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Published on: October 17, 2011
The 11α-hydroxylation of medroxyprogesterone acetate by Absidia griseolla var. igachii and Acremonium chrysogenum
Saba Ghasemi1, Marjan Heidary2, Zohreh Habibi2
1Department of Chemistry, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran.
Abstract:
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (1) has been transformed by two filamentous fungi, including Absidia griseolla var. igachii and Acremonium chrysogenum, into 11α-hydroxy-medroxyprogesterone acetate (2) as the major metabolite. The structure of the product was identified by different spectroscopic methods (1D- and 2D-NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analysis). Moreover, a time course study determined by HPLC showed 63% and 48% yields for the metabolite by using the two mentioned fungi, respectively. Finally, the effect of the temperature and concentration of the substrate were investigated, which the optimal fermentation conditions were found to be 25 °C with a substrate concentration of 0.1% (w/v). This study reports for the first time the production of 11α-hydroxy-medroxyprogesterone acetate as a fungal biotransformation product.
Insights
Two fungi biotransformed medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) into a novel metabolite, 11α-hydroxy-medroxyprogesterone acetate. Optimal conditions for this fungal biotransformation were identified, yielding significant metabolite production.
Area of Science:
- Microbial biotransformation of steroids
- Synthetic chemistry and drug development
- Biocatalysis and fermentation technology
Background:
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin with various therapeutic applications.
- Microbial transformation offers a sustainable and efficient route for steroid modification.
- Exploring novel biotransformation pathways can lead to the discovery of new drug derivatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fungal biotransformation of MPA using selected filamentous fungi.
- To identify and characterize the major metabolite produced from MPA.
- To optimize fermentation conditions for enhanced metabolite production.
Main Methods:
- Biotransformation assays using Absidia griseolla var. igachii and Acremonium chrysogenum.
- Structure elucidation of the metabolite using 1D- and 2D-NMR, EI-MS, and elemental analysis.
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for time course studies and yield determination.
- Optimization of fermentation parameters including temperature and substrate concentration.
Main Results:
- MPA was successfully biotransformed into 11α-hydroxy-medroxyprogesterone acetate by both fungal strains.
- The structure of the metabolite was confirmed through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis.
- HPLC analysis indicated metabolite yields of 63% and 48% for A. griseolla and A. chrysogenum, respectively.
- Optimal biotransformation conditions were determined as 25°C and 0.1% (w/v) substrate concentration.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the first reported fungal production of 11α-hydroxy-medroxyprogesterone acetate.
- The identified fungal strains and optimized conditions provide a viable method for producing this steroid derivative.
- This biotransformation pathway holds potential for the development of new pharmaceutical compounds.
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