Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of 17-[1′,2′,3′]-selenadiazolylpregnenolone compounds

Using pregnenolone as a starting material, some 3-substituted 17-[1',2',3']-selenadiazolylpregnenolone derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were characterized by IR, NMR and HRMS. The in vitro antitumor activity of the compounds was assayed against PC-3, SKOV3, T47D, MCF-7 and HEK293T cell lines. The results show that some compounds display selective antiproliferative activity against PC-3 and SKOV3 cells lines and are almost inactive to normal kidney epithelial cells (HEK293T). The IC50 value are much better than that of abiraterone (positive control).