1. Corticosteroids Med Chem

Russu - week 3

Corticosteroid uses

Biosynthesis of steroids

• cholesterol

• body makes 3-4x the amount of cholesterol than you actually get from your diet

• “cholesterol is not bad” - maintains cell membrane integrity

• Gluco-corticosteroid - useful in managing inflammation

  • produce cortisol/hydrocortisone and cortisone

    • difference: the oxidation of hydroxy group on the C ring

      • cortisol it is the alcohol

      • cortisone it is the ketone

  • bioactive molecule is the cortisol/hydrocortisone NOT cortisone

• Mineralo-cortocosteroids - useful w fluid retention and salt balance

• Aldosterone - anti diuretic hormone - helps retain fluids

Corticosteroid mechanism

Steroid numbering system

Corticosteroids (Adrenocorticoids)

• Glucocorticoids v

Cortisone to cortisol conversion significance

• liver v kidney

Potency - endogenous glucocorticoids:

• cortisone and prednisone

Exam Questions

• What is the effect of adding the halogen on C-9

• What is the effect of adding a small substituent, like a methyl group, at carbon number 16