Curcumin derivatives inhibit testicular 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3

Non-steroidal compounds that inhibit 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoform 3 (17 beta-HSD3), an enzyme catalyzing the final step in testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells, are under development for male contraceptive or treatment of androgen dependent diseases including prostate cancer. A series of curcumin analogues with more stable chemical structures were compared to curcumin as inhibitors of 17 beta-HSD3 in rat intact Leydig cells as well as rat and human testis microsomes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.