Steroids are a large group of compounds whose structure is based on a 17-carbon skeleton, with a specific cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system. Natural steroids have been fine-tuned through evolution to build membranes; act as chemical messengers that regulate metabolic, immune and reproductive functions in animals and stimulate the growth of, or otherwise protect, animal organisms. The steroid core represents a suitable motive for structural modifications. Therefore, a large group of semi-synthetic steroid derivatives have occupied the attention of synthetic chemists as well as medicinal chemists due to their potential biological activity, including anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and (anti)hormonal activities. This Reprint of the Special Issue of Molecules titled "Steroid Compounds with Potential Biological Activity" is dedicated to both experimental and theoretical studies on steroid chemistry, structural biology, biosynthesis, metabolism, and pharmacology. The Issue focuses on the isolation and synthesis of steroid compounds, diverse in origin, as well as their structural characterization and identification. Published articles and reviews relate to in vitro and in silico studies of the pharmacological properties, molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology of steroids.

The steroid scaffold continues to be the structural basis of new drugs for a variety of targets and diseases. Indeed, steroids interact with enzymes and receptors in a strikingly specific manner. Chemistry and Biological Activity of Steroids aims to provide an updated overview of recent advances in the medicinal chemistry of steroids. Novel synthetic methods in the steroids field, including steroid biotransformations, new steroids able to tackle steroid receptors, and steroid enzymes with clinical relevance, are critically reviewed in this book. Furthermore, the diverse physiopathological roles of oxysterols and their therapeutic value are also discussed.

Molecular Structure and Biological Activity of Steroids focuses on the indentification of steroid structural features that control particular biological effects. Steroid geometry plays a critical role in steroid activity; therefore, the results of X-ray crystallographic, NMR spectroscopic, and theoretical studies on structure-activity relationships form an integral part of the book. Well-established observations and proposed models are presented, summarizing knowledge of molecular features (e.g., steroid backbone structures, side-chain constitutions, substitution sites, configurations, hydrogen-bonding patterns) that can affect steroid action. The book also provides overviews about recent progress in various frontier fields of steroid research, including such areas as sex steroids, glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors, vitamin D metabolites, brassinosteroids, neuromuscular blocking agents, and cardiotonic steroids. Molecular Structure and Biological Activity of Steroids is a "must-have" resource for biochemists, pharmacologists, endocrinologists, biophysicists, and others actively involved in steroid research.

Of the thousands of novel compounds that a drug discovery project team invents and that bind to the therapeutic target, typically only a fraction of these have sufficient ADME/Tox properties to become a drug product. Understanding ADME/Tox is critical for all drug researchers, owing to its increasing importance in advancing high quality candidates to clinical studies and the processes of drug discovery. If the properties are weak, the candidate will have a high risk of failure or be less desirable as a drug product. This book is a tool and resource for scientists engaged in, or preparing for, the selection and optimization process. The authors describe how properties affect in vivo pharmacological activity and impact in vitro assays. Individual drug-like properties are discussed from a practical point of view, such as solubility, permeability and metabolic stability, with regard to fundamental understanding, applications of property data in drug discovery and examples of structural modifications that have achieved improved property performance. The authors also review various methods for the screening (high throughput), diagnosis (medium throughput) and in-depth (low throughput) analysis of drug properties. - Serves as an essential working handbook aimed at scientists and students in medicinal chemistry - Provides practical, step-by-step guidance on property fundamentals, effects, structure-property relationships, and structure modification strategies - Discusses improvements in pharmacokinetics from a practical chemist's standpoint

Bioactive compounds play a central role in high-value product development in the chemical industry. Bioactive compounds have been identified from diverse sources and their therapeutic benefits, nutritional value and protective effects in human and animal healthcare have underpinned their application as pharmaceuticals and functional food ingredients. The orderly study of biologically active products and the exploration of potential biological activities of these secondary metabolites, including their clinical applications, standardization, quality control, mode of action and potential biomolecular interactions, has emerged as one of the most exciting developments in modern natural medicine. Biotechnology of Bioactive Compounds describes the current stage of knowledge on the production of bioactive compounds from microbial, algal and vegetable sources. In addition, the molecular approach for screening bioactive compounds is also discussed, as well as examples of applications of these compounds on human health. The first half of the book comprises information on diverse sources of bioactive compounds, ranging from microorganisms and algae to plants and dietary foods. The second half of the book reviews synthetic approaches, as well as selected bioactivities and biotechnological and biomedical potential. The bioactive compounds profiled include compounds such as C-phycocyanins, glycosides, phytosterols and natural steroids. An overview of the usage of bioactive compounds as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, anti-allergic compounds and in stem cell research is also presented, along with an overview of the medicinal applications of plant-derived compounds. Biotechnology of Bioactive Compounds will be an informative text for undergraduate and graduate students of bio-medicinal chemistry who are keen to explore the potential of bioactive natural products. It also provides useful information for scientists working in various research fields where natural products have a primary role.

The term steroid has become virtually synonymous with drug abuse in sport to the majority of the public. However these steroids - androgens - actually comprise only a single relatively small class of biologically active steroids, and are overshadowed by a large collection of compounds, a sizeable number of which are commercial drugs that share the same structural carbon skeleton. The development of these drugs has led to a large body of organic chemistry often denoted as "Steroid Chemistry". Steroid Chemistry At A Glance provides a concise overview of the main principles and reactions of steroid chemistry. Topics covered include: history, isolation and structure determination of steroids steroid nomenclature and stereochemistry natural sources of steroids synthesis and reactions of aromatic a-ring steroids, androstanes, and pregnanes steroids with a spirolactone at position 17 steroids with hetrocyclic ring A compounds derived from cholesterol Based on the highly successful and student friendly "at a glance" approach, the information is presented in integrated, self contained double page spreads of text and illustrative material. Students of chemistry and pharmacy using Steroid Chemistry at a Glance will find they have a resource with which they can quickly, concisely and confidently acquire, regularly review and revise the basic facts that underpin the properties, synthesis and reactions of this important class of natural products. It will also serve as a handy bench reference for postgraduates and professional chemists.