Biotransformation of some steroids by Aspergillus candidus

Abstract

The biotransformation of dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone and pregnenolone by Aspergillus candidus MRC 200634 for 5 days is reported. Dehydroepiandrosterone was hydroxylated at C-6 beta, C-7 beta, C-7 alpha, C-11 alpha and C-15 alpha. The 17-ketone was reduced to the 17 beta-alcohol whilst ring A of dehydroepiandrosterone was oxidised to a 4-en-3-one moiety. Progesterone was mainly hydroxylated at C-11 alpha and C-15 beta and to a lesser extent at C-14 alpha. Pregnenolone gave the same metabolites.