis of 16α-amino-pregnenolone derivatives via ionic liquid-catalyzed aza-Michael addition and their evaluation as C17,20-lyase inhibitors.

Aza-Michael addition of 16-dehydropregnenolone was studied in the presence of a basic ionic liquid, [DBU][OAc] as catalyst and solvent. The reaction was carried out using different primary and secondary amines as N-nucleophiles. The products were obtained in moderate to good yields and were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, MS and IR. The ionic liquid was found to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst that was reused five times. The products were investigated for the inhibition of in vitro C17,20-lyase activity and displayed moderate inhibitory effect.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Triazolyl 13α-Estrone-Nucleoside Bioconjugates.

2'-Deoxynucleoside conjugates of 13α-estrone were synthesized by applying the copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide click reaction (CuAAC). For the introduction of the azido group the 5'-position of the nucleosides and a propargyl ether functional group on the 3-hydroxy group of 13α-estrone were chosen. The best yields were realized in our hands when the 3'-hydroxy groups of the nucleosides were protected by acetyl groups and the 5'-hydroxy groups were modified by the tosyl-azide exchange method. The commonly used conditions for click reaction between the protected-5'-azidonucleosides and the steroid alkyne was slightly modified by using 1.5 equivalent of Cu(I) catalyst. All the prepared conjugates were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7 and A2780) and the potential inhibitory activity of the new conjugates on human 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17ß-HSD1) was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Some protected conjugates displayed moderate antiproliferative properties against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (the protected cytidine conjugate proved to be the most potent with IC50 value of 9 µM). The thymidine conjugate displayed considerable 17ß-HSD1 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 19 µM).

Comparative investigation of the in vitro inhibitory potencies of 13-epimeric estrones and D-secoestrones towards 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1.

The inhibitory effects of 13-epimeric estrones, D-secooxime and D-secoalcohol estrone compounds on human placental 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 isozyme (17ß-HSD1) were investigated. The transformation of estrone to 17ß-estradiol was studied by an in vitro radiosubstrate incubation method. 13α-Estrone inhibited the enzyme activity effectively with an IC50 value of 1.2 µM, which indicates that enzyme affinity is similar to that of the natural estrone substrate. The 13ß derivatives and the compounds bearing a 3-hydroxy group generally exerted stronger inhibition than the 13α and 3-ether counterparts. The 3-hydroxy-13ß-D-secoalcohol and the 3-hydroxy-13α-D-secooxime displayed an outstanding cofactor dependence, i.e. more efficient inhibition in the presence of NADH than NADPH. The 3-hydroxy-13ß-D-secooxime has an IC50 value of 0.070 µM and is one of the most effective 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors reported to date in the literature.

Synthesis of novel 17-(4'-formyl)pyrazolylandrosta-5,16-dienes and their derivatives as potent 17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase inhibitors or antiproliferative agents depending on the substitution pattern of the heteroring.

A series of novel 17-(4'-formyl)pyrazolylandrosta-5,16-dienes were efficiently synthesized in two steps from pregnadienolone acetate with monosubstituted hydrazines via the cyclization/formylation sequence of the primarily formed hydrazones on treatment with the Vilsmeier-Haack reagent. The products were further transformed by deacetylation and subsequent reduction in order to enlarge the compound library available for pharmacological studies. Moreover, 4'-formylpyrazoles containing H or Me on the heteroring-N were subjected to oxime formation and Ac2O-induced dehydration to furnish the corresponding 4'-cyano derivatives in good yields. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related steroidal 17-exo-pyrazole derivatives were tested in vitro on four human adherent breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361): the microculture tetrazolium assay revealed that seven compounds exerted better cell growth-inhibitory effects on some or all these cell lines than those of the reference cisplatin. With regard to the well-known structural features that a potent C17,20-lyase inhibitor should possess, some relevant derivatives were tested in vitro from the aspects of their inhibitory effects on rat testicular enzyme, and one of them proved to exert noteworthy enzyme-inhibitory action, with an IC50 (26 nM) of the same order of magnitude as that of abiraterone.

Synthesis and in vitro pharmacological evaluation of N-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-carboxamides on d-secoestrone scaffolds.

An efficient synthesis of several N-[(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]carboxamides in the 13ß- and 13α-d-secoestrone series is reported. Novel triazoles were synthesized via the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of steroidal alkynyl carboxamides and p-substituted benzyl azides. Each of the products was evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7, A431 and A2780). Some of them exhibited activities similar to those of the reference agent cisplatin. On change of the substitution pattern of the benzyl group of the azide, great differences in the cell growth-inhibitory properties were observed. The p-alkylbenzyl-substituted triazoles selectively exerted high cytostatic action against A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 1 µM. We investigated the potential inhibitory action exerted on the human 17ß-HSD1 activity of the new secosteroids. Three triazoles effectively suppressed the estrone to 17ß-estradiol conversion with IC50 values in low micromolar range.

Synthesis of A-ring halogenated 13α-estrone derivatives as potential 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors.

13α-Estrone and its 3-methyl or benzyl ether were halogenated in ring A with N-bromo- or N-iodosuccinimide or 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as electrophile triggers. The chemo- and regioselectivities of the reactions depended greatly on the nature of the substituent on C-3. Bromination of the ethers led to 2- and 4-regioisomers. Bis-halogenation occurred only in the case of the phenolic derivative. Iodination and bromination resulted in similar products, except that the 3-benzyl ether could not be iodinated under the applied conditions. The potential inhibitory action of the new halogenated 13α-estrones on human 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity was investigated via in vitro radiosubstrate incubation. Some compounds proved to be effective inhibitors, with IC50 values in the submicromolar range.

Efficient access to novel androsteno-17-(1',3',4')-oxadiazoles and 17ß-(1',3',4')-thiadiazoles via N-substituted hydrazone and N,N'-disubstituted hydrazine intermediates, and their pharmacological evaluation in vitro.

A series of novel 17-exo-oxadiazoles and -thiadiazoles in the Δ(5) androstene series were efficiently synthesized from pregnenolone acetate and pregnadienolone acetate via multistep pathways. 17ß-(1',3',4')-Oxadiazoles were obtained in high yields by the phenyliodonium diacetate-induced oxidative ring closure of semicarbazone and N-acylhydrazones derived from 3ß-acetoxy- and 3ß-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17ß-carbaldehydes. For the synthesis of analogous Δ(16)-17-oxadiazolyl derivatives, N,N'-disubstituted hydrazine intermediates were prepared from 3ß-acetoxyandrosta-5,16-diene-17-carboxylic acid, which then underwent cyclodehydration in the presence of POCl3. The cyclization of steroidal N,N'-diacylhydrazines containing a saturated ring D with the Lawesson reagent afforded 17ß-(1',3',4')-thiadiazoles in good yields. Most of the products were subjected to deacetylation in basic media in order to enlarge the compound library available for pharmacological studies. All of these derivatives were screened in vitro for their antiproliferative effects against four malignant human adherent cell lines (HeLa, A2780, MCF7 and A431) by means of the MTT assay. The 3ß-hydroxy derivatives of the newly-synthesized 17-exo-heterocycles were tested in vitro to investigate their inhibitory effects on rat testicular C17,20-lyase. One of the 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl derivatives proved to exert noteworthy enzyme-inhibitory action, with an IC50 (0.065 µM) of the same order of magnitude as that of abiraterone.

Synthesis of methoxycarbonylpyrazolylandrostene derivatives, and their potential inhibitory effect on androgen biosynthesis and cell proliferation.

The Claisen condensations of 3ß-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one (1) and 3ß-acetoxypregna-5,16-diene (7) with dimethyl oxalate are known to lead to 3ß-hydroxy-21-methoxalylpregn-5-en-20-one (2) and 3ß-hydroxy-21-methoxalylpregna-5,16-dien-20-one (8), respectively. The reactions of 2 with p-substituted phenylhydrazines afford pyrazol-5-yl derivatives (5) as main, and 3-yl regioisomers (4) as minor products. The corresponding reactions of 16-ene analogue 8 afford only pyrazol-5-yl regioisomer 9. Oppenauer oxidation of the pyrazolyl compounds yields the corresponding Δ(4)-3-ketosteroids. We investigated the antiandrogenic effects of new methoxycarbonylpyrazolyl compounds through determination of their in vitro inhibition of the activities of rat testicular C17,20-lyase, Δ(5)-3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ(5)-3ß-HSD) and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17ß-HSD3). A Δ(5)-3ß-hydroxy compound in the D-ring-saturated androst-5-ene series bearing an unsubstituted phenyl group on the pyrazolyl heterocycle (5a) proved to be a potent inhibitor of Δ(5)-3ß-HSD. The 4-methoxyphenyl derivative (5e) and the 3-oxo counterpart (6a) of 5a also displayed substantial inhibition. The other tested compounds exerted only weak inhibitory action against the enzymes investigated. The newly synthetized compounds were evaluated in vitro by means of MTT assays for antiproliferative activity against Hela (cervical carcinoma), A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast adenocarcinoma) cells. In all four groups (3ß-hydroxy- and 3-ketosteroids with saturated or unsaturated ring D), the most potent analogs contain a 4-tolyl or 4-methoxyphenyl group. Compound 5d exhibited substantial antiproliferative action against the three cell lines investigated, whereas 9d inhibited the growth of Hela cells markedly. The most noteworthy inhibition was exerted by 6a against A431 cells.

Determination of 17α-hydroxylase-C17,20-lyase (P45017α) enzyme activities and their inhibition by selected steroidal picolyl and picolinylidene compounds.

17α-hydroxylase-C17,20-lyase (P45017α) is a key regulator enzyme of the steroid hormone biosynthesis in both the adrenals and the testes. Inhibition of this enzyme can block androgen synthesis in an early step, and may thereby be useful in the treatment of several androgen-dependent diseases. We developed radio-substrate in vitro incubation methods for the determination of the distinct 17α-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activities of the enzyme using rat testicular homogenate as enzyme source. With this method we have studied the inhibiting activity of selected steroidal picolyl and picolinylidene compounds. Tests revealed a substantial inhibitory action of the 17-picolinyliden-androst-4-en-3-one compound.

Antihormonal potential of selected D-homo and D-seco estratriene derivatives.

Since many estrogen derivatives exhibit anti-hormone or enzyme inhibition potential, a large number of steroidal derivatives have been synthesised from appropriate precursors, in order to obtain potential therapeutics for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. In molecular docking studies, based on X-ray crystallographic analysis, selected D-homo and D-seco estratriene derivatives were predicted to bind strongly to estrogen receptor α (ERα), aromatase and 17,20 lyase, suggesting they could be good starting compounds for antihormonal studies. Test results in vivo suggest that these compounds do not possess estrogenic activity, while some of them showed weak anti-estrogenic properties. In vitro anti-aromatase and anti-lyase assays showed partial inhibition of these two enzymes, while some compounds activated aromatase. Aromatase activators are capable of promoting estrogen synthesis for treatment of pathological conditions caused by estrogen depletion, e.g. osteopenia or osteoporosis.