Biotransformation of testosterone by Cladosporium sphaerospermum

Abstract

Incubation of testosterone 1 with Cladosporium sphaerospermum MRC 70266 afforded six metabolites and two of these metabolites, 6?,16?,17?-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one 6 and 6?,12?,17?-trihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one 7, were determined as new compounds. The fungus mainly hydroxylated testosterone 1 at C-6?, accompanied by some minor hydroxylations at C-7?, C-12?, C-15? and C-16?. A minor oxidation at C-17 and a minor 5?-reduction were also observed.